Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 Reviews « Portable CD MP3 Player

Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 Reviews

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Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 Reviews

A review for Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 has been posted by CNET on ther site. The player is given 7.7 out of 10. They write

The good: Supercompact and durable design; excellent sound quality; intuitive tactile interface; removable battery; stellar battery life.

The bad: No extra features, such as FM radio or recording; ATRAC3 is the only DRM option; must use SonicStage software for music transfer.

The bottom line: If you want a slick alternative to the iPod and you’re into Sony’s Connect music store, then the NW-HD5 is a stellar choice.

PC Magazine has posted a review for Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 on their site. They concludes - ‘Sony has taken a big step forward with native MP3 support, and the player looks and sounds very good. Its ease of use rivals even that of the iPod. But we feel that the software and DRM present too many difficulties, and Sony still needs to figure out a better strategy to protect its vast catalog of music copyrights. If you can live with the NW-HD5’s DRM and software limitations, you’ll find the player itself provides a very good combination of ease of use, sound quality, and battery life for the price.’

Anything But iPod has also posted a review for Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5. They write -’ I love this player except for the restrictions that Sony employs with its proprietary formats and software. My opinion is that these restrictions are almost not worth it. I want the freedom to share music, with the capability to transfer music on and off easily, and the ability to choose the music service that suits my needs. I want the freedom to choose, and the NW-HD5 does not grant me that freedom. This is one of the reasons I ditched the iPod. However, this MP3 player will definitely appeal to another discerning demographic. The sound of the Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 is superior to any other portable MP3 player I have heard. It is designed for audiophiles that enjoy great sounding music in a sleek, solid, and intelligent package. Buy this player if you demand hi-fidelity, require usability and enjoy a classy compact form factor.’

Dukebox has reviewed the Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 and write in favour of the player - ‘

This is as small, light and as battery efficient a 20GB Jukebox as you will see over the next few years. The styling is impeccable, the ease of use is simplicity itself and the build quality is superb. It may not have enough bells and whistles for some gadget lovers, but for music lovers who want something small light and stylish, it’s a good purchase.’

The Register verdicts on Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 - ‘What the HD5 doesn’t have is extra features such as an FM tuner or a microphone, which will probably put off those who want their MP3 player to offer kitchen sink functionality. SonicStage may put off even more people. The look and the interface of the NW-HD5 may be too quirky for some. Judging the hardware alone, however, the Sony is a lean mean little player that knocks spots off the iPod in terms of size, battery life, sound quality and even price. Granted it still doesn’t have the same unquantifiable cool but then there are an awful lot of people who aren’t members of the iPod fan club.’