The Sony NW-A3000 / NW-A1000 / NW-A600, all over it

Hey sleepyheads and slackers—if you're like some of us who have a penchant for, um, sleeping in on a lazy Thursday morning, you might have missed Sony's latest entrant into the portable audio market. But wait, now there's even more info to check out, too. So in addition to what we know about the NW-A3000 and NW-A1000 players (we prefer NWA-3000/1000 playas, thanks), we now know the screen the A3000 will be packin' is a 2-inch OLED display, and that it's a little larger than we'd like at 2.5 x 4.1 x 0.84-inches (65.2 x 104.2 x 21.4mm); the A1000 (that's their 1-inch drive version) will have a 1.5-inch OLED display, and both will feature "Intelligent shuffle" (whatever that is). Still more!

Sony�s also given an update to the Network Walkman NW-E series; it�s returning as the NW-A600 (over in Japan, anyway) with the 2GB A608, and 1GB A607 in a slew of colors�including limited edition gold (which did just so well for Apple) and emerald. They too will feature �Intelligent shuffle,� and will be priced between �25,000 - 32,000 ($225 - 290 US).

[Darryl @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Amazing... The screen just looks like part of the device's surface. That's hi-fi, dig the OLED.

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Sony seem to be finally catching up, but when the hell are they going to ditch ATRAC?

[Andrew @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

That looks very cool. If I didn't love my iPod so dearly...

[Jimmy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I assume that these new players still uses the completely sucktactular Sony software though?

For anyone use complains about iTunes: Try Sony Sonic Stage. iTunes is a gift from heaven compared to Sony's piece of junk.

[Trevor @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

This looks nice. Good to see somebody NOT copy the look and feel of the iPod.

[Tiremfej @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

It may give the iPod a nice run. It does look pretty slick.

[Seth @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

What's so special about the new shuffle and 'time machine' features? Sounds like iTunes' Smart Playlist feature. Meh.

[kc @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

yeah sonic stage is some of the worst software written. i have a vaio and that is my only regret about it. i dont understand why it is so hard to make a music player with a simple structure.

[djSyndrome @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

It will never give the iPod a 'nice run' because Sony does not have the distribution in place that Apple does. I can walk into any Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, Good Guys, Frys, hell, even Sams Club and buy an iPod (and that's not even counting Apple Retail stores and their robust online store at apple.com).

If I wanted one of these, my choices are cut in half.

Can't sell what's not on a store shelf now, can you?

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Beautiful players, but they're overpriced even when compared to the iPod, not to mention the fact that you still have to use their crap software (and no mac/linux support).

[Psyop-er @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

#12 Yeah uhhh because you just can't find Sony products in every single electronics store on the planet or anything.

It's a shame they are such a small operation...

Sony could buy Apple and not even have to think about the money they would have to spend.

[carter @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Yeah they look lovely; pity about the software.

[Jack @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Its bigger than the NWD-H5. I guess the OLED display will save batteries, but I'd still prefer something smaller, as snazzy as that may look.

[Marian @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

They don't look too bad... But I still want an iPod nano...

[Ed @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

1] Sony is still in insane debt, Category B5 last time i checked. So no, they cant buy anything. They are small potatoes in Japan and thier playstaion brand is the only thing bringing in some money worldwide. Stop thinking because they dress nice that they are well off...(#15)

2] This thing is absolutely massive!!.. its almost an inch thick and at 4 inches by 2.5, it would be too large to lug around comfortably. Its larger and twice as thick as the largest pocketpc out now. wtf?! kinda sucks when the nano does all this and then some with like none the weight and bulk.

3] still falls short of *last generation* iPods in features.

4] way overpriced, compared to everything else on the market already.

5] nice display, but nothing i haven't seen before.

[Craig @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

These things look pretty damn slick. Yes, it's a little big, but there are definately bigger on the market.

A response to some of #19's comments: We basically don't know any of the features of this thing other than the different shuffle modes and physical size. Also, $320 is only $20 more than an ipod which is not "way overpriced," but that is just japanese conversion. It will probably be cheaper in the states; most likely <=$300.

I took a look at the new software they are gonna be using instead of SonicStage called "Connect"...is it just me or does it look almost exactly like Itunes. Just a thought.

[Nate @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Damn, those OLED displays look cool.

It's a shame these will not get much press because of the new iPods. Although Sony really needs to work on their software to make these take off.

[Samuel Lago @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

These look crap, anyway how can they compete with what Apple recently released ha!!!

[Lance @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Love my Sony NW-E507.....but had to return it yesterday after seeing the iPod nano!

[Avery Rosen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Those displays look really really cool... but too bad it's just artwork. As you can see in the subsequent postings, the device looks nothing like that in a persons hands.

[MrFloppy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

It's all about name!!
People don't want to remember that ugly names they choose.

[Dax @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Thats look so cool~~ so Hi-Fi~ Great Job

[Griffith @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I happen to own one Sony's NW-E400 series walkman and I'm really happy with it. One thing I don't understand though is why people complain about the Atrac codec, if it didn't have quality I'd understand, but it does have and a very high one.

You should listen to a song encoded in 64kbs Atrac3 Plus to really be surprised.

If you want to complain about Sony's software, that's fine by me, I hate it also, but it's much better now than it was before, dare I say, almost usable... almost!

[APPLE??? joke! @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Why most ppl in northamerica are just so stupid??!! APPLE APPLE APPLE??? wat can APPLE do??????? wat a joke, the whole company is a joke!!!

If you are dumnAss don't complain that you can't use Sonic stage probably, which could be one of the best music orgnizing software, and wtf with that one computer one Ipod? what do they think they are??? SONY? on no far away from that my friend, if you wanna have that kinda brand power like SONY, you gotta know how to do things right, and how to make Asian and European ppl happy.

Speaking of ATRAC/ATRAC3 PLUS, ppl if you dont know, just shut up!!! If you have never ever own any SONY hi end MD players, just shut up, wait till you really get one of those, or maybe a QULIA 016, then you tell me why ATRAC means the whole world to SONY walkman department, and why it is for ppl who want music rather than ppl who want noise!!!

[NiHL @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

As much as people seems to hate Sony and suck up to Apple, I think they are one of the few manufacturers that manufactures daps that make me drool. Really.

[Tim @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

These actually look pretty cool, especially for a sony mp3 player. I like the way the display is merged with the rest of the device. iPod killer? I don't think so.

[SS @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I dun particularly like the iPod either, but iTunes is much better than Sonic Stage...little things like if u update track info on the computer, u have to do it seperatly on ur player...y doesnt it update automatically?
other than that, i bought a Sony NW-HD5 and loved it to death, but just cudnt take the software. i returned it and am gonna check out these new sonys before i make up my mind

[1st @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I think its good that someone is trying to come up with an alternative to ipod. I think too many people out there are willing to compromise on ipods crap reliability (screens, battery life, etc) simply because it looks good and is easy to use. All well and good but if the battery craps itself after 4 hours a cool look and click wheel can't do much for you.

I think we should not underestimate Sony's long history in portable audio devices. They know how to make a device which not only looks and sounds good but is RELIABLE.

So I suppose what you have to ask yourself what is more important, making a fashion statement or listening to your music? If its the latter then wake up, there are choices out there! Don't fall in the ipod trap because everyone around you has one.

[StarBug @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I got an iPod mini last year, and the damned thing is practically useless now! The batteries take 8 hours to charge, and only last for 3 hours, tops. US customers can get them changed, but European customers have been told that they have to pay to have the defective hardware fixed. And even the news agencies have reported that the iPod nano's have defective screens and paintwork which chips off after 3 days of regular use.
I also own several Sony products, some over 20 years old, and they are still working. That says more to me than any sales pitch!
So nice try Apple - I believed your hype once... but never again. I'd rather have the oversized Sony than the super-sleek, self-destructing iPod.
I hear that Sony's sonic stage software is terrible though... but who cares? They're not using it any more.

[RGK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

SonicStage is the worst, but with the new Connect software rolling out (which looks very similar to iTunes), the sleek look, the 40 hours of battery life, Mp3 capabilities inherit, the iPod has a legitimate competitor...

[Danny @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Yay! no more white headphones! Ipod users are sheep that can't see passed the hype.

Open your eyes, morons. Apple didn't invent mp3s.

[Bernard @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

First of all, just because everyone has an ipod does not mean it is the best. Actually those people are just narrow minded who complain about SONY's atrac software, maybe if you actually try out the software you'll realise. If you can not understand the program then I suggest you go back to grade one cause you did not receive enough attention in class. So you have an Apple ipod, with a battery life that lasts 6-8 hours after 4 months. Except for the ipod nano and the ipod mini the ipod is still big, and buttons at the bottom are not that difficult, maybe you have hooves, then I would understand, but you don't. If you cannot broaden your mind to something new and better than go charge your ipod for another 8 hours and listen to Britney Spears for the remaining 3 hours of your ipod cause damn well deserve it. If you beg to differ, you can e-mail me at [e-mail].

[Sibyl @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Amen that, Bernard.

Anyway. I've seen several shots of that Limited Edition Emerald-Blue model. Looks sweet. From all the available angles, my conclusion is that it's coloured with this: http://www.rage-extreme.com/gallery/ecstasy/blue-green.asp - not bad, probably a first for a DAP. But, aside from the updated GUI and the potentially improved (ie. possibly, maybe, pretty please _readable in daylight_ for crying out loud?) OLED, there's not that much reason to get this.

I'm just gonna wait till flash memory capacities go up in Sony players... the jump from 1 GB (E407/507) to 2 GB (E608) is really very underwhelming.

As for the HDs - it's way too late for those, man. Although they still look cool as ever.

[Tim @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

Just received my Sony NW A 3000 and i have to say i've had nothing but trouble from it so far. The software keeps locking up, the Sonic music hasn't totally transfered across and after the last software lock up i disconected the player to find that it's screen has frozen and i can't even turn it off to re boot it. Help anyone? The machine looks and feels great but i'm seriously cheesed off at the moment and i just hope i can get it sorted tommorrow .

[woko @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I love my NW-A3000, just bought one and it's a dream to play with, superb sound, New software (Connect Player) that's doing the trick to me, and the new functions are pretty need too (be-it not a real necessity). Personally I didn't have any problem with SonicStage after they launched 3.0, before it was crap indeed. And yes, the sound quality of ATRAC is superior to MP3, and if you don't want quality you can always stick to MP3, all my recent Sony players alowed me to do so, so where's the problem ? Never had a iPod myself, so I can't really compare, but the ones I used from friends didn't come even close to these ... sorry for saying so ...

[Jo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

In reference to #30, I had a sony cd player, and a tape walkman, although I havent had the chance to own a mp3 player as of yet, and I could do practically anything with them. My cd player has an uncountable number of scratches and scrapes from when Ive dropped it or its been in my bag. And I seriously doubt your snazzy ipods could withstand that damage.
What is with the hype for ipods? All Ive heard about the new ipod nano is the fact the screen is so thin a knock to the back of it could damage it permanently.
Forgive my old fashionedness, but when Im walking down the street, I would like to be able to feel my player so then at least I will know if someones trying to steal it from my back pocket and ipod nanos you wouldnt.
I have a friend that has an ipod nano, and he says that the malarky he has to go through to put tracks onto his player is stupid, and the fact he can only charge it via his usb is pathetic.

[Aaron @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I to agree, i dont know what the hype is all about with ipods i dont mind myself what an mp3 player looks like as it is in my pocket most of the time! My freind had an ipod and he put me off getting one becuase of the poor battery life, less battery life = more charges = dead battery over time, i must agree the sonic stage software is terrible but looking at the new connect software and reading the news on it, it is starting to sound really good! I prefer to own a sleek mp3 player with lots of functions and ease of use and this recent mp3 player by sony has my vote, although not an ipod killer it however shows you that not every company out their mimicks the ipod design and actually has a half decent design department weho seem to be able to produce beauitful products. 10/10 for design 8/10 features 7/10 value. Ive owned an Sony VCR now for 22 years and is still working fine, the same for my TV which is 16 years old so as for reliablity well cant say any more then that. I don't like apple/ipod/sony suckups

[Aaron @ Dec 19th 2005 1:06AM]

I to agree, i dont know what the hype is all about with ipods i dont mind myself what an mp3 player looks like as it is in my pocket most of the time! My freind had an ipod and he put me off getting one becuase of the poor battery life, less battery life = more charges = dead battery over time, i must agree the sonic stage software is terrible but looking at the new connect software and reading the news on it, it is starting to sound really good! I prefer to own a sleek mp3 player with lots of functions and ease of use and this recent mp3 player by sony has my vote, although not an ipod killer it however shows you that not every company out their mimicks the ipod design and actually has a half decent design department weho seem to be able to produce beauitful products. 10/10 for design 8/10 features 7/10 value. Ive owned an Sony VCR now for 22 years and is still working fine, the same for my TV which is 16 years old so as for reliablity well cant say any more then that. I don't like apple/ipod/sony suckups