Cons: Mandatory ATRAC3 conversion, opening device of Memory Stick slot is flimsy
The Bottom Line: If you prefer something light and fit for an athlete, there is no better option than the NW-MS70D. Unfortunately Sony requires its time consuming ATRAC3 conversion.
babyeddy7's Full Review: Sony Network Walkman NW-MS70D (256 MB) MP3 Player
The 512MB NW-MS90D has replaced this model. Please read my review.
This is Sony’s fourth Memory Stick Network Walkman. With so many years of experience, Sony has spawned a lot of inspiring concepts. Each April, a new prototype is released with bounds of improvement over the former model, and the MS70D is no exception. In fact it’s the most eclectic of the bunch blending the internal and external concepts of earlier endeavors to make the ultimate in portability, battery life, storage, style, performance, durability, and convenience.
The MS70D has built-in 256MB (just like 512MB with ATRAC3plus 64kbps) of storage, enough to hold 4 to 11 hours of music. On top of that the MagicGate Memory Stick DUO slot allows for infinite storage with purchase of Memory Stick DUOs (not included).
Bundled with the MS70D, you’ll find a neckband, carrying case, charging/data transfer cradle, USB cable, AC power adaptor, SonicStage music management software (version 1.5), earbud headphones (MDR-E838), 50cm headphone extension cord, and instruction manual.
Look
Unique styling is definitely a forte of the MS70D; it’s Sony’s most attractive model yet with its sleek, cybernetic body. And with its wearability, people will confuse this as some kind of sophisticated fashion accessory. Wearable audio devices are a new trend.
Ease of Use
Upon holding the unit, you will notice that the controls are placed ergonomically. The seesaw switch of the MS11 has been replaced by a new button and knob mechanism called a shuttle switch. To turn the unit on and begin play, just push the button down. If you want to stop play, push down again. Rotate the shuttle switch in one direction to access the next song and the opposite direction to access the previous song. The display can be backlit in two hot colors (either blue or green) for easy readability. Like previous Network Walkmans, the user will be able to control the unit effortlessly- even in complete darkness. You won’t need to look at the unit to see which button to press. Sony still makes the best designed devices; it is unfortunate not many people know it.
A technology called the GROUP function, which has been adopted for Sony’s Net MD Walkmans, is available with the MS70D. With an increased capacity of 256MB, managing up to 11 hours of music (about 180 tracks) won’t be easy. Sony’s GROUP function categorizes songs into separate groups (artist/album/genre) for seamless maneuverability.
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. The MS70D comes with a full titanium 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 MS70D will continue to operate perfectly.
Portability
It's the MS70D's small size that captivated witnesses of the next generation portable audio device. At 36.4×48.5×18mm (three pieces of Orbit gum), it's actually shorter in height than a Memory Stick.
The included neckband connects to the headphone cord to facilitate a wearable experience. And since the MS70D weighs only 1.8 ounces, you’ll forget that you’re wearing it.
Cell Stamina
At 33 hours of longevity, the built-in cell of the MS70D lasts about a month on a single three-hour charge (just drop unit in cradle). Sony was able to increase previous cell life threefold and deliver it in an even smaller package. This is not an easy task considering that battery life is proportional to size and weight. Sony developed a VE-CORE circuitry system that reduces energy consumption by 80% called the “Virtual Mobile Engine (VME)” – a remarkable feat in and of itself. This is the world's first application of low-power-consumption dynamic reconfigurable circuit technology in consumer products.
Sound
The sound-processing engine of the MS11 is the same used in the MS70D. It is able to achieve unparalleled sound reproduction quality with minimal distortion if music is recorded at higher bit rates.
ATRAC3 and ATRAC3plus offer excellent sound quality and take up minimal space. With ATRAC3, bit rates of 132kbps, 105kbps, and 66kbps can be achieved. Although ATRAC3plus offers lower bit rates of 64kbps and 48kbps, sound quality is not compromised because the voice compression technology maintains high frequencies which would otherwise be inaudible. In fact ATRAC3plus 64kbps sounds better than 132kbps! This format presents high quality sound while requiring less storage space. Up to 11 hours of music can be stored using ATRAC3plus.
The MS70D’s world of audible range awaits you when combined with the included special edition earbud headphones (MDR-E838).
A Digital Sound Preset Equalizer option is included so the user can adjust the amount of bass and treble.
Software
SonicStage music management software allows users to transfer tracks from CDs or the Internet (MP3, WMA, WAV) to the MS70D. First, the user must change the format of tracks from the aforementioned sources to a format compatible with the MS70D (ATRAC3 or ATRAC3 plus). This conversion does not restrict any songs from being transferred, but it does take extra time.
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 MS70D.
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
Conclusion
With the NW-MS70D’s many exclusive features such as a titanium shell, shuttle switch, wearability, and VME circuitry, it’s not hard to see that the world’s greatest portable audio device has landed.
To purchase, go to Sony’s official website at:
www.sonystyle.com
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299 Recommended for: Athletes - Lightweight and Portable, Perfect for the Gym
Compact Design fits comfortably into your palm, pocket, or purse 256 MB built-in memory (up to 12 hours' storage) with MagicGate Memory Stick Duo expa...More at Amazon Marketplace
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