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How would you change the Sony Z Series Walkman?
Sony's Walkman Z had a frustratingly delayed journey to western shores, and when it arrived it offered a solid, if uninspiring portable media player. It certainly bested the competition in some areas, but the easily-chipped bodywork and closed-off Walkman apps that wouldn't play nice with Google Music didn't help those already invested in the rival service. Still, those you were desperate to avoid buying an iPod Touch who splashed out on one of these, how did you find it? If Kaz Hirai was asking your opinion on how to build the world's greatest Walkman PMP, what would you say?
Sony Z Series Walkman Player review
Since it was announced last August, we've anxiously been waiting for Sony's flagship Walkman Z (the first to feature Android) to hit US shores. (It made it here well after the holidays passed. Better late than never, right?) While Sony is billing the Z as a Walkman first and foremost, its spacious 4.3-inch display and 1GHz Tegra 2 SoC ensure it's powerful and well-sized for playing games and generally making the most of Gingerbread. The device will be available in a variety of flavors, with up to 32GB of storage ($330), though for the purposes of this review we've been rocking the entry-level 8GB model ($250). Although we haven't exactly been charmed by similar devices vying for a piece of the iPod Touch's market share, the Walkman Z has plenty of promise. The question is, does it deliver? And does it deserve your $250 when it goes on sale in March? Let's find out.
Sony Walkman Z gets FCC approval, reveals no 64GB model forthcoming
We played with Sony's Walkman Z back when it was still called the "Walkman Mobile Entertainment Player" -- with the power to wirelessly push your media to a compatible Bravia TV. Fortunately the range has just stopped by the FCC's underground bunker, where its 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth radios were soundly prodded. Sadly, it looks like we won't be getting the 64GB edition on these shores, Sony is cheaping us out with a low-end 8GB model instead. In Japan, the 16GB model retails for 27,800 Yen ($360) and the 32GB for 32,800 Yen ($420) -- but given the company's penchant for releasing products after we've emptied our wallets for Christmas, we doubt it'll matter much.
Sony announces Walkman Z PMP: 4.3 inches, Tegra 2, Gingerbread and 'Throw'
We already got some brief hands-on time with this Gingerbread-sporting PMP at IFA, where it went by the name of "Walkman Mobile Entertainment Player." Now it's just been announced as the Sony Walkman Z, which rolls off the tongue a whole lot easier. Beneath that 4.3-inch WVGA display lurks a 1GHz Tegra 2, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and a battery rated for 20 hours of music and 5 hours of video. There's HDMI out as well as Sony's Throw feature for pushing media wirelessly to a Bravia TV. Pricing remains "open" apparently, but Sony does commit to availability in Japan from December 10th. You'll get a choice of 16, 32 or 64GB models in either red/black or black/blue, or you can wait for a limited edition white version in early 2012. If you're planning on sending it our way, Sony, then you should know we'll be utterly broke by then. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
