Number one in Japan - new Sony MP3 Walkman series launched in the Middle East

This range includes the stylish Network Walkman NW-E500 series, which achieved number one position in Japan in the flash memory-based players and the latest 20GB hard disk digital music player, the MP3 Walkman NW-HD5.

"Sony invented personal audio listening with the introduction of the Walkman in 1979 and created a whole new market and a completely new lifestyle which was followed by the CD Walkman and MD Walkman formats that ushered in the digital revolution", commented Mr. Masaru Tamagawa, managing director, Sony Gulf FZE. "The know-how that comes with pioneering the personal audio category and the many technological developments that go with it make the Sony MP3 Walkman like no other. The new Sony MP3 Walkman delivers significantly better sound quality, amazing battery life and of course - the unique and stunning Sony design", he added.

NW-E500 SeriesM

With the new compact and premium design MP3 Walkman E500 series users can now enjoy up to 50 hours play back time with the NW-E500's built in Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and it also features Sony's unique Super High Speed Charge function, where a mere three-minute recharge permits three-hours of playback. The ultra portable player also gets charged automatically while music or files are transferred from the PC via its high-speed USB bus power.

The sleek and slender NW-E500 series comes sheathed in a range of vibrant colours - Sparkling Silver, Azure Blue, Cherry Pink and Premium Gold and the Organic Electro-Luminescence (OEL) three-line dot matrix display lends a touch of elegance to this distinctive Network Walkman series. It also includes time and calendar screen saver modes.

Sony has simplified music navigation on the NW-E500 series with its characteristic jog shuttle feature for easy, ambidextrous control. Intuitive and easy to use, users only need to push the controls in the right direction with a single hand to navigate to their desired track. Users who like more variety in their musical choices will also have the added function of a FM tuner built into the NW-E500 series.

NW-HD5

The 20GB hard disk digital music player, the NW-HD5 combines the best in innovation and utility to deliver superior sound quality and clarity. It features a seven-line large LED window with bright backlight and unique "follow turn" display to deliver real intuitive operation. This high performance Network Walkman delivers an amazing 40 hours of playback on one battery charge. The NW-HD5 weighs just 135g and is an ideal audio accessory for the trendsetter on the move. This model allows downloading of up to 13,000 tracks and a choice of an aluminum chassis in black, silver or red.

The unique 'follow turn' feature enhances ease of use as the display graphics change position depending on how users hold the Network Walkman. When the user powers on the device, G-Sensor technology automatically detects the position the portable music device is in and adjusts the position of the display graphics and the function buttons accordingly.

Using the G-Sensor technology, the NW-HD5 clears the recording head away from the hard disc when the unit receives any physical impact during operation. As a result, recorded content is protected by preventing the recording head from potentially scratching the hard disc surface. The G-Sensor technology is further enhanced by the special shock-absorbing materials which are used in the NW-HD5.