Sony introduces the Walkman "Bean" line..

[Christopher]

Click on images to enlarge them..

[photos courtesy of spex]

Super high resolution images are available here.

From the offical Sony PR wire:

Expanding on its line of Walkman® digital music players, Sony Electronics today announced a new series of flash-based devices sure to be a feast for the ears as well as the eyes.

Bright and colorful, the compact NW-E300-series sport a sassy design and come in such tasty colors as coconut white, tropical ice blue, cotton candy pink and licorice black.

The new Walkman Bean™ models are available in 512 MB and 1 GB capacities with a built-in FM tuner. They also feature the long battery life, quick-charge function and brilliant displays people have come to expect from Sony Walkman digital audio players.

"These new players incorporate our most coveted features in a fresh design that's unlike anything in the market today," said Kelly Davis, senior product manager for portable audio at Sony Electronics. "They're a playful and easy way to enjoy digital music; just looking at them makes you want to smile."

The devices easily play back both MP3 and ATRAC3®/3plus™ music files, in addition to supporting WMA and WAV formats. They are compatible with Sony's Connect™ online music store and include SonicStage® software to import, manage and transfer music collections.

The brilliant OEL (organic electroluminescence) display is light and bright, making it easy to view track and title information. To offer even greater utility, the display can easily change orientation to satisfy left-handed and right-handed music lovers alike. And a time/calendar function conveniently displays the time and date.

For added convenience, the players have a pop-up USB jack that connects directly to a PC for charging and transferring music. They provide up to 50 hours of continuous playback on a rechargeable battery and feature a quick-charge function that enables about three hours of playback on a time-saving, three-minute charge. In fact, an 80% charge can be obtained in about 45 minutes.

Available in October online at SonyStyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores and at authorized dealers nationwide, the 300-series Walkman Bean players will come supplied with color coordinating earbuds. Pre-orders begin today at www.sony.com/bean.

The NW-E305 model will be offered in white or blue with 512 MB of capacity for about $130. The 1 GB NW-E307 model will come in a choice of pink or black for about $180.

This unit is also the first USB2.0 ATRAC device released by Sony. Finally!

Originally revealed by a friend at Minidisc Community Forums.

[veezhun]

this is the device!!! in built USB. no need for a cable.. OLED screen.. cheap and amazing battery life... i wanted the 407 but now i will buy the 207 instead when it is released!!

is it just me or is mr stringer's elevation having some drastic changes within the organization??

[Christopher]

Drastic changes indeed. Personally, I'm not very fond in regards to the design of this unit. My girlfriend really seemed to like it and expressed interest in obtaining one. It's so tiny!

[imagine_]

I hope they release some better accessories for the nw-e407 soon, considering this new unit comes with a great carrying cover.

[pata2001]

Interesting, especially that this is announced by Sony UK, but not available on Sony Japan web site. I wish they make 2GB version of it. Yeah, the built-in USB is welcomed, making the device more useful as a USB mass storage. Hopefully they are full USB2.0 compliant.

[Christopher]

I have strict confirmation that this unit is definitely USB2.0, a first for Sony.

[jonny mac]

I'm surprised to see this so hot on the heels of the 10x/40x/50x models. I'd have to say it's cute but the 40x/50x ones look nicer and have a three line display which sets them apart. I think it's a bit strange that only the 512MB version has the option of an FM radio - why not the 1GB deluxe version?

I wonder if these will play the new ATRAC bit-rates..?

[Rumz]

It'd be kinda silly if they didn't play the new bitrates seeing as it comes bundled with SS 3.2... but who knows, stranger things have happened....

I'd like to see how small they really are and how much they'll cost...

[Leon]

i wanted the 407 but now i will buy the 207 instead when it is released!!

is it just me or is mr stringer's elevation having some drastic changes within the organization??

←

407, 207.. my mind drifted off to Frenchie car land for a while

The Connect Company was set up within Sony in late 2004. Many critics think that, due to the timing, it had no influence on the HD5 and E10x/40x/50x. So this could be the first product from Sony's restructuring/post-Idei phase.

The most pressing matter at Sony now is their sagging TV sales... popular opinion has turned from dissing portable audio to dissing the TV line.

[Christopher]

I have updated the original topic with a link to super high resolution pictures and a better announcement from Sony PR.

[indeego]

When you say "first USB 2.0 Atrac-Device", do you just mean the flash-based Network-Walkman? I was sure the NW-HD5 features full USB 2.0 support and speed.

[Ishiyoshi]

SonyStyle USA is now taking pre-orders for the new Walkman Bean.

--> The NW-E307 (black and pink) = $179.95 and the NW-E305 (blue and white) = $129.95

[Guest Stuge]

I saw E307 yesterday but USB plug & the cover which protects the USB plug seems to be very delicate.

[Kit]

It's been out in Malaysia for ages this beanie thingie!

[Guest Stuge]

It's been out in Malaysia for ages this beanie thingie!

In India Products are released late.Bean was relesed one week back(Here ) .