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"Volume buttons are quite Weak! The rest is Great!" on by ppjones84
Pros: Sleek, fits in the watch/coin pouch of most pants, easy to control
Cons: Need to use proprietary software to transfer files, MP3's are masked and cannot be loaded from more than 1 computer unless you completely erase the device first, vol. buttons weak after 3 weeks usage!
Summary: I regret buying this player because of the cons I mentioned above. It is very practical to carry and very easy to control, but the proprietary software (SoundStage) and the weak volume buttons within a month of my purchase made me try and return it immediately.
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"Great buy, but it does has its drawbacks" on by hawkeye25
Pros: Very solid mp3 player, high volume control, great looking, good warranty service if you buy directly from Sony.
Cons: Supplied clip somewhat fragile, quite easy to accidentely move the scroll control and restart the song. Also, the battery life isn't exactly as long as Sony advertises.
Summary: This being my first mp3 player (me being a high school student), I had high expectations for the Sony NW-E405.
This is a great looking player, sure to impress even the Apple ipod fanatics out there. The display is quite bright, and the sound quality is really good. This is a solid feeling player, and can survive more than a few falls. I've dropped mine a few times with only one scratch and the sound remained the same. The scroll control tab is an innovative idea, and is a great compact mp3 player that uses a flash drive, great for runners and trainers.
That being said, everything has its drawbacks.
The display is unreadable when looking at it during a sunny day. Although the problem is not quite as severe as many reviews portrayed it to be, but it is noticable.
The supplied clip is really fragile, mine having broke twice in the 3 months I've had it. But it is covered under the Sony Care warranty, so be sure to pick up that too.
Although Sony advertises 50 hours of battery life, you have to remember that's considering each song plays at 64kbps and is converted to Sony's ATRAC format. The included software (which you -have- to use) converts the songs automatically if needed. Some songs however, will be able to download to the player, but will not be able to play (some WMAs).
The biggest problem I've noticed is when I press the scroll control tab to activate the 'hold' control, the tab moves very slightly and restarts the song. I've made sure that I pressed the tab directly downward, but it still registers as movement. It's quite annoying, but it happens only occasionally.
While playing songs, it sometimes skips to the next song.
This is a great mp3 player by Sony, but it does have a few minor issues to deal with. Ultimately, if you're planning to buy a low memory mp3 player, you should definately check out this one. Just remember to buy the Sony Care warranty with it. -
"I would have given it a 10 if it wasn't for the stupid software" on by karamfahad
Pros: Excellent battery life and sound
Cons: Software, Navigation Menu, Lithium Ion Batteries, Atrac Format
Summary: I use this MP3 when I'm on the bus and it gives me an amazing battery life (I listen to music for around 4 hours a day). The battery usually lasts between 2 or 3 weeks and that is because I only use it when going to school so 4 times a week. However, the software is getting on my nerves because I have to change song titles whenever uploading new songs and the navgation is somewhat weird compared to other MP3 Players. I have been using this MP3 Player for the last 6 months so the navigation is no longer problematic but simply weird. I also hate lithium ion batteries because they take so long to recharge. Finally, I would recommend people to avoid Sony MP3 players in general because they force you to convert your existing formats to Atrac (Sony's own format) which takes forever.
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"A work of art, but still not impressed" on by yamza
Pros: beautifully designed, revolutionary display, respectable sound quality, quick charge and noteworthy battery life
Cons: lacking in features (eg. FM tuner), brutally slow transfer rates
Summary: Much of the technology put into the NW-E400 series should be expected in future models from Sony and other MP3 player giants, notably the OLED display and quick-charging battery. Sony has always been on par with fashion, likewise with their line of Vaio laptops and desktops, and has not fallen short with this product. Although the NW-E500 does include the much-needed FM tuner, the earlier model has already got quite a high price tag. I will most likely stick with iRiver.
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"looks good, feels solid" on by jlgwahoo
Pros: very tiny, very slick. solidly built and sounds clear
Cons: standard earphones sounded weak, standard belt clip is flimsy, difficult to read display in direct sunlight
Summary: am really pleased. opted for the fm tuner and am happy with the reception. clipping the player to the waistband of my shorts, found it easy to adjust volume in stride while running. found sonic stage, the accompanying software, a straightforward jukebox.
Sony NW-E405 Network Walkman user reviews (512MB)
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