http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/ Engadget Comments for Sony NW-HD5 20GB Network Walkman http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
other than that, i hate to say it (since i love my ipod so much) but this is nice. those buttons look awfully sticky though.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
Sony seems to be getting closer but is still not quite there yet with the hardware... and as long as they're forcing Sony Connect on people, buying one of these would be pretty pointless.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
About 3 months after the launch of the PS2, Sony made an announcement to developers telling them no NOT use the pressure sensitive features of the buttons. They found that the more the buttons were used, the less sensitive they became and were no longer reliable.

Pressure sentitivty is a bad idea for buttons, expecially where precision is needed.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/its sucks compared to nw-hd3
infact it just sucks!

where is the colour screen? MemoryStickport?photos?movies?

]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00000JBAT/102-3743780-6457717?v=glance
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/The silver model looks good.

Though maybe I'd prefer orange letters on a black background for some reason on this, circa old computer monitors.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/BTW: I posted the information on monday evening!]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/I think the HD1 is the best of the lot, best looking and best quality.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
NW-HD5 Network WALKMAN announced by Sony
Story posted: Apr 6, 2005, 09:00


The new Sony NW-HD5 (NWHD5) 20GB hard disk digital music player delivers a staggering 40 hours [1] playback on one battery charge and carries up to 13,000 tracks[2]. The Sony NW-HD5 also features the most innovative interface yet seen on a portable music device and comes in stylish colours of black, silver, and red.

The Sony NW-HD5 offers full support for playback of MP3 and ATRAC3Plus digital audio tracks.

A seven-line large LED window with bright backlight combined with the novel concept of the "follow turn" feature of the display, delivers real intuitive operation. The display graphics shift and change position depending on how users hold the NW-HD5 Network WALKMAN to provide smooth visibility. This 'follow turn' feature uses G-Sensor technology to automatically detect the horizontal or vertical position of the device and consequently changes the position of the display graphics as well as that of the function buttons.

Sony's renowned Stamina battery life provides almost two days of continuous playback. The battery is replaceable and easily accessible from high street stores and can be replaced by users without the need for a visit to a service centre.

All this power comes in a tiny package: the Sony NW-HD5 weighs just 125g and the aluminium encased Network Walkman fits neatly in the palm of your hand.

"We're raising the stakes again in the digital music player market," said David Andrews, Group Product Manager for Personal Audio. "The stunning new 'follow turn' feature, 40 hours battery life, incredibly compact design, and to top it off, very affordable pricing, make the new Sony NW-HD5 Network WALKMAN an irresistible proposition for users who seek a quality digital music player."

The Sony NW-HD5 Network WALKMAN also comes in a limited edition 30Gb version which can hold up to 20,000 tracks and will be available in silver, with black buttons.

Quality headphones, AC adapter and a USB cable are included in the NW-HD5.

The bundled SonicStage 3.1 music management software converts and manages music from CDs in both ATRAC3plus and MP3, and provides seamless access to the "CONNECT" Online Music Store's catalogue of more than 600,000 tracks and albums.

The NW-HD5 will be available in May 2005.

[1] & [2] When playing ATRAC3Plus 48kbps.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
NW-HD5 Network WALKMAN announced by Sony
Story posted: Apr 6, 2005, 09:00


The new Sony NW-HD5 (NWHD5) 20GB hard disk digital music player delivers a staggering 40 hours [1] playback on one battery charge and carries up to 13,000 tracks[2]. The Sony NW-HD5 also features the most innovative interface yet seen on a portable music device and comes in stylish colours of black, silver, and red.

The Sony NW-HD5 offers full support for playback of MP3 and ATRAC3Plus digital audio tracks.

A seven-line large LED window with bright backlight combined with the novel concept of the "follow turn" feature of the display, delivers real intuitive operation. The display graphics shift and change position depending on how users hold the NW-HD5 Network WALKMAN to provide smooth visibility. This 'follow turn' feature uses G-Sensor technology to automatically detect the horizontal or vertical position of the device and consequently changes the position of the display graphics as well as that of the function buttons.

Sony's renowned Stamina battery life provides almost two days of continuous playback. The battery is replaceable and easily accessible from high street stores and can be replaced by users without the need for a visit to a service centre.

All this power comes in a tiny package: the Sony NW-HD5 weighs just 125g and the aluminium encased Network Walkman fits neatly in the palm of your hand.

"We're raising the stakes again in the digital music player market," said David Andrews, Group Product Manager for Personal Audio. "The stunning new 'follow turn' feature, 40 hours battery life, incredibly compact design, and to top it off, very affordable pricing, make the new Sony NW-HD5 Network WALKMAN an irresistible proposition for users who seek a quality digital music player."

The Sony NW-HD5 Network WALKMAN also comes in a limited edition 30Gb version which can hold up to 20,000 tracks and will be available in silver, with black buttons.

Quality headphones, AC adapter and a USB cable are included in the NW-HD5.

The bundled SonicStage 3.1 music management software converts and manages music from CDs in both ATRAC3plus and MP3, and provides seamless access to the "CONNECT" Online Music Store's catalogue of more than 600,000 tracks and albums.

The NW-HD5 will be available in May 2005.

[1] & [2] When playing ATRAC3Plus 48kbps.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
What I don't understand is all of the "Even though I love the iPod, this player looks really nice" comments. It's OK to like more than one thing at once. Disclaimers aren't needed to say a new device looks impressive.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/As inspiring as the i-Pod controls system is.............when will people realise that this is all the i-pod has going for it, yes it is beautiful, but so were leg warmers in the 80's. I'm sorry but a 12 hour (10 hrs in real life) battery life is a joke, never mind the ST£110 to replace the damb thing. And i-tunes, what do people mean when their saying how fantastic it is, okay Sonic stage is about as stable as Iraqi politics but at least people aren’t afraid to criticise it, and it can only get better. I’m no huge Sony fan but I’m getting sick and tired of hearing about how brilliant the I-pod is.
I’ve had one! ……. I paid a fortune because all I could hear is how fantastic it was!……….. I sold it as soon as I could………… yes it looks great but it’s muck …… the battery is crap and mine went faulty after 1 month, then It took 3 weeks to get it replaced after sending it off to America, and when I got it back all my music was gone………..and on top of that I only had usb 1.0 at the time. I know this forum is about the HD5, and I will buy one as soon as I can, but I’m going to take this opportunity to be the only person on record to bad mouth the I-pod.
The worst part about the I-pod is the ridiculous arrogance and closed mindedness of their avid fans! Boys, all I can say is……….. get rid of the “I love my MAC” bumper sticker on you tricycle, take a course in conversation tactics, start to socialise with real people, find a partner and then follow the other 85% of the world and sell your soul to Mr. Gates If only to stop you from bragging about how perfect MAC is over Windows……….. kiddies, we know, but sometimes in life you just gotta conform.
I’ve said my piece and I’m happy now!


It's nice to rant every now and then!!]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
Ever wonder what kind of people buy the i-pod because it's easy to use!!!!!!!

I'll let someone else finish my point]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
I'm not trumpeting sony, there are lots of other capable manufacturers out there other than Apple. Oh in uk apple just released a 6gig version of the IPOD mini - promptly sold it at the same time as the 4gig, and reduced the price of that.

I've listened to IPODs and my one major gripe is the crappy EQ settings. THe sound just isn't that great. It's a modern walkman, not a piece of art.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
Back to the ipod. I am no "fanboy"--I am a computer technician and confessed technophile, who has made the choice to like what I like based on experience and knowledge. Ipods rule, everything else...well, sucks...or at the very least is so mediocre that I could not stomach the thought of spending my hard-earned on it.

There, the argument from a fully socialised, well adjusted member of adult society who wants every dollar and every choice to count. If your PC is functioning today, I hope you read every word. That is why I am a Mac Fanatic! Shouldn't you be?]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
LMAO, so you go on a trip for WEEKS and you can't be bothered to bring the charger? You call that a legitimate excuse? Let me guess. You want to go on a trip for weeks yes WEEKS and you only need a DAP and NOTHING else? I guess you'll be wearing the same clothes for WEEKS too huh? Try again buddy.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
I can accept that Mac has a great OS, but not everyone can and will pay extra for a smaller choice of software, a whole host of compatibility issues. OS x for example is a great OS, but this is simply because it's been intentionally designed to be simple, you can’t hurt it. But some it's not flawless, your a technician, you know this. I believe it goes the same way with the i-Pod argument, yes it's a great product but attacking the competition because they use a model number instead of a catchy name, or dismissing a technically superior feature because it is an advantage is just plain childish and proves my point on "fanatics". This goes for the Mini I-pod too, the creative zen micro is better, it's simple to use, has a better battery life, larger capacity and you can easily change battery. How is this inferior? There is also the i-pod shuffle, great value, big capacity, light and white, however what about the Sony rival, the NWE109 (I think) same capacity, but only 10% bigger, with a radio, OLED screen and 70hrs playback!!!!! 70hrs. I-pod shuffle is 12hrs and no screen, I think I’d like to choose what I’m listening too, If I want a surprise I’ll use the radio. And how about the mni-mac thing, okay i again admit that it is beautiful and I think their on to something here, but firstly it's not going to get everyone changing from windows because it's small, you've been able to buy miniature pc's for years now, but people don't because they are limited because of size. I'm not attacking apple, or i-pods I’m just arguing that alot of apple users are arrogant and closed minded. They see competition as a risk to their superior opinions that they know best and everyone else is wrong.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
What capacity is your DAP?? 5gb, 10, 40, why don't you just use 1gb, you won't need hundreds of hours of music, just as you won't need 40 hours playback. Nice try KK, but bigger is always better, the more the merrier. Would you buy a mobile phone if it only had 12 hours talktime?? Or would you go for 40hrs. Exactly, you would go for the 40hrs because you never know if your gonna forget to charge it, or what if you go away for a weekend, why bother bringing a charger, okay it's only small but why should you have to bring it.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
If you offered me a quality device that was as good as and better than an Ipod in many respects with a better battery life, or bigger hard-drive or superior sound quality (not saying sony qualifies on all of these!) at a lower price than Apple, I'd take it. Why -added flexibility. One day I might go camping (where they don't have power outlets KK!) and thank god I don't have an Ipod, the battery would have died on the train getting here let alone for the weekend. One day I might get bored with MY tunes and want to listen to the radio - without an external device needed.

One day, I might wake up and choose to be different and buy creative, Iriver, Sony, Rio, phillips whatever.

Quality isn't a brand name; features useability, flexibility, real-world usefulness, inovative design, compatability, exceptional sound quality, appropriate (included) accessories are. If you find a device with all these then please please tell me! And don't tell me it's an Ipod because you wou;dn't consider anything else.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
There's no use of carrying 20gb, 40gb, or 60gb of music if you can't listen to all of it. What's the use of a "portable" music player if it's not really "portable."

So when you travel, you have to carry cords for your cell phone, your digital camera, and your music player? One less cord to carry means one less cord to forget at the hotel.

I have a MD player and I used sonicstage. It's really not that bad. It's "simple," for the fact that I just use it to transfer songs. I don't buy any digital music and I don't think I ever plan onto. Only problem is that it's kinda slow and since I am using one of the old MD players, my mp3s have to be converted to Atrac.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
And I agree with mikedt- this player (what was it called again? :) most likely won't be compatible with Napster. But why would you want it to be?]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
I'd imagine that if they quoted 128kbps like Apple do, it'd be substantially less than 40 hours.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
My main issue with the ipod is how its become a more than just a fashion accessory. Its also an unofficial social cult. Im sure those little white earbuds are no match for 90% of the ear/headphone market. People buy them almost as if an ipod makes their lives complete!
"I am worthy to kneel at the holy altar, oh joy!" Im not joking either. Get over yourselves! Its just an mp3 player. Sony, Iriver and Creative all make far superior players anyway.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/
And the fact that companies are actually selling attachments to extended battery life on the ipod actually shows that there is a market for it and some people do want it.

I personally would prefer a higher battery life just because I tend to forget to charge things. I always run out and about carrying a dead cell phone so this just gives me one less thing to worry about. So the ipod will be your thing, but the nw-hd5 will be my thing. The extra battery life is just one of the many things why I would personally choose this over the ipod.

]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.avland.co.uk/sony/nwhd5/nwhd5.htm

According to it, the battery is interchangable, which is a HUGE plus over the iPOD, for those that have had their iPOD battery die on them (like myself, for example. I still have my ipod as a pretty paper weight), they know that it is way expensive to pay for a replacement of the battery, and you can't even really do it yourself; you have to send it away.

I liked my iPOD when it worked. I like the Sony one better, and I'll definitely be getting that one. Just a preference.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/I see a simple list of figures that point to the Sony before the iPod, for me anyway. There will always be these little debates, Ferrari or Lamborghini and so on.
But there will never be one winner. I personally think the Sony will eventually win and whether it’s with the HD5 or HD25 we’ll all just have to wait and see, but as for iPod lovers, they will never change because that’s there privilege and right or wrong.
Oh one last point, it’s about 32hrs playback @ 132kbps, and knocking the fact that the Sony has a huge advantage over the iPod and all rivals is just plain childish, if it were the other way around I think these kiddies would be singing praises here………….don’t you??

By the way, you can download Sonic stage 3.0 now from Sony US, It’s not the retail version as the HD5 will ship with v3.1 or 3.2 but it is a lot more stable and about 50% faster to load, import and especially in recording CD’s
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/http://www.engadget.com/2005/04/05/sony-nw-hd5-20gb-network-walkman/Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM