By Victor Chen \\ Published: 2005.09.07
A while back I put the Sony NW-Exxx series on my droolworthy list and I even purchased the top end model since I was so enamoured with the product. Sony wasn’t sitting still and has announced a new revision of the series with a new model numbering scheme. Rechristened the NW-A6xx series, the new models increase capacity, add new functionality, and address some of the issues I had with the unit in my in-depth review.
The new models comprise the following:
NW-A608, 2GB - ¥32,000 (USD$290) *available colors: Violet, Silver, Blue and Pink; Limited Edition Color - Emerald Blue and Gold ¥30,000
NW-A607, 1GB - ¥27,000 (USD$245) *available colors: Violet, Silver, Blue and Pink; Limited Edition Color - Gold ¥25,000
NW-A605, 512MB - ¥22,000 (USD$199) *available colors: Violet, Silver, Blue and Pink
NW-A600 Series | Features & Specifications
- new “Intelligent shuffle” feature: 1) Most frequently listened tunes shuffle mode, 2) Time/Date based shuffle mode, 3) Artist link shuffle mode and 4) Sports shuffle mode.
- beautiful OLED screen display
- features digital sound presets ~ adjustable bass and treble; up to 8 different stages.
- utilize new “CONNECT Player” software
- High-speed USB 2.0(*1)
- FM tuner: Reception frequency is FM:76.0-90.0MHz, and TV:1-3ch.
- built-in lithium ion battery
- 50 hours music playback; rated at ATRAC 132kbps mode with power saving mode
- support MP3 ~ 32-320 kbps, ATRAC3 ~ 66/105/132 kbps and ATRAC3plus ~ 48/64/96/128/160/192/256/320 kbps. *WMA support will be enabled via a firmware update this December 2005.
- Jog shuffle control dial
- Stylish headphone that matches to each main body color
- Clock/Day display
- Size: 84.9 × 28.8 × 13.9mm (depth, height, width)
- Mass: approx. 48g
NW-A600 Series | Accessories
- “CONNECT Player” (CD-ROM)
- USB cable
- Quick start guide
- Smart clip
- Carrying pouch
- Matching color headphones
In addition to the new hardware, Sony will finally release a new version of their software simply called “Connect”. Basically, they’ve gotten rid of SonicStage and redesigned the new software to be much easier to use.
Available in November, it will definitely make me considering upgrading to a new unit...unless something else cooler comes out…
I’m having problem with my sony A608 bought this second hand, for 2000 pesos and after a few month it just wont start up, it doesn’t have warranty anymore, i’m afraid that it’ll cost more repairing this one than buying a new mp3 player… oh well..
