Shinji Ikeda

Excellent review. The NW-A800 series does seem to take a long time to get a full charge, but it does have the 3 minute 3 hour charge feature. My NW-S706 charges in what seems to be half the time as my NW-A808. AUTO means that for video playback that ZOOM video setting is AUTO zoom. Which can be FULL, AUTO or OFF.

You are definitely a power user . If you are changing your music selection you would need a player with the fastest transfer rate. You also, seem to using the highest bit rates. Is this correct? The only other option is to randomly transfer tracks to the player before going to bed, in that why you get a surprise in the morning. Other than that, with hesitation, I suggest you wait and see what Sony offers this October.

Yes, it is possible to sort tracks and then search using Composer in All Tracks view. Kerfuffle, thank you pointing this out. What is trying to be explained is how ID3v2 tag information used to manage tracks. A further clarification will be coming soon. There is no consistency between the audio formats that Network Walkman and Memory Stick can play. This is something that confuses me, and wish that Sony makes it the playable audio formats across all there devices that support ATRAC. You need to use Standard transfer mode and Convert to the specified format and transfer. Then select the bit rate that is require. On the PSP the I suggest using latest firmware, version 3.4. For those interested in homebrew application, you will have to decide which is more important. However, your setting seem correct.

About SonicStage 4.3 Quick Introduction: SonicStage 4.3 is a media manager for audio files on a computer's harddrives and ATRAC audio device. It can store CD audio files on a computer's hard drive by transcoding them into ATRAC, MP3 and other audio formats. SonicStage uses a library to keep reference to the location of the various files on the hard drive. During installation of the software, if allowed by the user, SonicStage can automatically search for audio files on a computer's hard drive to construct its library. After installation new files can be added to the library by various methods, which include dragging and dropping files into to the application. Included below is an overview, review and a users opinion of SonicStage 4.3. Older versions of may have these some of these features. Version 4.2 is basically the same as 4.3, but 4.3 has additional support of Windows Vista. Care must be take when upgrading to 4.2/4.3 since the library structure is different. Backup your music library on your ATRAC Audio Device (Sony branded DAP) and SonicStage library before performing any upgrade. Overview: SonicStage uses the ID3v2 tag information to organize the tracks in its library and on the ATRAC audio device. This application does not use folders to determine how the files are organized. To some using folders to organize audio files has great advantages, but is a waste of the ID3v2 tags. This may infringe on organizing files later, but this may be incorrect. SonicStage can be used to update the ID3v2 tag information, and add it if missing. This program uses Artist, Title, Album, and Genre, but unfortunately does not use composer. Release Year is only used with the ATRAC audio device's that support this feature. When Artist, Title, Album, Release Year and other ID3v2 tag information is change, the application updates this information in the corresponding file. The ID3v2 tag structure can be added to audio files that have none, and missing information can also be added. The integration of GraceNotes CD Data Base (formerly CDDB) into the program also allow provides another method of updating the ID3v2 tag information. SonicStage can also rename files so that the title and the file name are identical. If the title of a song is changed to "My favourite song", the file will be renamed to "My favourite song.mp3". This adds additional flexibility when managing audio files. With the NW-S700/S600/E010/A800 series and other network Walkman that support Album art the images can be in JPG, PNG or GIF format. Images can be imported either by searching for the file or by dragging and dropping the image into SonicStage. If a track does not have album art in the ID3v2 tag this will be update the file accordingly. The highest learning curve on SonicStage is understanding how tracks and albums work. Most software does exactly what the user tell it to do, and some times unfortunately is unforgiving if a mistake is made. The previous statement is half true. Care must be taken when updating albums in SonicStage. Changes to the album will case the corresponding information to be changed for all tracks. This includes Album art, but SonicStage prompts the user if this is what they would like. However, a track and album can have multiple album art. SonicStage supports a feature call compilation, which allow greater freedom but more work in managing audio files. Tracks are based and organizes on an Artist/Album pair, where artist is identical for all song in that album. By making an album a compilation allows different arts on be on the same album. Compilation also allow each track to have different album art. SonicStage addressing not organizing audio files using folders, by allow the creation of playlist. These playlist are similar to album, but does not require that the playlist be tags as a compilation. This allow some additional flexibility, but requires the user to manually organize the tracks in SonicStage. Impression: SonicStage uses the ID3v2 information from audio files to help them. This program is a good resource for adding and updating ID3v2 tags. Additionally, SonicStage will add album art to audio files. It is possible to use SonicStage to rename files to the name of the title of a track. This is a excellent feature for those that want to manage their libraries outside of SonicStage. SonicStage also supports drag-and-drop into the application. Both audio files and album art can be dragged-and-dropped. Also, it is possible to drop folders. However, SonicStage will not import image files using this method, and will only import audio files. As stated above SonicStage will not use the name of the folder as an album, but will use the ID3v2 tags instead. When renaming a the title of a track SonicStage can rename the file. The track number is also appended to the front of the file. This feature by default is disenabled. This is my favourite feature, which by default is turned off. The current versions of Windows support long file names, so it is recommended that this be selected on. If arrangement of songs based on Song Title, album, artist, genre or release year is not need then stay away from SonicStage. This is what SonicStage is designed for. Many may prefer drop-and-drop, but unfortunately this is not what consumers really want. Consumer really want quick transferring to there media players, with not copyright restrictions. A criticism SonicStage is slow, there is a reason for this. The speed of SonicStage is determined by the operation that the software is doing, and what other programs are running. The speed of can be influence if it is converting files, search the Internet, or other functions. Sony has decided that giving users additional features with their Network Walkman is worth sacrificing speed. These some of features can be turned off, others can not. The default setting in SonicStage is to convert imported CD files and transferred audio files ATRAC. It is good that SonicStage now natively supports MP3, AAC, and WMA files. Transcoding always takes times. However when converted these files will be copied to the Network Walkman in less time. It is very important to continue to manage files within SonicStage after they have been imported. It is even more important to manage your files before importing then by using folders. This program uses single letter directory names for moving folders. If older are moved without SonicStage, then errors will occur. The only method to correct this is to replace the missing folder, or use SonicStage move the files. This is an obvious pain because of the reason stated above. Unless space is limited on the hard drive do not delete files. It would be great if SonicStage transfers songs based on the order in My Library or track number. SonicStage seems to transfer files based on the date the file was created, which can be quite annoying. There is a work around, but requires the files to be transferred individually or in chunks. Conclusion: Unfortunately, SonicStage CP 4.3 does exactly what the user tells it to do like all software. One feature of SonicStage is that it is an ID3 tag editor. Care must be taken when renaming any ID3 tag information. I am unaware of other software, but SonicStage uses the ID3 tag Information to organize tracks. Albums in SonicStage are really groups/containers. Thus, changing ID3 tag information for an Album will change the same information for a track or reset that information. A warning SonicStage is case sensitive and considers extra spaces as significant characters. SonicStage is the only way to get some features on the current batch of Network Walkmans to work. One feature of SonicStage is that it is an ID3 tag editor. This is what SonicStage CP 4.3 is designed to be. Care must be taken when renaming any of the properties in albums or for tracks, since SonicStage will edit the corresponding ID3 tag information. I am unaware of other software, but SonicStage uses the ID3 tag information to organize tracks. Albums in SonicStage are really groups/containers. Thus, changing ID3 tag information for an Album will change the same information for a track or reset that information. A warning SonicStage is case sensitive and considers extra spaces as significant characters. Understanding this will greatly improve your experience and allow you to get used to this software. It is hard to understand some complaints about SonicStage, when it is obvious that the reviewers have not tried the more recent versions of the software. SonicStage does have some problems, as is found with all software, but these issues are never mentioned by the reviews. The Goods: Updating ID3v2 information in Files, and renaming files. Support drag and drop of audio files and album/cover art. Imports AAC and HE-AAC, PCM(WAV), WMA and MP3 files (this includes from CDs). Changes need/Wish list: Unicode Interface Support of many Languages Inclusion of an RSS reader/manager Better management of files on ATRAC Audio Device and in library. A feature to remove original files from library when converted to ATRAC formats Undo/roll back feature Import ATRAC CD

Hello Rob A., Hopefully you are using the latest version of SonicStage. That will be version 4.2/4.3. This is how SonicStage can seem strange. By checking the properties of a converted track, under the File Info tab, you should see two file formats. One format for MP3 and another for ATRAC. If you were to delete the MP3 file then it will be removed from your computer at the path indicated in location. This will result in under file type for ATRAC3plus to be listed. I have not been able to extensively test this, but this is how SonicStage works. When a converted track is transferred using Standard transfer mode, SonicStage will transfer the MP3 file. However, if converted track is transferred using Specified bit rate mode, SonicStage will not convert it if it is the same type (ATRAC3 Vs ATRAC3plus). How do I get my library to show all my ATRAC3plus converted files and not the original MP3s? You will have to backup all your original MP3s by copying the to a different folder (this could be a sub-folder). Then you must manually delete all 474 tracks. I wish there was an earlier way. Relating to the ID tags you should be using the most recent version of SonicStage as listed above. One last question. What hardware are you using that has this problem?

What version of SonicStage are you trying to install? If it is not version 4.3, download it from your Country's Sony support site.

I hope that someone will be able to test this for you. I will try, but I will give you more information such as the number of files etc. Someone people say the transfer file is reasonable. The NW-A800 series player uses a Hi-speed USB 2.0 instead of Full-speed USB 1.1. Your could wait and see what new players Sony releases later this year. Sony has seemed to be release several new lines of Network Walkmans over the past year.

More functionality would be great. Even though this is an excellent player to begin with.

Hello Kith, I really never thought about this before. To automatically update the files on your NW-A808 does not exist in SonicStage. You would have to manually delete your files from your player. Either in your player or in SonicStage before you transfer your new tracks. However, it is possible to delete the dynamic playlist from the player then transfer it again. The ability to have a randomly selected tracks on your NW-A808 each time you sync would be great. We should place the dynamic play list Random-Update Sync on our wish list for the next SonicStage.

There have been complaints about some having these exact problems with their NW-A800 series players . So those who have the Sony NW-A805/A806/A808 models there is a solution to your problems.

Unfortunately, CNET does not present any information on what are the discrepancies with SonicStage. Nor do they present any information on the advantages of using SonicStage. The reviewer presents the review as though they are being objective, but as stated above presents nothing to support this. CNET states that the One of our favourite NW-S705F features is the Intelligent Shuffle control, which creates shuffled playlists tied to a common theme--such as the year the song was released, or a common genre. CNET fails to recognize that some of the Intelligent Shuffle features, such as My Favourite Shuffle and Artist Link Shuffle, are only available when using SonicStage. CNET assails SonicStage without realizing this fact. It appears that CNET did not review the current version of SonicStage that was supplied with this player. I do not think SonicStage is the best software out there for its intended purpose. However, there are advantages to using SonicStage. Not presenting this information suggests that they are basing their judgement on a previous products, which is not objective but subjective. The statement Sony uses a proprietary method for storing and organizing music on the player, preventing any kind of drag-and-drop music transfers. Is deceptively wrong. It is hard to understand what they are trying to say. They do not present the advantages of using different types of interfaces to transfer music to the player. SonicStage manages the music on your computer. What ever the format (WMA, ACC or MP3) that the music in does not require to be stored in ATRAC format. Additionally, iTunes is the only way of getting music on the iPod (I may be incorrect about this fact). However, when CNET reviewed an iPod-nano they presented features about iTunes. For the review of the NW-S705F they present nothing, and seem to be rehashing a previous conclusion about SonicStage. This action is biased. The popularity of the product or anything is irrelevant when pressing an objective view. SonicStage may be disliked by many people, but assailing a product and not demonstrating that you reviewed it is as biased act. Straight and simple. Biased means that you did not present an objective argument. With this review it leaves it up to the reader to decide what is bad about SonicStage. If you do not like a product and present an objective view I may not agree with you, but I will accept you argument. CNET did not do this. I like most reader, expect professional reviewers like CNET do the work that is required when reviewing a product. I have a more comprehensive knowledge of the software that the reviewer. This should not be the case, there is no excuses for this.

I should really try iTunes to see what all the accolades are for. I however have tested the iPod nano, and would agree with ceres on the rating of the NW-S705F compared to the iPod nano. Unfortunately, for CNET they do not know how SonicStage works and biased. "Sony (not surprisingly[sic]) uses a proprietary method for storing and organizing music on the player, preventing any kind of drag-and-drop music transfers." This is only half true and distorts how SonicStage really works. It is obvious that they did not review SonicStage, but more previewed it. Other than that issue CNET's review seem well balance, but I am just as leery about CNET's reviews.

Cross fading is when the volume of the current track is reduced, while the volume of the next track increases. A pause is when playback stops then continues, this can be due to changing tracks. A gap is an artifact for how the audio file was created, where is a period of silence at the end or the beginning of a track. Three different technological issues. It is good to have a wish list of feature that future players will have. For cross fading to work multiple tracks (memory locations) must be read and combined into one track. It would be a technological headache for the designer. Cross fading would be more of an issue than a feature, such as memory leakage.

Stand-by-mode/Sleep-mode. After stopping play, the NW-S706 enters sleep-mode in about 5 seconds. Thus, I would have to assume it was in Sleep mode when my items when through the x-ray. I have never heard of any problems with flash players having technical problems after being screened before a flight.

The recording with the cable is one feature that I forgot about. The NW-A800 series does not support this feature.

I have traveled with my NW-S706 and had absolutely no problem. It worked perfectly during my plane flight. Your NW-A808 should be fine. Just remember to change it before you start your travels.

I have both models, and find that they have different uses. Some uses are better for the NW-S706, while others for the NW-S800 series models. The important thing is to seriously think about what you want to use the Walkman for. By selling the NW-S706 you will be giving up noise cancellation, and the FM radio. Are those features important to you? I find the NW-S706 earies to operate with one hand, and that it does not require my full attention. Is there a market for someone who uses eBay and views the NW-S706 to expensive? Yes. Even at the best condition, I would not expect anyone to pay more than half the original price. You may get more. However, If you can get a price that satisfies you for the NW-S706, then get a NW-A800 series model.

You could try uninstalling SonicStage and reinstalling SonicStage. The drivers for the NW-A808 should be include with the CD that includes SonicStage. It is correct to assume that the upgrade to Windows Vista Home Premium was only a software upgrade.

One feature of SonicStage is that it is an ID3 tag editor. This is what SonicStage CP 4.3 is designed to be. Care must be taken when renaming any of the properties in albums or for tracks, since SonicStage will edit the corresponding ID3 tag information. I am unaware of other software, but SonicStage uses the ID3 tag information to organize tracks. Albums in SonicStage are really groups/containers. Thus, changing ID3 tag information for an Album will change the same information for a track or reset that information. A warning SonicStage is case sensitive and considers extra spaces as significant characters. Understanding this will greatly improve your experience and allow you to get used to this software. There are different software that may work with the NW-A800 but you will lose some features on the player.

IMO I think the iPod has evolved more into a fashion statement. I generally stay away from salespeople, unless I have gotten good service from them. Too many salespeople are less informed about I product than I would like. If a salesperson can not tell me the pro and cons of purchasing a product, then I don't trust their opinion. The iPod became popular strictly through a new marketing technique. Apple has been the most successful using this technique. A compromise always has to be made when a purchase is being made. Anyways, thanks for the mini review.

Yeah. Keep that a secret. Thank you for the pictures, and welcome to the community. I would have to say that, Sony makes sexy players. Ooops, that was already said.

100 Million iPod have sold worldwide. The extra cost is a statement, like Think Different .

I have noticed that with the leather case that you have to clean the screen on the NW-A800 series more often. More for the removal of dust. (1) SonicStage CP 4.3 allow you to have advance mode and simple mode. The player has to be in advance mode to allow SonicStage to take advantage of some of the advance features such as Favourite 100 (please see number 2). (2) I am unaware what feature iTunes has or does not have. I removed it from my computer after I realized it go installed with QuickTime. Here are the candies that you get with SonicStage and NW-A800 in advanced mode. - Favourite 100. This is your favourite 100 Songs. This is a ranking in descending order of the top 100 songs played in descending order. - NW-A800 has 5 customizable playlists called bookmarks. You can change the order of the items in a bookmark. It is also possible to import bookmarks into SonicStage (which is given a time stamp when imported Bookmark 1 2007/05/13 08:53:56). Playlist transferred from SonicStage order can not be changed, however. - Playback history that gets updated everytime the NW-A800 is connected to your computer while SonicStage is running. This is only updated when you sellect transfer to ATRAC Audio Device in SonicStage. There is one playback history for each day, with the songs in the exact order that they were played. If a song is played multiple times in a row, it will appear only once. - SonicStage supports dynamic playlist. I do not know if this is transferable to the NW-A800. - The NW-A800 supports payback of a specific range based on -- Album, Artist, Genre, Release Year, Rating -- Recent Transfer (3 most, 2 most, most) -- Playlist (bookmarks 1-5, SonicStage created playlist, Favourite 100, Play history) - Playback can be sorted by any of the above when playback range is changed to All Range from Selected Range. Hey I am happy if they are missing out . When consumers realize that there are good alternative, then they will make their next purchase based on being a informative consumer. No one said the iPod was horrible, did they .

My head is about to explode . I also thought that the display on the NW-E010 series was OLEC. I decided to do some digging because of the conflicting information. I was trying to see the similarities between LCD and OLEC. On the SonyStyle Japan site the display for the NW-E010 series is listed as have a colour LCD [えきしょう　液晶~ekishyou]. The Display is indeed a colour LCD display and not OLEC. Sony like many manufacturers make some changes to the specification on new products they are releasing. It can be frustrating in a wired world, when old information about a product. It is very suprising the Sony place a LCD in a NW-E series Walkman, but the NW-S700/S600 series seem to have longer battery life. So it seems that Sony is serious about re-establishing the Walkman brand with there current line of Network Walkman. Doomlordis, Did Sony include a contrast or brightness setting on your new Walkman? Oh-ya, like the review.

Clarification: The blue is actually violet. This is the name Sony has given to it that colour. It is darker than you would expect, but is suppose to be a very popular colour. Violet NW-E016 The colour that you see on your computer screen is not the true colour. The NW-A800 series in Japan come in boxes that have a violet at its base. This is the closest shade of blue that matches the colour of the violet NW-E010 series. My suggestion is to go to your local Sony Walkman reseller, and get a look at the box the NW-A800 comes in. You can also look at the box for the NW-S600/S700 series, but the boxes are shinier. If the blue/purple on the box appeals to you then this is the colour that will get when you order the violet NW-E016.