Prelude

The NW-MS70D has replaced the discontinued NW-MS11. 256MB of storage (actually 512MB with ATRAC3plus), titanium shell, and updated style is featured with the new model. Please read my review:
http://www.epinions.com/content_103928598148

The MZ-N10 has replaced the discontinued MZ-N1. On the new flagship NetMD Walkman is updated style, higher transfer rates, and a more petite, lighter body. Please read my review:
http://www.epinions.com/content_100427140740

Introduction

The NW-MS9's countenance has not been changed. It was so beautiful that Sony decided to recycle the look. The NW-MS11 is the only MP3 player that is completely metallic. This is the most visually appealing portable audio device on the market (due in part to the proven scientific attraction of the Sony logo); sure to catch the eye of anyone walking past.

The unit is silver in color due to its aluminum shell. This adds a level of sophistication and appearance not found in any other high-end audio player on the market. It is the world's first MP3 player to incorporate ultra-lightweight aluminum metal. The Network Walkman will last forever - even in the harshest conditions from blazing heat to abusive handling.

Bundled with the NW-MS11 you will find a 128MB memory stick, OpenMG version 2.2, USB cable, removable 10-hour NiMH rechargeable battery, charger, and ear-bud stereo headphones.

A New Generation of Memory Stick

Memory Stick is a miniature card-like device used to store digital images and music files. Since it’s backed by a company as prevalent as Sony and is compatible with literally thousands of devices, it’s the next-generation media of choice. More people use Memory Stick than SD or Compact Flash. If you’re using another format, there couldn’t be a better time to switch.

This February, a new wave of Memory Stick will reach American stores. Among the arsenal are the acclaimed 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB Memory Stick PRO. Hmm. Other companies have already reached these landmark capacities. You might say that Sony is behind, but au contraire, it’s eons ahead of the competition. You see, Memory Stick PRO is the only media capable of recording real-time, DVD quality video and lightspeed transfer rates of 160Mbps. Just as remarkable is Sony’s new MagicGate Memory Stick DUO. At one-third the volume and half the weight of original Memory Stick media, the new cards will allow Sony to make smaller portable audio devices and wireless phones.

Software

The NW-MS11 is not an MP3 player; the user must convert MP3 files to ATRAC3 through the use of the supplied OpenMG software. This conversion is very speedy- 10 seconds per song on average. OpenMG is a software program sponsored by Sony. It allows you to import downloaded music into the program and send it directly to your Memory Stick Walkman. The transfer 32X rate is extremely fast and allows the user to write 2 hours of digital music to the player in 3.75 minutes. Also, OpenMG functions as a digital jukebox, web browser, and CD player. ATRAC3 codec is supported. This allows the user to save CD audio tracks to the computer's hard drive.

Sound

The ear-bud stereo headphones (MDR-E838) included with this MP3 player are state-of-the-art. Separately, they would retail for around $30. Since they contain a 16-millimeter driver rather than the more conventional 30-millimeter, they are more comfortable and produce more accurate treble tones. The only downside of a smaller driver is less bass and low frequency sound output. Still, the sound range of the MDR-E838 is 10-22,000Hz - an all inclusive audible range. Many people prefer ear-bud headphones to conventional headphones because they are lighter, more portable, and less noticeable (in situations in which a person may not be allowed to listen to music).

Ease of Use

As soon as you pick this unit up, you will notice that the controls and buttons are placed both ergonomically and logically. The NW-MS11 is certainly the easiest MP3 player to use; you will be able to operate it smoothly with your eyes closed. Instead of using conventional buttons, the NW-MS11 has a seesaw button located on the right side of the unit. This button allows the user to begin play, skip to the next track, repeat the current track, or pause play with the touch of a switch. No more feeling around for the right button in the dark or even having to look at the player to operate. This feature is exclusive to Sony's product and gives the NW-MS11 an edge over every player on the market. (In the picture provided above, you will see the switch in the upper left corner of the device).

Also the display of the NW-MS11 is backlit by an attractive blue light. This allows you to see the screen, what song is playing, battery life, etc. in total darkness.

Durability

The indestructible NM-MS11 will certainly last you a lifetime. It is coated in a very expensive magnesium composite that is scratch-resistant and as durable as steel. I have dropped the player on several occasions, but there is not a mark on it to tell, and it still works perfectly.

Portability

The unit was ingeniously designed to fit perfectly in most hands with its ergonomic shape. Its dimensions are 36 x 81.4 x 14.1mm, and it weighs only 2.4 grams even with the battery inserted. Both the size and weight factors give the NW-MS11 a perfect portability score.

Battery Life

The removable cell is a wonderful innovation over the NW-MS7 because it allows the user to infinitely augment the unit's playback time (10 hours) with the purchase of more. Sony engineers classify it under gum-stick style because it is the same shape and size as a stick of gum. This adds to the overall appearance and sophistication of the audio player. In addition, rechargeable cells are much more economical than those that are not rechargeable. The charger recharges the cell of the MS11 in about seven hours.

However, there is a problem with the battery life indicators on some models. The notches on the screen deplete quickly and do not accurately represent how much power remains in the cell. If this occurs, the user should remove the cell then turn the battery so that the upper side is facing down. This is a very minor issue present in only the NW-MS11s shipped in April 2002.

System Requirements

IBM PC/AT or Compatible
OS: Windows? 98, Windows? 98SE, Windows? 2000 Professional, Windows? Millennium Edition, Windows? XP Home Edition and Windows? XP Professional
CPU: Pentium? MMX?, 233 MHz or higher
RAM: 64 MB or greater
Hard Disk Drive Space: 60MB or greater
USB Port
CD-ROM (Internal/External)
Sound Board

Conclusion

Purchase the NW-MS11 today; it is simply the best that money can buy!

For more information, consult the official Sony website at:

www.sonystyle.com