Sony reveals MP3 Video Walkman, targets iPod nano
updated 07:50 am EST, Thu March 1, 2007
Sony MP3 Video Walkman
As promised, Sony early this morning launched the A800 series. Also known as the MP3 Video Walkman, the player is dubbed the world's lightest video player by the company considered a blend between a full-sized media jukebox and a slim, flash-based music device. The finished A800 is slightly thicker than the iPod nano at 0.36 inches but uses a larger, 2-inch screen: the extra space provides for video in MPEG-4 or AVC (H.264) at full speed.
The battery life is also exceptional, according to Sony's claims, at 30 hours of continuous music and 8 hours of movies. The new Walkman reflects Sony's more open approach to audio formats and handles AAC, MP3, and WMA along with the Japanese firm's own ATRAC standard.
Available in Europe starting in April, the player will command a slight premium over Apple's player while sharing some of its color schemes. Both the 2GB A805 and 4GB A806 will ship in black, blue, pink, and white; the 8GB A808 will be available only in black or white. Prices are set at £120, £150, and £200 respectively, significantly higher than the prices of their American-made rivals. A US launch is expected for the line but hasn't been announced.
Still looking to the past
03/01, 09:05am reply
...and calling it a walkman...
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
Sony:
03/01, 09:13am reply
Good luck with that . . .
An iPod competitor, selling at higher prices than the already expensive iPod? It stands no chance at competing, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it disappear in less than a year.
e:leaf
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2006
battery life
03/01, 09:29am reply
how come sony's devices always have more juice? I used to play my sony md for a week without charging it. Is it something apple should be looking to improve?
hardcat1970
Senior User
Joined: May 2000
ATRAC
03/01, 10:00am reply
It seems they did learn from the ATRAC desaster after all. Nobody wants Sony's proprietary audio format so it's better for them to offer support for other formats as well. I seriously doubt they will reclaim the Walkman fame they once held.
doemel
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Joined: Jul 2006
battery life
03/01, 11:05am reply
yeah, why does the battery life always suck on Apple portable devs? I am sick of my PC friends talking about 20-30 hour battery life. I guess a lot of it has to be with Apple often leading the way with form factor and specialized parts to fit and so on. But they should really work on that battery life thing.
kinglou
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Joined: Sep 2002
Walkman battery life
03/01, 11:55am reply
The A800 *is* thicker than the nano, so they could possibly pack in a slightly bigger battery.
It might also have something to do with the codec used. Sony's rating is for 132Kbps ATRAC3, which might be better at squeaking out battery life.
Also: Sony has had players that could handle more than ATRAC for a year or two now. The nice thing here is that they just went straight to standards-only video playback instead of concocting a Sony-only video format.
Commodus
Mac Elite
Joined: Feb 2002
screen
03/01, 12:20pm reply
Does the object rotate to show wide-screen content on widescreen? If so, then there's an added plus to warrant a slightly higher price then the iPod.
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001
Sony Fake Battery Life
03/01, 01:19pm reply
Sony used to fudge the battery life numbers. THe immense # of hours you got were based on encoding ATRAC tracks at 48 kpbs ... yes 48! That might be okay for talking but for music? So, don't be so quick to believe the numbers.
jbelkin
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Joined: Sep 2003
battery life
03/01, 01:42pm reply
I know some of you are defending apple, and i am a die hard fan too. but has anyone actually use sony's devices? they do have better battery life and it is true that maybe they don't have something that in nano's size, but not many people need their mp3 player that tiny. I still see a lot of people carrying the ipod mini. For me i would trade size for a better battery life. I think apple is too concentrating on the form factor, look at their portable 1" thin but over 5 pounds and subpar battery life also.
hardcat1970
Senior User
Joined: May 2000
challenge?
03/01, 06:14pm reply
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
mymacluvsme
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Joined: Aug 2004