The MZ-NH600 represents an important upgrade in the minidisc category, making it much more relevant to the current music-player market. So, why is this minidisc player a good product? Taking discs of up to 1GB it is possible to store much more music than previously, and indeed is comparable to many MP3-players now available. In real terms this represents about 40 average length albums per disc - stored at a good sound quality. The ability to store MP3 and WMA files is what proves this player to be a winner, and indeed allow mindiscs to remain in the market. It is compatible with ever-growing sales in internet downloads of music, and the use of computer systems to store and manage music catalogues. Aesthetically this product makes no major statements and is not a design revolution in the minidisc category. However, it is compact, small enough to fit in trouser/jacket/coat pocket, and in this white colour looks more uptodate and 'of the iPod generation'. The sound quality is excellent. Although using the software, it is possible to select several quality settings (although the higher the quality the greater the memory usage), all levels deliver good enough sound for in-ear listening. Certain types of music may require higher quality settings e.g. classical, choral etc. Battery life is another positive. Taking AA batteries ensures that if your battery runs out you can at least find a shop that will sell you a replacement. The average battery life is around 24 hours, which is a considerable listening period. This player will work with rechargeable batteries - which helps to cut down on spending in this area.
That being said, there are some drawbacks to this product. Firstly, as a minidisc player it lacks certain functions that limit its ease of use. A fine example of this is the lack of backlighting on the LCD screen. Thus making it nigh on impossible to find music in the dark. Secondly, the Sony 'SonicStage' software that accompanies this player is nothing to write home about. You will not find yourself using it to manage your music collection, or as your default media player - it simply is not anywhere near as good as Windows MediaPlayer or iTunes in this role. However, you WILL have to use it to upload/download tracks to/from the minidsic player. This can end up being a lengthy process as it is necessary first to import the music you want to the SonicStage software profile, and then to convert and upload it. As much as the 'Simple Upload' function is faster, it does not allow you the same file compression options...meaning that to optimise the use of your minidisc you will need to spend time uploading the longway. As with most products in the music-player category, little thought has been given to the headphones. These arrive as a standard pair of Sony earphones. Although I used these for a while, I have now bought a new pair of better quality 'in-ear' earphones - this is an upgrade that should definitely be considered, giving much better value to the music you carry around with you.
All-in-all this is not a bad product. It delivers on sound quality, it delivers on music quantity, and it enables the user to engage with modern developments in MP3s and internet downloadings. Further, although the largest disc is 1GB, you can own as many discs as you like! Again, this an added flexibility that other basic MP3 players in the market do not have. So for those that want these benefits, and don't want to compromise on product/sound quality by purchasing a cheap MP3 player, but are not ready to splash out on an iPod, this is certainly a product to consider.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Excellent Sound Quality Disadvantages: Very Temperamental
insertfunnynamehere 01.03.2005 (01.03.2005)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Sony Hi-MD Walkman MZ-NH600
Advantages: Excellent Sound Quality Disadvantages: Very Temperamental
insertfunnynamehere 01.03.2005 (01.03.2005)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Sony Hi-MD Walkman MZ-NH600
Are you the manufacturer / provider of Sony Hi-MD Walkman MZ-NH600? Click here
Mar 22nd, 2007
very helpful by (83%):
helpful by (17%):
