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CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 09/04/2009
Although they have been decently priced in recent years, Sony Walkman MP3 players have never been straight-up cheap--until now. The latest models, including the second-gen E-Series featured here, offer rock-bottom pricing that might make even SanDisk blush. Sony may have cut some corners with features and design, but the company managed to keep its signature great audio quality and solid battery life--and all in the name of proffering the first brand-new 16GB player we've seen that costs just $100 (you can also get an 8GB version for $80).
Like its predecessor, the second-gen Sony E-Series has a fairly standard design, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it makes the player very straightforward to operate. Below the 2-inch screen are the main playback controls: a five-way control pad, a back/home button, and an option key that brings up various contextual menus. One thing we noticed with the second-gen player is that the "up" arrow on the keypad is slightly difficult to press. Sony includes a dedicated volume rocker on the right spine--always a nice touch--as well as a hold switch. The bottom of the unit houses the standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a standard mini USB port--we dig that Sony elected to revert to this more universal connection, though accessory compatibility may be a problem as a result.
The second-gen E-Series is roughly the same size as its predecessor, measuring a compact 3.2 inches tall by 1.7 inches wide by 0.3 inch deep, so it's definitely pocket-friendly and would not be an unreasonable thing to strap to your arm or waistband at the gym. It comes in a two color options--red or black--though the top of the player is all black plastic, which gives the red version a two-tone look.
The main menu of the E-Series is typical of those in the Walkman line, featuring a grid of icons that indicate the player's principle functions. Sadly, there's no option to change the wallpaper or theme for this Walkman: white font on a black background is what you get. In the music submenu, items are sorted by ID3 tag into artists, albums, genres, and so on, or you may navigate by folder (as it is arranged on your desktop). Playlists have their own icon on the main screen and do not show up in the music submenu; it's a bit odd, but not a knock. Tracks are split into sections of letters (A-B, C-E, and so forth) for speedy navigation, and you may browse albums by album art for a more visual experience. Album art can also be magnified on the playback screen, though not to full screen.
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Where to buy
Sony E-Series Walkman (second generation, 8GB, red):
$68.00 - $79.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
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$74.88 | Yes |
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$79.99 | Yes |
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$76.00 | Yes |
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