Our appetite for “novelty” gadgets has pretty much been sated this year by the tawdry Samsung Beat DJ and the neat new take on the iPod Shuffle. But we’ve just about room for one more crazy concept, and the Sony W202 Walkman is it. A direct challenge to the iPod Shuffle’s gym–based antics, its wireless headset style is unlike any other MP3 player we’ve caught sight of this year. Read our full Sony W202 Walkman review to see whether it can knock the athletic Apple off top spot.
The Sony W202 Walkman kind of makes us feel like those Oakley Thump MP3 glasses back in the day. It looks so wrong, but feels so right. Rather than being than looking like a knock–off zippo, the W202 is a two part player, consisting of ear buds that clip together when not shoved into your lugholes while on the treadmill. The result is not only a cracking little jukebox, but also an end to detangling your headphones. And then having to put up with them chafing while you look like you’re about to die on the cross trainer.
But the Sony W202 Walkman’s unique looks don’t mean its lacking in the musical department. As with all Walkmans, it packs a serious punch. Sound is crisp and clear and bass is rock–solid. We’d even go as far as to say this the best we’ve heard from a budget MP3 player yet. And yes, that includes the iPod Shuffle.
Its the extra features on the W202, though, that really make this little blighter stand out from the pack. The head band connecting the two buds fits securely, so you won’t get any slippage while you’re pounding the streets, Rocky–style. And the quick charge feature, which gives you 90 minutes playback off three minutes juicing, is inspired.
Read our Sony NWZ—A286K review
The only real letdown with the Sony W202 Walkman is the somewhat gimmicky Zappin mode. Increasingly popular in the newest Walkmans, it plays random song snippets backed by some god–awful wacky zapping tones, while some goon tells you he’s “Zapping in” with a new track. Just give us basic shuffle and we’ll be happy Sony.
It is, though, a minor quibble. The build–quality, sound and neat extras make this one of the best jukeboxes we’ve seen all year.
