Sony Walkman styles up Japan

Sony is updating its E-Series Walkman line in Japan, starting May 16, 2009. There's no sign that the updated series will make it to the states, but Sony's announcement details three models: the $132 NW-E044 (8GB), the $102 NW-E043 (4GB), andthe $81 NW-E042 (2GB).

The Sony Walkman NW-E042 includes interchangeable skins and premium headphones, at an affordable price.

(Credit: Sony Japan)

The player's features are sparse, offering only an FM radio and an audio player (MP3, ATRAC, WMA, AAC, and WAV). The navigation, integrated USB stick, and three-line OLED display all seem to take their cue from the current Sony B-Series Walkman models. A full battery charge should get you 28 hours of playback.

What's unique here, is that each E-Series Walkman comes bundled with interchangeable skins (Sony calls them "Style Up Panels") in different colors. If the bundled skins don't style things up enough for you, additional designer skins can be purchased individually. The video below is in Japanese, but does a nice job showing off the range of colors and designs available for the E-Series Walkman.

Another cool thing Sony did here is throw in a pair of its premium EX style headphones with 13.5mm speakers drivers. Along with the Clear Bass and Clear Stereo sound enhancements Sony built into the player, the whole package should sound pretty awesome.

(Via Electronista)

[SactoGuy018]

While it looks cute, they have to compete against well-established players here in the USA like the Sandisk SANSA Clip or the Apple iPod shuffle. Besides, here in the USA we tend to like more "premium" portable media players like the Apple iPod nano series.

That said, I wouldn't be surprised that Sony offers them here in the USA--complete with the premium in-ear headphone--probably by late this summer.

[Kendokill]

This IS a premium portable media player...if you like nice headphones and good playback.

[dddouchebag]

"...they have to complete against well-established players here in the USA..."

Technically, no. Sony's only releasing it in Japan, according to the announcement.

On a side note, I'm sick and tired of fancy mp3 players which try to do everything but what they are meant to. If it can playback a lot of songs, in different formats, and with high quality... that is what you need. This combo from sony sounds like it offers all of the above, including nice earphones. Can't really ask for more.

[rnaoncfixd]

Depending on what formats it'll accept, Cnet just directed me to my next MP3 Player.

Thank you, Cnet (and Mr. Bell)!

[agorondy]

E series > ipod nano
don't trust the ipod fanboys

[fc528e]

If you've ever listened to a Sony MP3 player or Walkman phone with Clear Bass and Clear Stereo sound, you know it does wonders for music, most notably on MP3 files. Since it can be hard to carry around uncompressed audio files in the amounts people now love to (in excess of 1,000 songs for many), having those two features coupled with Sony's premium headphones sounds great. I truly hate preach as a Sony fan boy would, but ever since I used my Walkman phone as my MP3 player, there's been no turning back. Take the features and headphones for a spin and you won't be sorry.

[cyde01]

i've been using ipods for a long time now but i must say the audio quality just doesn't compare to sony. i don't even feel like listening to certain songs that i absolutely love hearing on good speakers. maybe it's time for an upgrade.

[khenix]

good day to all! wanna ask where i can find the manual of sony walkman nw-e042???

thanks...;p