Ishiyoshi

--> Check this funky MDS-S40 deck.

Update: For those interested, click here for the MDR-XD400 pictorial.

MDR-XD400 Specifications Headphone Type: Closed, dynamic Driver: 50mm, dome type Power Handling Capacity: 3,000mW (IEC) Impedance (Ohms): 24 at 1 kHz Sensitivity (dB): 106 Frequency (Hz): 5-30,000 Weight (g): 260 Diaphragm: Long Stroke Magnet: Neodymium (360kJ/m3) Earpads: Urethane Leather and Low Dispersion Cord: OFC single sided, 2.5m texture type cord Plug: Straight stereo unimatch plug (gold) one touch Frequency Response: Double band with parallel link free-adjust mechanism Color Variety: Black only Headband: Sound Mode - Music/Move switch Supplied Accessories: Unimatch plug adapter plug-in type (gold) and Extension cord (2.5m). <HR noShade SIZE=1> * Please post your queries and related discussion pertaining to the XD400 at Damage Reviews: Sony MDR-XD400.

Answers: --> 1) The included earphone is just the typical Sony MDR-838SP stock buds; nothing special. The cords are not excessively long (inclusive of the remote cords). To be honest, I didn't even bother to try the included stock buds; they are likely to be very mediocre. --> 2) G-sense Sensing Area Settings: Thumb operation --> this setting works best when holding the unit with one hand and operating it with your thumb. Flat --> response is evenly distributed over the button area. --> 3) Yes, it is plausible. --> 4) Unfortunately, you can't play games with the VAIO Pocket. --> 5) If you purchase Japanese music (either by individual song or albums) from Mora, album covers are already embedded in the song itself. Since, I prefer ATRAC3+ 256kbps, I usually assign/add album covers to Japanese songs manually via SonicStage. --> 6) You can import either format onto the VAIO Pocket. --> 7) There is definitely difference in sound quality between ATRAC3/3+ and Mp3s. To be fair, the choice between both formats is relative to one's listening requirement. So, I would suggest you run a search within this forum or elsewhere for more in-depth information regarding sound quality and conversion. Personally, I prefer ATRAC3+ because I require gapless playback and I usually convert to ATRAC3+ direct from my CDs. Thus, no hassle at all. --> 8) You can definitely return the device if it's defective. In addition, you can also purchase extended warranty to protect your investment. --> 9) It has been six month since the last firmware update. Let's pray Sony VAIO will continue to update the device. * I will try titling in Korean as soon as I can. Alright... you better go get the VAIO Pocket now.

I do have the service manual. However, it does not provide any service mode info - just the typical schematics and part numbers for the VAIO Pocket.

Send Sony DAPC a detail request. They should be able to provide you with the appropriate part number; otherwise, purchase a service manual from Sony DAPC so you can locate the part number you seek.

Pertaining to: Device Authorization via the Music Service *the information below is a copy from your SonicStage Help Data Tracks managed by SonicStage (tracks imported from a CD, imported from your computer's hard disk, and/or tracks purchased and downloaded from the Internet) can be transferred to an ATRAC Audio Device (including an ATRAC HDD, hereafter called "device") for further enjoyment. By authorizing your device via the online music service used by SonicStage, you can seamlessly transfer tracks between multiple computers and devices. When a device is first connected to a computer with SonicStage installed, a dialog box appears that allows you to decide whether or not to authorize the device via the music service. Authorizing a device via the music service By authorizing a device via the music service, a track downloaded from a computer to the device can then be transferred to another computer. When a device is first connected to a computer with SonicStage installed, a dialog box appears automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize your device via the music service. *Hint: If device authorization is not performed with this dialog box, then track transfer is only allowed between the device and the computer it is connected to. Tracks cannot be transferred to another computer or other devices. A device being used without authorization can be authorized via the music service later at a later time. Refer to the next section, "Manually authorizing a device via the music service". Manually authorizing a device via the music service If you did not use the dialog box to authorize the device via the music service the first time, then you can follow the procedure below to authorize the device manually. 1) Connect the ATRAC Audio Device to your computer. "ATRAC Audio Device" is displayed in the Transfer Destination list in the upper right of the screen. Hint: when the "Automatic Transfer Settings" dialog box appears, click "Cancel" to close the dialog box. 2) Click "Transfer". The screen switches to the Transfer (ATRAC Audio Device) screen. 3) Click "Device/Media Info" under "Device/Media" in the "Edit" menu. The "Device/Media Properties" dialog box (ATRAC Audio Device) appears. 4) Click the "Authorize" button. 5) Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize a device via the music service. Sharing tracks among multiple computers through a device You can also cancel a device's authorization with the music service. Sharing tracks among multiple computers through a device Tracks transferred to a device that has been authorized via the music service can then be transferred to computers other than the source computer. Tracks purchased and downloaded from the music service and other music files imported using SonicStage 2.1 or later (OpenMG Audio files) can be shared between an authorized device among other computers authorized via the music service. To transfer a track from the source computer to another computer, connect the device to the destination computer. *Note: The destination computer must also have SonicStage installed. In addition, the destination computer must be authorized via the music service under the same account as the source computer. Canceling device authorization with the music service The following procedure allows you to cancel device authorization with the music service. 1) Connect the ATRAC Audio Device to your computer. "ATRAC Audio Device" is displayed in the Transfer Destination list in the upper right of the screen. Hint: When the "Automatic Transfer Settings" dialog box appears, click "Cancel" to close the dialog box. 2) Click "Transfer". The screen switches to the Transfer (ATRAC Audio Device) screen. 3) Click "Device/Media Info" under "Device/Media" in the "Edit" menu. The "Device/Media Properties" dialog box (ATRAC Audio Device) appears. 4) Click the "De-authorize" button. Follow the on-screen instructions to cancel authorization with the music service. *Hint: You can also cancel the device that has been authorized by initializing the connected device through SonicStage. (Refer to the SonicStage help for details.) During initialization, a request notification is sent to the music service to cancel authorization. For this reason, the computer must be connected to the Internet during initialization of the device.

I believe the System Information Restore Tool resolves issues with music files that have been rendered unplayable for some reason, such as by the System Restore feature in Win XP. So, I am not certain if this tool will faciliate authorization of your ATRAC Audio Device - Network Walkman. *Which Network Walkman do you have? When you have a Internet Security utility such as PC-Cillin or Microsoft's Internet Security, you can manually enable a specific utility to access your net infrastructure. Since you are not behind a firewall, this does not apply to you. I am not sure why you can't run SonicStage System Information Restore Tool properly. Perhaps someone else with similar experience can provide you with a better solution.

Are you behind a firewall? You may need to manually enable objsir.exe to access your net connection.

Welcome to MDCF! The System Information Restore Tool - Ojbsir.exe is located in your SonicStage folder --> C:\Program Files\Sony\SonicStage

Band of Brothers. An awe inspiring profound drama depicting the Easy Company.

Welcome to MDCF! It is plausible to say that your unit's battery module is damaged. Try and locate your nearest Sony Service Center or an authorized Sony Repair Center; and send the unit for repair accordingly. If you need directions, please let us know.

The G-Sense button is somewhat sensitive. However, there are two settings to the G-Sense - Thumb operation and Flat - and its sensitivity is relative to the size of your fingers. In my case, I used "Flat" settings, which makes navigation thru the G-Sense buttons easy compared to the "Thumb operation." As for its size, I thought my size comparison pictures was clear - comparison with the RH10, TDK BitClub and D-777. Regardless, I can confirm that the author of the VAIO Pocket review is correct - the size of the VAIO Pocket is no longer (inclusive of length and width) than a mouse such as the Logitech MX700. Let me know if you need more comparative pictorial. As for the VAIO Pocket's dimensions: VFG-AP1L, 40GB model: Approx. 4.6 x 2.5 x 0.8 inches (115.2 x 63.3 x 20.4 mm) (w/h/d) *[widest part: 1.1 inches (27mm) VFG-AP1, 20GB model: Approx. 4.6 x 2.5 x 0.7 inches (115.2 x 63.3 x 17.2 mm) (w/h/d) *[widest part: 1.1 inches (27mm) As for weight distribution, it is not top heavy in any sense. Bear in mind, there’s a LCD and HDD module in the middle and the other end of the device to offset the battery’s weight should it be of any significance. Mass: VGF-AP1L, 40GB model: Approx. 7.4 oz. (210g) VGF-AP1, 20GB model: Approx. 6.9 oz. (195g)

Welcome to MDCF! I will try and be precise as possible with the answers: --> 1) No problem whatsoever. I have the VAIO Pocket since last December and have yet to experience any problems with either software: SonicStage or VAIO Music Move/Music Transfer. --> 2) Yes, you can view lyrics of the song in question; but I have yet to try this feature - for your information, you can manually input the lyrics via SonicStage. --> 3) Yes, the VAIO Pocket supports Japanese and Chinese text; and you can title them manually via SonicStage if needed. *I have yet to try Korean text - will try it shortly. Please drop me a pm as reminder. --> 4) I believe you can get the VAIO Pocket for $250 from ecost; and Ubid.com had listings of the VAIO Pocket for about $230-250 two weeks ago. --> 5) If you are in the US, I suggest you should just acquire the US version. The only difference is its capacity. Japanese version: VGF-AP1, 20GB; US/Canadian version: VGF-AP1L, 40GB; European [AEP/UK] version: VGF-AP1, 20GB/AP1L, 40GB; International [Asian/Oceania/South Africa] version: VGF-AP1, 20GB. --> 6) It is plausible to state that its playback does not skip or shake if you will when you use it in the gym; however, I do not take the VAIO Pocket out for a run. --> 7) The decline in its retail value is a culmination of various factors - one being the release of new devices such as the NW-HD5. --> 8) You can certainly create playlist on the main unit itself, but not on the PC or SonicStage. Cheers, Ishii

11,000 already? Most brilliant. Congratulations!

Finally.... the $16 XD400 catch from eBay is here. Initial impressions: I am currently listening to Charlie Parker with the D-777 and I have to say that I am pleasantly amazed. The XD400 certainly handled the saxophone in a balanced, detailed manner - no murkiness so to speak. I shall drive the headphone further and post a pictorial accordingly. Damage... thanks for the thorough review once again! I thought I was just a MD collector... now my headphones collection is growing as well.

Hero is definitely not Zhang Yimou's best film. Nonetheless, it is visually impeccable.

@ WillBailey: Try this simple solution if you have yet to: click here.

Perhaps after your review.

Most brilliant indeed! I shall move this thread over to "Product Reviews/Pictorials" once you update the thread accordingly. Looking forward to your review.

Heh... sure thing... more queries the merrier it is. Answers: --> 1) Playback time is relative to one's settings. 20hrs is definitely plausible. --> 2) Power source: either from AC Adaptor or the lithium-ion rechargeable battery; does not draw power via USB. --> 3) The VAIO Pocket employs another sort of lithium-ion rechargeable battery; I believe it cost about $51. --> 4) No problems with Mp3s of 320kbps. --> 5) The VAIO Pocket case with wrist band shown in my pictorial is an optional accessory. --> 6) Yes, the VAIO Pocket can be used as an external portable HDD; serving as portable media. Just make sure you bring along its cradle - the VAIO Pocket is dependent to its cradle for USB connection.

The Japanese model is perfectly fine; no problems with the alphabet/titling issue.

I believe it does. I will upload the files soon for your convenience. Update: check with the main post of this thread.

Yes, this apply for mass-storage purpose; you can still copy music files in a drag-and-drop manner using explorer but you can't playback those files with the VAIO Pocket. As for music files transferred with SonicStage, you can't transfer them back to the PC.

You can view album covers either by "Jacket" or "Album"; and select your desired albums accordingly from these options. I believe ratings of songs are assigned according to its playback frequency. I don't believe you can sort ratings manually.