TJP

Thank you for your response Juli. I am loving this walkman, after just one day of use! Low bitrate podcasts like the ones found on ESPN (all seemingly are 32 kbps mp3's) sound many, many times better on the S618 vs. the iPod. Listening to TWiT yesterday on the Sony was brilliant too. As for music mp3's that I've ripped, there is simply no comparison. I was also looking at purchasing the NWZ-A818; I felt the S618 was better value given the inclusion of the FM radio. Video & pictures aren't anything I'm too concerned with, so the slightly smaller screen on the S618 didn't worry me. The Sony supplied trailer for "Surf's Up" did look great though. To be honest, both Sony models are excellent, as are the Atrac models such as your 808. The atrac models were what I was looking to buy when I bought my iPod but decided to forego the hassle of using SonicStage which I'd used on a CD based Walkman (and had a love/hate relationship with) for the resource hog iTunes instead! Cheers.

I just bought the 8GB model & its fantastic Changing from using an iPod for the last few years, I simply didn't realise just how inferior the iPods sound quality was until I directly compared it with my new Sony. I didn't end up buying mine from Sony Central, rather I bought from OS at around half of the R.R.P in Australia. Was in my hands within 3 working days too (thanks UPS). Just have to fettle the audio settings & perhaps upgrade my current headphones (Sony's MDR-G74SL) to something better. Cheers.

Thank you LG1 for the information. I might try my negotiation skills on Sony Central in Adelaide Cheers.

Hi, That is a great deal LG1. Was that from a bricks & mortar store or an internet store? I'd like to get a similar deal if possible. Cheers.

Hello all, My first post here I too have been looking at a Sony DAP to replace my iPod. The A80* series sure looks good although the Oz prices are quite steep compared to the rest of the world. I notice some posters refer to buying from the USA , so does anyone here have a preferred overseas based reseller for DAP's? I've found a UK based seller (Advanced MP3 Players) who ships world wide, but the Aussie dollar to GBP conversion makes purchasing from the UK a so-so proposition cost wise. Cheers.