Brilliantly Built
Written: May 20 '03 (Updated Sep 24 '04)
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Pros: Sony brand, magnesium, 2.8 oz., style, lightspeed transfer, tiny, battery stamina
Cons: Requires ATRAC3 conversion, unit’s screen not backlit
The Bottom Line: The Sony MZ-N10 is an excellent machine, but mandatory ATRAC3 conversion takes time.
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| babyeddy7's Full Review: Sony Net MD Walkman MZ-N10 Personal MiniDisc Playe... |
Sony's 20GB NW-HD1 is smaller and thinner than 15GB, 20GB and 40GB iPods. In fact the new Walkman is barely larger than the iPod Mini (4GB), but has five times more capacity. Best of all the NW-HD1 has 30 hour battery life, five times more than the iPod's.
Read more: http://www.epinions.com/content_151096102532
MZ-N10
The MZ-N10, the new apex of the Net MD Walkman product line, now sits on the throne once occupied by the MZ-N1.
Bundled with the N10, you’ll find SonicStage music management software (version 1.5), MoodLogic music management software, backlit remote control, lightweight headphones (short cord), USB cable, AC power adaptor, digital recording cable, charging/data transfer cradle, dry case for “AA” battery, and instruction manual.
A New Generation of Minidisc
It’s been a decade since Sony introduced the Minidisc format. Since then, the medium has been adopted by audiophiles the world over because of its compact size, CD quality sound, and convenience. Sony’s conception of Net MD, a remarkable innovation, essentially turned Minidisc Walkmans into MP3 players. Adding other exclusive features such as MDLP, which allows the user to store five hours of music on a single disk, further popularized the medium.
Style
Unique styling is definitely a forte of the N10; it’s Sony’s most attractive Net MD Walkman yet with its sleek, cybernetic body. The N10 is definitely the best looking audio device available- perhaps with the exception of Sony’s NW-MS70D.
Ease of Use
Minidisc players tend to cater to advanced users because they do much more than your average audio player. In addition to playing music, the N10 can record from almost any source (radio, PC, CD players, tapes, records, etc.) and function as a voice recorder (requires separate microphone). Such tasks require a little bit of experience, but the comprehensive instruction manual should answer all of your questions.
Playing music is seamless with Sony’s patented jog dial. Instead of having separate buttons for functions such as play, rewind, fast forward, and stop, Sony integrated them into one easy to use switch. You’ll no longer need to feel for the right buttons to press.
Although the LCD screen on the Walkman itself is not backlit, the supplied remote is. It allows the user to perform all of the unit’s functions without having to access the unit itself. You’ll be able to control the Walkman even if it’s tucked away in a pocket or bag.
A technology called the GROUP function is available with the N10. With up to five hours of music, managing so many songs won’t be easy. Sony’s GROUP function categorizes songs into separate groups (artist/album/genre) for seamless maneuverability.
The patented jog dial, GROUP function, and backlit remote give the N10 a great “ease of use” score, even though it takes some time to get used to. A touch of genius available only from Sony.
Durability
Sony was the first company to make all-metal portable audio devices. The competition needs to get with the program. Plastic just doesn’t cut it- a drop will crack most units open. Again, Sony isn’t afraid of being different. The N10 comes with a full magnesium jacket and ionized scratch resistant coating. Needless to say, a shell made from one of the strongest Earth metals makes this unit virtually indestructible. Drop it on concrete, throw it against a brick wall, step on it, and your N10 will continue to operate perfectly. This gives it a perfect “durability” score.
Portability
What do you get when the creator of portable audio decides to take on the nearly impossible task of improving upon the N1? A smaller and lighter package. This year, the gumstick-style cell was thrown out. It brought the weight of the N1 to over 110 grams. Since built-in cells are about half the mass and weight of typical cells, they are preferred in portable audio applications. The N10 weighs only 84 grams making it a little bit more comfortable to carry than the N1. An innovative optical pickup and motor allowed Sony to reduce the thickness of the unit by 2.6 millimeters- making it 33% smaller than the N1. Consequently, carrying the N10 is as comfortable as carrying a Minidisc.
Skip-free G-Protection Technology from Sony makes the N10 the ideal companion for active users.
The size/weight factor gives the N10 a perfect “portability” score.
Cell Stamina
At an impressive 56 hours of longevity, the N10’s cell should last over a month with normal use. This figure varies depending on what type of playback the user chooses and whether one AA cell is used in conjunction- expect less playback if you’re not using LP4 mode or if you’re running entirely on the built-in cell. For information regarding the different listening modes, see the section labeled Sound.
To charge, the user can either place the Walkman in the charging/data transfer cradle or connect the charging cable to the device.
Sound
Minidisc is revered for its near CD-quality sound. The N10 is able to achieve unparalleled sound reproduction integrity with minimal distortion if music is recorded at higher bit rates.
ATRAC3, the format used for playback on high-end Walkmans, offers excellent sound quality and takes up minimal space. With ATRAC3, bit rates of 132kbps, 105kbps, and 66kbps can be achieved. There obviously exists a correlation between storage and sound quality; higher bit rates require more space.
A function named MDLP allows for two additional types of playback- LP4 and LP2. The former will allow about five hours of music to be stored on one 80-minute Minidisc while the latter will hold two-and-a-half hours.
In addition to Net MD recording, the N10 can record from any sources with a standard audio plug such as radio, CD players, tapes, records, etc. The sound quality of the recording is just as great as the original thanks to the included digital cable.
The N10’s world of audible range awaits you when combined with the included lightweight sport headphones (MDR-A34SP).
A six-band graphic equalizer (Heavy, Pop, Jazz, Walkman Unique), four digital presets (studio, live, club, arena), and two custom equalizer settings allow the user to adjust the amount of bass, midrange, and treble.
Sony invented portable music, and its reputation for highest sound quality is no wonder.
Software
SonicStage music management software allows users to transfer tracks from CDs or the Internet (MP3, WMA, WAV) to the N10. First, the user must change the format of tracks from the aforementioned sources to a format compatible with the N10. Though this doesn't restrict certain tracks from being transferred, it does take extra time.
MoodLogic software was designed to allow more interaction with one’s music. It is basically a mix software that senses the beat, rhythm, and tone of tracks and arranges them into a smooth, conformed mix. For instance, if you want to create a dance mix, MoodLogic will automatically choose dance songs on your computer and arrange them so that their beats flow easily. This software is ideal for deejays.
Sony managed to tweak the transfer rate to a speedy 64X which enables the user to send an hour of music to the unit in under a minute. Just connect the USB cord to the charging/data transfer cradle and drop in the Walkman.
The learning curve for using the software isn’t too steep, and if you need assistance, there is a handy tutorial to guide you.
System Requirements
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
To purchase, go to Sony’s official website at:
www.sonystyle.com
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 349
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Member: Derek
Location: New York City
Reviews written: 21
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