Sony updates Walkman with technical face lift

By Kiran Divvela

Daily Arts Writer

I know you're sick of carrying that portable CD player around. Holding it as stiff as possible for fear it will skip during your favorite Limp Bizkit song is probably not the most pleasurable event. It's time to upgrade.

That's where Sony comes in. They've come out with a whole new line for Walkman that's bound to make you want to conspicuously consume. No, they aren't releasing any new tape players. Instead, they've revamped the entire Walkman name to include MiniDisc players, MP3 players, and a host of other electronics.

If you're looking to replace your old CD player and headphones, the combination of the MZ-R70PC MiniDisc player and the MDR-G82 street headphones is ideal. The MDR-G82 headphones are suited for behind the head style and also, have larger speakers than the previous standard headphones.

The MiniDisc player is geared for those who listen to MP3s. Its PC link makes it easier to transfer all audio files trapped in your computer onto minidisc. One of its best features is the labeling system that allows you to personalize names for each song. Also, if you're struggling to stay awake in your Psych 111 lecture, this can also function as a recorder, but a microphone is needed.

Although it was initially difficult to get used to all the functionality offered by the new MiniDisc player, after a few hours it seemed easy to record music from a wide variety of mediums. Editing the tracks is quite effortless after some time.

The size is the most alluring feature of the product. If you're someone who likes to have both your hands free while listening to music, than this is for you. However, if you want to stay in the age of music saturated with skips, hold onto your Stone Age listening device.