Sony W-Series Walkman MP3 Player Review and GIVEAWAY
I received a pair of blue tooth enabled wireless headphones for Christmas and have had a lot of issues with them. I emailed Adam to ask him what he thought of his Sony W-Series Walkman MP3 player, because I loved my Sony Walkman MP3 player, and though I might as well stick with a brand I knew and loved.
The Sony W-Series Walkman MP3 Player
Well, Adam loves the MP3 player. And, he hooked me up. And essentially, two of you as well. He contacted his Sony rep, who sent me a MP3 player to try out, and two to give away!
Below is what I think of the MP3 player. My review has a few interesting notes in it, because in my mind, I was comparing the MP3 player to the wireless headphones and phone combo I had been using while running before.
Me wearing the Sony W-Series Walkman MP3 Player
- 1.68 GB of music capacity (2 GB total)
- playmodes: Normal/Shuffle/ZAPPIN (more on that below)
- approximate battery life of 11 hours
- 1.5 hours to do a full charge (3 minute charge for 90 mins of music playback)
- USB mini-B connector
- format(s) Supported : MP3/ AAC/ WMA (DRM)/ WMT Capable
- comes with S/M/L earbuds, and MP3 holder
Pros
- comfortable/no bouncing/stays put
- water-resistant
- great sound quality
- wireless
- MP3 player built in
- quick to charge/long battery
- controls are intuitive and easy to access while running
- turns on when you “pull apart” the two headphones (see picture below)
- voice tells you what is going on (if on shuffle, changing playlists, etc.)
- easy set up, no software required (option for content download manager for iTunes)
- easy to make playlists/transfer music from iTunes & Media Player – just drag and drop!
- no “skipping” (like my wireless bluetooth headset does with the phone)
- quick song changes with jog lever (crucial – so you are not holding your arm up to your ear (while running) waiting for it to change!)
- inexpensive – it’s originally $60, but click on this link to get it for only $48.99
You just pull the two headphones apart and that is what turns the MP3 player on!
Cons
- no radio
- no screen interface (but this did not bother me – the voice in the MP3 player lets you know what modes/etc. you are selecting)
- computer connectivity issues – this is probably JUST ME and my POS computer, but the computer did not recognize the MP3 player as a drive for the longest time – Steven had to fix it (and I still kind of have issues) – you can see the directions he used here
Don’t Know
- there is a feature I didn’t check out that much – ZAPPIN – quickly scans songs so you can find the one you like with the tempo you desire
- operating temp – the manual says it operates from 41°F-95°F – I run in very cold temps in the winter, and hope it works…
- durability over time – I have only used it a few times
Overall? I love, love, LOVE this MP3 player! And am not surprised. Sony makes great products!
Sony W-Series Walkman MP3 Player Giveaway Rules
- I will give away two (2) of the Sony W-Series Walkman MP3 Players
- To enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling me when you would use this MP3 player, and what you would listen to on it.
- To get an extra entry, “like” Sony’s Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/sonyelectronics, and leave an additional comment letting me know you did.
- This giveaway is open until 5:00 PM CST on Wednesday March 23. I will use random.org to select the winner. I will announce the winner on Thursday March 24.
- This giveaway is open to all readers.
Themocracy
I would use this MP3 player when walking to class or working out at the gym .. (HA)
I would listen to Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga on it!
🙂 WOW What an awesome giveaway! I hope I win!!!!!!!
oh my gosh, i would listen to this while skating. it’s really hard to skate with a regular i-pod contraption on…this would be PERFECT!!!
i also liked them on FB!!!
I would listen to it on the train and during training runs. I have a HUGE MP3 player right now that is a bear to take on runs.
I would listen to some Toadies! And Cake to get ready for when I get to see them in concert again (next month)!
Great giveaway! I would use this while running (I hate having to swat away cords)…I have quite the variety in my playlists.
Well, I’d clearly use it for my half marathon training runs. Especially now that the weather is pretty consistently above 41 degrees! =)
which half are you running Nilsa?
It’s good to know people huh? I would love to have companies contact me for product rerviews and giveaways. I keep wondering how bloggers get to do these things…
Anyhow – I’ve been lusting after this. I hate my ipod cord and armband, so the whole IDEA of a cordless mp3 player is awesome. I’d use it for running (duh!) and listen to EVERYTHING (I have a super eclectic playlist).
I already like sony on fb!
It’s awesome that you were able to try out the new Walkman! Thanks for the detailed review and thanks for hosting the giveaway, too! I’m surprised that it doesn’t work below 41 degrees. I’d never thought of the cold as an issue with music players before. I’d always thought that electronics “liked” the cold. I suppose there’s a point at which cooler temps just freeze things.
I would love to use one of these while running. I listen to lots of different types of music, but pop/top 40 fill a lot of the spots on my playlist.
I’d use it while I run around Busse in my vibrams!
I’m torn…I went through THREE freaking Sony mp3 players in less than a year (the regular kind, not the bluetooth enabled) before I finally got fed up and switched to another brand.
BUT…I would love the wireless, and if it were free I wouldn’t feel bad if it pooped out in six months. 😉
I would definitely use it at the gym–I hate when I am running and the cord gets tangled up and pulls on my ear buds. I also listen to a HUGE range of music but would probably put my “exercise mix” on this device–a little Lady Gaga, a little Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers, Fat Boy Slim…and other fast electronica.
I would listen to it when I dance! Or when I start exercising! I would listen to a variety of music, oldies and todays hits.
I would listen to this every time I run! And I would listen to fun upbeat music that would motivate me while I run.
*Right now I have been super struggling with my iPod. I love runnign with music, but either the cord gets wrapped around my arm and pulls the earplugs out of my ears, or my ears get too sweaty and the earplugs just come out on there own. It’s seriously such a constant battle with my ipod and headphones that I usually can only run run about 20 minutes before I get fed up.
So long story short–there are SO many reasons why I would love (and need) these.
*Crossing my fingers!!*
I would use it for running, and I would listen to my brother’s geeky podcast that he does each week and also music. That’s so cool that you’re having a contest!
well how awesome is adam! I would use them on most long runs becasue I’m soooo tired of my headphone cords flapping around
I liked them on FB.
I would totally wear it running, obviously! I’m trying to get faster so I’d use that feature of faster tempo music for that!
I also liked them on Facebook. 2 entries! Big money!
Awesome giveaway! I would use it while running outside and at the gym. I would listen to workout type of music-lately I’ve been into the newest Britney song and Kanye West’s “Power” while at the gym.
I would use the Sony while running on the treadmill. Looks really nice not to have the cords hanging all over.
I liked them on Facebook!
Its gotta be nice to have connections 😉 I would definitely use this while running and while at the gym!
I liked Sony on Facebook!
I would probably use that for walking or even at work when I wanted to listen to music but I have to move around a lot and having a cord just gets in the way.
I liked Sony on Facebook
I would use the Sony MP3 player for running of course! I wold love to be wireless!
I really like to listen to a variety music it helps with pacing and motivation.
I’d use these for marathon training. I’d be listening to abundantly cheesy 80’s tunes.
Liked Sony on Facebook.
I’d use the mp3 player on my runs, of course.
I’d listen to Ke$ha, but I’d tell people I listen to an alterna-indie-cowpunk band you’ve never heard of.
I like sony electronics on facebook.
additional comment.
I’d use these on long runs and listen to my fav marathon playlist to help get through the miles.
Like on Facebook entry
I would use it while running!
Oh I would definitely use it on training runs, I have an issue of getting caught up in my cords for my headphones!
I like Sony’s FB page!
found my way over here via Adam…I would certainly use the mp3 player on long runs!
I would love to try it out for all runs. Music definitely helps the run seem easier and the cord on my ipod is always in the way and I then I yank the ear bud out of my ear accidentally.
I would use it on the el and while running errands–iPod headphones drive me nuts so I don’t run with them.
I also liked Sony’s FB page.
I would wear this on my runs, especially long runs. I don’t have a music player and have been thinking one would definitely help on the longer runs to shut my brain off from trying to make me quit! I’m a rock n’roll gal so Led Zep would be first choice, but I’ve been listening to Coldplay recently so Viva la Vida would be good.
Liked on Facebook too.
I would wear this on long bike trainer rides — it is still winter here in Montana!! Thanks for the giveaway.
Like everyone else, I’d listen to while running. Mostly on the long runs though – I’m trying wean off music on the short ones again.
Music is 60s, 70s, and 80s classic rock and pop. Yes, I’m old 🙂
I would totally attempt runs with them. 🙂 Just as soon as my knee gets rehabbed!
I’d use it when I run, as soon as it warms up here (Manitoba)! I’d probably listen to classical. Thanks!
I like Sony on FB. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
I would wear this on my first ever half marathon that I’m running w/my brother (he’s much faster than I am, so maybe not exactly with but we’ll both be there!) I would listen to Pitbull, Linkin Park, lots of stuff! Music speaks to my soul!
I liked the Sony Electronics Facebook page and wrote on their wall!
I would wear them during my first 10 miler and then for training for my first half!
I’d listen to my embarrassing collection of cheesy pop music!
I Liked Sony’s FB page!
I would use this mp3 player on my runs!! I would probably listen to some of my favorite Uruguayan music. It never fails to pump me up.
I’d use it on my walks with my son! He ignores me while he plays angry birds on my ipod, so I don’t get to listen to my music!
I would use it on my runs! For some reason my favorite running songs are about sex… Rihanna’s S&M, Nickelback’s Animal. Would love to ditch the wired headphones with the Sony Walkman MP3 Player!!!
I would use the Sony mp3 player at the gym during workouts, on my runs, and on the bike when I am on my indoor trainer. The playlist would include Drive-by Truckers, Foo Fighters, Rage Against the Machine, Jay-Z, Eminem, Chemical Brothers, Cowboy Mouth, Jason Aldean and so much more. My musical tastes are all over the place.
I liked Sony’s Facebook page for a 2nd entry. 🙂 Thanks for the awesome giveaway.
I would so use these for running with hopes the lack of a cord would leave me less irritable and cranky at the end of runs 😉 I get most of my music choices from Sirius Hits Countdown. Fast tempo for runs. I throw in some Glee music…just not for running.
“liked” sony’s facebook page. I’m dyingt o try these things; although I also run in frigid temps and wonder if they would last…
Would use them to run with and around the house in general. Kings of Leon, The Fray
I liked Sony on facebook
liked sony on Facebook!
I would listen to some all american rejects and blink 182 while running!!
I will use this running in Michigan and I would load all my favorite Santana songs. Oy Como Va!!!
Training in Michigan and I would load all my favorite Santana songs. Oy Como Va!!!
These would be prefect for when training for my first 50 mile race this coming October on the Des Plaines River Trail. You say battery life is 11 hours, guess with this Mp3 I could make it my goal to finish in 11 hours or have nothing to listen too!! I grew up in England in the 80s before moving to Chicagoland so still listen to 80s alternative music or style. U2, Cure, Smiths, REM, Cult, Clash, Depeche Mode and even current 80s sounding bands like Coldplay, Killers. I’d toss on the odd classic rock too, Stones, Who, Stooges/Iggy
I just started running again after a couple of ‘off’ years. I would rock them while running, particularly since I grew up with a Sony walkman so would love to rock one as an adult(modernized of course!), complete with 80s & 90s pop! 🙂
Cheers!
I would wear them only on the weekend since I run In thw dark during the week so no headphones. To what: my mix eminem lady gaga justin timberlake beyonce cher my chemival romance…
well, i normally don’t run with an ipod, but after watching Dexter today (so addicted to that show!) i would like to run while listening to chopin. debra made it look pretty darn good! running and classical music….. could be groovy. but most likely i’d end up with JT and gaga. maybe “let’s go to the mall” by robin sparkles.
I think I’d use it when I have to use my treadmill. It will block out the treadmill sounds. I’d listen to Oingo Boingo.
I liked Sony Electronics on FB!
I will use these run-training for triathlons, and while walking my son around in his Baby Bjorn (he won’t be able to grab my headphone cords anymore. I’d listen to Metallica or Chopin.
I would use them to lose my baby weight on the treadmill. I would listen to anything oldies!
I would use it while running. I run a half marathon a month. February I did 2. I love the medals. I’m what you would call a trophy whore. I listen to pop music. I like Bruno Mars, Cee Lo, and P!nk.
I liked Sony on Facebook.
I would use it while running and I would listen to my favourite SA Band – The Parlotones.
I like Sony on Facebook.
I would use the MP3 player for my upcoming 10K so I do not have strings from my iPhone in my way!
Also, I would listen to my awesome Backstreet Boys music while I work out 🙂
I ‘liked’ Sony on facebook 🙂
I’d wear these to run – I’m still sadly stuck in the 80s, so it would be filled with hair bands, Madonna and MC Hammer.
I’d wear these to triathlon train while listening to ACDC!!!
I would listen to Mariah Carey while running, especially to tune out my husband!
I’d wear it during marathon training (started TODAY!) so I could stop borrowing Monster’s iPod. She gets a little irritated about that sometimes. Besides, iPod headphones suck.
And I would totally listen to Justin Bieber! Wait… that’s Monster’s iPod. Umm… nah, I’d still listen to Justin Bieber.
And I “liked” Sony Electronics on FB. But only so I could get an extra entry.
I would wear this running outside and I would listen to something upbeat. I’m liking Kesha’s “blow” right now!
would use it for long walks