The epitome of elegant design, the silver NW-HD1 model weighs less than 4 ounces making it the world's smallest portable audio device built with a 1.8-inch, 20GB hard drive. Music... more
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A review by ricky_gervais on Sony Network Walkman NW-HD1 20 GB March 20th, 2005
Author's product rating:
Sound Quality
Excellent
Ease of Use
Very Easy
Look & Design
Excellent
Range of Features
Excellent
Value for Money
Good
Advantages:
Smaller, thinner, lighter and better built than iPod, battery life, ATRAC3plus doubles music capacity
Disadvantages:
Still requires ATRAC3 conversion, While this Walkman reminds us of Sony’s superior engineering, it cannot match Apple’s openness and ease of use .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Like every other digital music player, the NW-HD1 will be measured against the iPod. No battle has gotten more publicity than this because the companies behind Walkman and iPod could not be more similar. Sony and Apple seem to disregard the bottom line. Both emphasize creativity and innovation. Both hold many of the same ideas and visions. But one is known for its German-like engineering, while the other is much better at software and easy-to-use technology. These characteristic advantages are apparent in both companies’ music devices, and may determine which you choose.
Look & Feel
I was never fond of iPod’s obnoxious white colour nor its cheap plastic sheen nor its blatant white headphone cords. iPod was definitely designed to be showy, and anything showy makes people act strange. I see kids taking out their iPods and displaying them to everyone as if their self confidence depends on it. Sony will have none of that. Use the included remote if you don’t want to seem like a preoccupied snob. The Walkman is subtle with clean lines and mostly metal construction. Engraved logos add beauty. Even the charging cradle and packaging look professional and mature. See the NW-HD1 for yourself.
Battery Life
Another reason I stayed away from the iPod was its poor battery life. Apple’s claim of eight hours was actually less than six, and the new iPod’s supposed twelve hours still requires tedious everyday charging. Note that devices with moving parts have very volatile playback time, and just turning the unit on kills off a large portion. Also note that the amount of charge a battery can hold gradually depletes. This was a major problem for many iPods, which failed to function after a year of use. The ensuing class action lawsuit and basic knowledge prove that hard drive-based audio players naturally have inadequate playback time and charge longevity. Fortunately the NW-HD1 holds out for an unbeatable 30 hours (mine lasted exactly 28 hours). And to ensure the battery lives through long periods of disuse and extensive discharging, Sony includes a switch to turn it off. While this does not make the Walkman immune from slight charge depletion, it does mean that problems will arise much later than with the iPod. Keep the hold switch on when the unit is off to avoid accidental battery drain.
If you’re too busy to wait five hours for a full recharge, one hour will restore the battery to 80%. A charging cradle facilitates the process.
Ease of Use
The infamous ATRAC3 conversion is required if your songs are not already in the format. This isn’t a problem for Sony Connect users, who download native ATRAC3. But MP3s, CD tracks, WAV files and WMA files must be imported and converted via SonicStage 2.1. This has long been Sony’s Achilles heel, as most audio devices, including iPod, accept all formats upfront. It’s not that the process is difficult or that it restricts any music, it only takes extra time. An average song takes 10 seconds to become an ATRAC3 file. After that, it is wise to delete the original file to save space.
A nice feature of Apple's software is synching with the iPod; any playlist changes made on the user's computer will automatically update the iPod. Working with the Walkman requires manual adjustment via a check-in/check-out process.
Ease of use on the actual device fares better. It has a miniature version of the iPod’s wheel, which allows responsive control even though it isn't touch sensitive. Volume level can be altered by an ergonomic seesaw button on the top right of the device. The screen is big and displays plenty of information including five lines of text, elapsed track time, bit rate and remaining battery life. By pressing the mode button, you can change search criteria to quickly locate tracks in your song library. A green backlight allows visibility in the dark.
Included with the Japanese model is a wired LCD remote, which allows the user to operate the Walkman without removing it from a pocket. It is identical to remotes of Sony’s flagship MD models. All essential controls can be manipulated.
Storage & Sound Quality
There is one major upside to the ATRAC3plus format. I don’t know how Sony does it, but ATRAC3plus at 64kbps sounds better than MP3 tracks at 128kbps. This means that twice as much music can be stored without sacrificing sound quality, theoretically doubling capacity. If you can get 40 GB of storage on this 20 GB Walkman, why wouldn’t you? Keep in mind that the 40 GB iPod is twice as thick as the NW-HD1 and over 50% heavier. In this regard, I’d take the Walkman any day.
About 6,500 near-CD quality tracks can be stored. Most people can't come close to that many songs, but fortunately music isn't the only thing these devices can hold; pictures, Word documents and many other files can be manually transferred to the Walkman. It acts as an external hard drive, thereby eliminating the need for extra storage equipment.
Like all high end Walkmans, this comes with very good earbud headphones. Sound quality and bass is excellent, though comfort is mediocre.
Durability
As mentioned earlier the Walkman is much better built than the iPod. Over 70% of the device’s surface is coated in brushed aluminum and the rest is hard plastic. Only hard falls will leave scratches. Sony devices are the standard in durability.
Like CDs, hard drives are prone to skipping. 25-minute skip protection is the standard on this and other devices. Playback might remain smooth during bumpy rides, but battery life will be affected. Another inherent problem with hard drives is data loss due to shock, so the device's internal mechanisms are well protected.
Portability
The NW-HD1 is the first 20-gigabyte audio device smaller, thinner and lighter than the iPod. That makes it the smallest, thinnest and lightest such device in the world. It is slightly larger and virtually the same weight as iPod mini, which only stores one-fifth the music. The low weight (four ounces) and credit card size makes this Walkman one of the few hard drive-based audio device usable in a shirt pocket. Since the NW-HD1 can hold the same capacity of music at the same quality as a 40 GB iPod (explained under Storage & Sound Quality), Sony has a major edge over Apple. 40 GB iPods are gigantic.
There is a lanyard hole on the right side that makes carrying easier and safer. Using the included carrying pouch is a good idea.
Accessories & System Requirements
Bundled with the NW-HD1 you’ll find SonicStage music management software (version 2.1), a backlit remote control, lightweight earbud headphones (short cord), USB cable, AC power adaptor, charging/data transfer cradle and instruction manual.
IBM PC/AT or compatible OS: Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional CPU: MMX Pentium 450MHz or higher RAM: 128MB or higher Hard Disc Drive Space: 260MB or more CD-ROM Drive (with Audio CD playback capability) Sound card Internet access USB port Display: 16 bit color, resolution 800 x 480
Conclusion
Technologically, the NW-HD1 is the world’s best portable audio device; I prefer it over the iPod in every way except music management. Sony’s perennial ATRAC3-only attitude takes off a star from its overall score, but the company may gradually become more open. Unfortunately that’s a heretical expectation especially now that it owns a quarter of the world’s music and is paranoid about its distribution.
Advantages: Small, lightweight, easy to use Disadvantages: ATRAC3 storage takes an AGE to transfer, quite expensive, bad quality headphones
...least an hour on the Sony support call line I figured out that Song will only let your transfer music from your computer to your mp3 player 3 times. That's not over a period of times that's EVER. This was apparently to stop piracy so I found out, so you don't send the same song to multiple Sony units! I couldn't believe this, and basically I could only ever listen to songs I hadn't practice to transfer the day before!
STARTING TO PLAY MUSIC
Well ... ...unit on, easily with no problems, the menu is ranked in
Artist
Album
Genre
Track
So you can easily navigate your chosen track, there is however not a scroll bar, so you have to hold down the button to select the track, not a major problem. Once playing the player can last for up to 30 hours according to the manual, I personally never got to 10 hours but it still displayed 70%
SOUND QUALITY
With the simple interface and the credit card size ...
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Sound Quality
Ease of Use
Look & Design
Range of Features
Value for Money
very helpful
08.08.2005
Stylish Sony Review ofSony Network Walkman NW-HD1 20 GBby
Aaronmtll
Advantages: 30hr battery life, 13000 tracks and 20gigs hard drive Disadvantages: tracks must be converted to atrac3plus, not that easy to navigate
...oh yes. Introducing the Sony NW-HD1, the first worthy enough to challenge the mighty Ipod with its sleek titanium body and it's astounding features it'll blow you away.
FEATURES
Dimension - 8.9 x 1.4 x 6.2cm
Net Weight 110g
30hr Battery Life
20gb Hard Drive
13,000 song storage
Songs in ATRAC3plus" Format at 48kbps
Link to Sony 'CONNECT' (Online music store)
7 Line green backlit display
USB 2.0
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery G-Sensor" ... ...Well I'm sure that's what Sony would like to do but it hasn't quite come off the first time but they have still come up with a stylish design. Yep a titanium body with a black tinted screen go absolutely perfect together, none of this tacky looking silver that just makes the whole thing look like a reject. Oh yeah and to set it all off it has a 7-line display to tell you all you want to know about the music your listening to, in fact this displays ...
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Advantages: Small, stylish design, Storage capacity, Its Sony! Disadvantages: Only will play ATRAC format, Sound quality average
...stupidy priced devices. The Sony NW-HD1 'Network Walkman' actually cost me £229.99 as it was on offer at Argos. I have bought cars for cheaper than that!
I originally set out to buy a Minidisc recorder/player as I am impressed by their compact design and range of features. But when browsing through the Argos the NW-HD1 caught my eye, the 20 gigabyte hard drive should be more than most people will ever need and the unit itself is smaller than a cassette ... ...be sent off to a Sony Repair Centre for it to be replaced.
The supplied earphones were of a good quality, sound good and are comfortable to wear... but wheres the inline remote control most Sony portable audio devices have? Other supplied accessories are the Sonicstage software (for converting and importing audio), a carry pouch for the unit and the stylish docking station and charger.
Connecting it to my PC was straight-forward, via a vacant USB ...
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Advantages: big storgae Disadvantages: annoying fuctions - older models have mp3 issues
When I first got this little player I was very pleased - I could finally move my huge mp3 collection onto a portable device which also had the ability to switch the output impedence to suit it as a hifi auxillary input. I have since changed my mind and am looking for something else.
The graphics display is far from fancy, and a little annoying to navigate between menus due to lack of keys - this lack of keys of course proves a plus in terms of the ... ...the player from formats such as mp3, wav & wmv. However all tracks transferred are converted into Sony's very own mp3 counterpart, omg. PLEASE NOTE - this may have changed on newer models as there is a firmware upgrade avaliable for all models enabling mp3 preservation - the upgrade however requires a wiping of the memory.
The annoying thing about omg (which hasn't really taken off) is that it has very strict rights policies on songs whch prevent ...
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Advantages: Easy to use and small - good sound quality Disadvantages: Lengthy process from CD's to the Sony NW-HD1
I'm the kinda person who likes to take their time when it comes to making a big purchase. So the time upto the purchase was spent on things like reading music magazines, reviews and weighing up the pro's and con's. So when I finally made my purchase. I read the 'basic' manual and was impressed with how simple the procedure from cd to player was. However, that does not mean it was short and sweet, infact it was the opposite. It took time, especially ... ...the album name - however I am glad it has the genre function - which lets you label the album how you see fit and to your personal taste. The actual battery life is amazing! Being a lady who travels to work and back on buses I wanted a player which did not need charging everyday. Let me give you an example, I travel 2 hours a day and then take 10 minutes to walk to my flat. So that's almost 2 and a 1/2 hours a day. In a week I must spend around 15 ...
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Digital Storage Media: 1.8" hard disc drive - built-in
Sound Output Mode: Stereo
Features: Battery level indication, hold button, volume limiter, bass & treble control
Digital player (recorder)
Supported Digital Audio Standards: WAV, WMA, ATRAC3plus, MP3
External Hard Drive Function: Yes
Headphones
Headphones Type: Headphones - binaural
Connectivity Technology: Wired
Sound Output Mode: Stereo
Connections
Connector Type:
1 x headphones ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
1 x USB
1 x DC power input
Power
Power Device: Power adapter - external
Battery
Battery: 1 x player - rechargeable - Lithium Ion
Included Qty: 1
Run Time (Up To): 30 hour(s)
Battery Life Details: Digital playback - Lithium Ion - up to 30 hour(s)
System requirements
Peripheral / Interface Devices: CD-ROM, USB port
Manufacturer's product description
The epitome of elegant design, the silver NW-HD1 model weighs less than 4 ounces making it the world's smallest portable audio device built with a 1.8-inch, 20GB hard drive. Music lovers will be able to store up to 13, 000 four-minute songs recorded at 48 kilobits per seconds (kbps) on this sexy little player that fits right in the palm of your hand. The hard-drive player lives up to the Walkman legacy for stability and endurance. It houses an internal rechargeable battery that provides up to 30 hours of continuous playback. G-Sensor shock protection offers an advantage over traditional hard drives by safeguarding the player's internal mechanisms to protect against impact and help prevent a loss of data. Sony's skip-free G-Protection technology is also incorporated to help eliminate skipping during active uses, as well as to provide quick recovery from both horizontal and vertical shock. The hard-drive device connects to a compatible computer via a USB 2.0 digital interface for high-speed music transfers. It comes bundled with SonicStage version 2.1 software, which makes it easy to import, manage and transfer music collections. With SonicStage software, playlists or track information created in the jukebox can be automatically transferred to the device. Additionally, SonicStage jukebox supports and seamlessly converts many Internet audio formats, including MP3, WMA and WAV files. Accessing music on the Network Walkman player is as easy as a click of a thumb. Sony's Jog Dial navigation lets you quickly retrieve tracks and playlists on the seven-line backlit LCD display. Four different display modes offer the flexibility to navigate through track numbers, bit rates, song titles, artist names and more.
From the first time picture appeared on the internet, the anti ipod brigade touted it as an ipod killer, after all it was sleeker, lighter, had a longer battery life. It seemed the perfect package, and now it touted MP3 Support.
Alas, the NWHD3 is... more
Just how many mp3 players are needed in this world? I ask you? Well come on I'll tell you then. Only one. The ipod. This machine is really too small. 128 megs of expensive sony memory (£40 average) is barely enough to record yourself ranting about how... more
This is the best MP3 player i have used. Before it i used to have an ipod. My reasons why this is the best are as follows:
-- Durability: This mp3 player will not crash unlike many mp3 players, including the Ipod. This is because it uses a technology... more
I have been using a mini disc recorder for the past 5 years, refusing to get an i-pod primarily because everyone has got one, everyone raves about them & because I don’t really see what the fuss is all about, mp3 players do the same job and a lot of them more
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