[Functionality]

Possibly one of the better all around performance md players for years to come, compared to the competition available for under $200 online and offline currently available for anyone willing to take the next step forward in advancing technology in the audio entertainment industry.

I have found it to be a rewarding to use it while studying or using the tape car kit adapter to counteract those rainy days of bland music with your favorite car tunes (driving music). However, I must say I like the Sony S2 Sports Net MD Walkman® MZ-S1 many times more than this one (Sony MZ-NF610 Personal MiniDisc Player). But Weather Bands is a nice added feature especially when you are out driving on the interstate far from any regular radio stations.

[Software]:

The software provided for formatting music to the mini disc is as good as any if not better than what you will pay extra for using on your PC or Mac. However, if you are using MP3s which are of poor quality you are going to have some problems. My best suggestion to remedy the situation is to not use low quality MP3s that have poor sound quality prior to downloading to the mini disc. Try to only stick with first generation MP3 copies and avoid the copy of a copy of a copy etc. Plus, that it is compatible with RealOne Player, WAV, MP3, ATRAC3™, and WMA.


[Durability]: Abuse/Neglect Test

The Sony MZ-NF610 Personal MiniDisc Player has surpassed the roughest and toughest test yet, a month through my backpack. The abuse test in the small pockets being lugged around with occasional smashing from being dropped in and out of being transported. The neglect test in my main bay of my backpack commonly containing about fifty pounds of books and survived without a single scratch. Being exposed to high humidity for days on end while camping and hiking over the summer. *Disclaimer I do NOT endorse or condone or suggest that you intentionally submitting your Sony MZ-NF610 Personal MiniDisc Player to this test because it may become dysfunctional.*


[Ease of Use ]

This is still slightly problem area because there is potential for improvement may be needed for the average user the would operate a computer without the internet button or television with a big button remote, but for me I really enjoy the variable functions because it allows for me to have the custom play modes that I desire. The buttons are rather small as on most MiniDisc players are so that is not anything out of the norm.


[Sound]

Is rather impressive considering the sound quality of the primitive cd or md music formats usually did not have such a great replay sound value, but things have changed and Sony is leading the way into the future of portable libraries of music that you can carry on the virtually scratch proof/indestructible format that minidisc have been long noted for. The prices of mds have been dropping rather slowly but soon enough it will be more affordable.


[Features]
Included Remote:
Remote Control Type Standard or simple (single device)

Product Overview:
Personal Mini Disc Type Recordable
Item Weight 0.23 lbs.
General Warranty 1 year parts and labor

Enhancements:
CD Recorder Type CD-R and CD-RW

Jacks, IN-OUT:
Headphone Jacks Yes, mini, stereo

Outputs, A/V:
Headphone Jacks Yes, mini, stereo

Dimensions:
Depth 1-1/8 in.
Height 3 in.
Width 3-1/4 in.

Batteries:
Run Time Up to 48 hr.
Number Required 1

Included with Item:
AC Cord Yes

[Tech Specs]
Records from MP3s or CDs at up to 32X speed
Plays back in ATRAC3 audio, supports MP3, WMA, WAV formats
Up to 48 hrs. continuous playback in LP4 mode (1 AA battery)
SonicStage software and Net MD simple burner application included
Compatible with RealOne Player
Record from multiple sources (PC, portable CD, home CD unit, radio)
Utilizes affordable MD media for over 5 hours of music storage on one 80 min. disc

[Desirability]
Compared to everything else on the market it is in the top five as far as affordable high-quality minidisc players are concerned. It has the features and performance that will give you years of solid performance.

[Warranty]

Limited Warranty


Limited Warranty - Portable Audio
SONY ELECTRONICS INC. ("SONY") warrants this Product (including any accessories) against defects in material or workmanship as follows:

LABOR: For a period of 90 days from the date of purchase, if this Product is determined to be defective, Sony will repair or replace the Product, at its option, at no charge, or pay the labor charges to any Sony authorized service facility. After the Warranty Period, you must pay for all labor charges.

PARTS: In addition, Sony will supply, at no charge, new or rebuilt replacements in exchange for defective parts for a period of one (1) year. After 90 days from the date of purchase, labor for removal and installation is available from Sony authorized service facilities or a Sony Service Center at your expense.


This warranty does not cover customer instruction, installation, set up adjustments or signal reception problems. This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of, or to any part of the Product, including the antenna. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper operation or maintenance, connection to improper voltage supply, or attempted repair by anyone other than a facility authorized by SONY to service the Product. This warranty does not cover Products sold AS IS or WITH ALL FAULTS, or consumables (such as fuses or batteries). This warranty is valid only in the United States.

Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice which is evidence that the unit is within the warranty period must be presented to obtain warranty service.

This warranty is invalid if the factory applied serial number has been altered or removed from the Product.

REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. SONY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. In addition if you enter into a service contract with the SONY Partnership within ninety (90) days of the date of sale, the limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts does not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

For your convenience, SONY ELECTRONICS INC. has established telephone numbers for frequently asked questions:

To locate the servicer or dealer nearest you, or for service assistance or resolution of a service problem, or for product information or operation, call:


Sony Direct Response Center
1-(800)-222-7669
or write to:

Sony Direct Response Center
12451 Gateway Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33913

For an accessory or part not available from your authorized dealer, call:
1-(800)-488-SONY (7669)


Overall
I give it an A+ / Five Star Rating / Most Bang For Buck Award.

Personal Overall
I did not really care for this particular unit because it was not tough in the same way the Sports Sony MD series are. As well as the fact I do not really care for Weather Bands except for when I am out on a ride through the boonies.


Related Links
Sony S2 Sports Net MD Walkman® MZ-S1 MiniDisc recorder prime for choice reviewing music ===>
http://www.epinions.com/content_84647317124

Music Reviews

#1 Crush by Rock Star Diva Shirley Manson
http://www.epinions.com/content_85274889860

Fab Cash Super Star Or A Country Legend
http://www.epinions.com/content_84842155652

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 199.99