NW-E3: Solid state MP3 audio players were all the rage at this year's CES show. If it wasn't affiliated with MP3, HDTV, or DVD then it wasn't on the CES show floor at all this year.
Most of the larger consumer electronics manufacturers had either final or prototype MP3 players in their booths, including Sony.
The Sony NW-E3 "Network Walkman" certainly fits the mold of other MP3 players we've seen, as it utilizes no internal moving parts and is extremely small in size. Where the NW-E3 truly impresses though is in its design and control layout, which are easily the most ergonomically friendly we've seen out of the newer portable audio solutions.
Offering 64MB of non-upgradable embedded flash memory, the NW-E3 comes with enough storage capacity to retain up to 60 minutes of CD-quality MP3 audio, and up to 90 minutes of FM stereo-quality MP3 audio.
At just 1.6 ounces including a single AAA battery, the NW-E3 is one of the smallest MP3 players that will be available in 2000. It's jog dial, backlit LCD, and brushed aluminum casing all scream "Sony" to those familiar with the company's history of portable devices.
USB connectivity to a PC ensures rapid data downloading, Sony claims that 64MB of data can be stored on the new player in approximately 90 seconds.
The NW-E3 will go on sale in April for at an MSRP of $330.
Sharky Extreme opinion: MP3 players are a boon for portable audio aficionados and the NW-E3's clarity and sound reproduction are excellent.
We prefer Sony's other upcoming Network Walkman to the NW-E3 however, the Memory Stick Walkman NW-MS7 (see below), mainly because of its larger display and upgradable memory storage.
Memory Stick Walkman NW-MS7: While the all-business NW-E3 Sony Network Walkman is impressive in its serious focus, the Sony Memory Stick Walkman NW-MS7 is better suited for a younger, more active music listening lifestyle.
Offering infinitely upgradable memory storage (the unit comes standard with one 64MB memory stick included) along with a more robust and informative backlit LCD screen than the NW-E3, the NS-MS7 seems destined to be remembered as one of the best consumer electronic products of the year 2000.
The NS-MS7 is slightly larger than the NW-E3 in size and weight, yet in terms of physical impact, even a jogging exercise junkie or a practicing salsa dancer wouldn't notice the difference