Sony NW-HD5 Network Walkman 20 GB Digital Music Player (Black)

Manufacturer:	Sony
List price:	~~$329.99~~
Our price:	$284.99 that is 14% off!

Sony NW-HD5 Network Walkman 20 GB Digital Music Player (Black)

Average rating: Stars

Stop looking, this is the one you want.

Is this unit an iPod killer? I don't know, but I can certainly say that it killed my iPod. Sure, i'll admit that the scrollwheel is the best mp3 player navigation system out there, but I do not miss it one bit. I am beyond impressed with the Sony HD5:

- I ran a test and got over 30 hours of play at 80% volume playing tracks rippped at 132 ATRAC3.

- ATRAC3 tracks sound better than mp3 tracks ripped at 192 kbps (and they are smaller in size, hence more music.)

- Identical mp3 tracks sound much better on my Sony (I did a side-by-side test with my iPod.)

- The Navigation system is almost as fast as the iPod once you get used to it.

- SonicStage is not as bad as everyone says. I ripped 240 CDs in ATRAC3 and I had a total of two crashes. It isn't as stable as itunes, but how often are you going to be using the software? 99% of your time is going to be spent actually using the player itself.

- On the fly playlists, three different equalizers, dedicated volume buttons, compatibility with existing Sony remotes, track search by initial, removable battery.

On the downside:

- Yeah, the AC/Firewire cover seems really flimsy, but I don't think it will break as long as I'm careful with it.

- I do miss the thousands of accessory options that iPod users have. [...], a UK company, probably has the best assortment of HD5 accessories.

Oh, and regarding the "button cracking issue", the is not a common issue and it is purely cosmetic. You would literally have to put the player right up to you eye to see the cracks. Also, the only cases I have seen this are with the silver player. If you are worried about it (and you shouldn't be), stick with black or red.

Sony NW-HD5 Network Walkman 20 GB Digital Music Player (Black) - Sony

Sony's overlooked flaw...

I recently purchased Sony's nw-hd5 player after much research online for a new mp3 player. When I finally decided to fork over the money for it, I loved everything about it; the sound quality is great, the size is only that of a deck of cards, the software is easy to use, the 20GB hardrive is more than plenty, and the battery life is tremendous. I couldn't have asked for a better player, so needless to say, I was extremely frustrated when the player developed cracks between the center four buttons after less than a week of light use.

I was able to contact someone from Sony to ask if this was an issue they were dealing with, and they dismissed it by saying it was a "rare occurance". But after reading over 120 entries from forums online saying they experienced the same cracking issue within a week of use, I am disappointed with Sony's response.

This player is excellent and would be given a 5 out of 5 star rating if it weren't for this minor cosmetic problem, but for the cost, it was not one I was going to overlook. I returned it, and am now awaiting the arrival of a Creative Labs Zen Touch.

Sony - Sony NW-HD5 Network Walkman 20 GB Digital Music Player (Black)

Good Stuff

It doesn't have as much functionality or user friendliness as an iPod but it's battery life more than makes up for it.

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