Sony debuts first HD-based MP3 player, 2GB in capacity

MacBytes · Jan 15, 2004, 01:54 AM

Category: 3rd Party Hardware
Link: Sony debuts first HD-based MP3 player, 2GB in capacity

Posted on MacBytes.com

Approved by Mudbug

balconycollapse · Jan 15, 2004, 02:13 AM

More expensive then a 4 GB ipod mini. What's the point. Also shows that speculation on a cornice powered 2 gig ipod for 99 dollars would not be possible or else sony would have done it with this device.

winmacguy · Jan 15, 2004, 02:44 AM

Just reading all the details at the moment:
500 Songs USB 2 interface
2GB HD Supports MP3 formats variable rates 2 versions available runs on most versions of windows but not Mac $325.00 US

Compared with iPod at 4GB Mini ,Mac and PC stylish appearance USB and Firewire and $249.00US and a range of colours with a simple name to boot. iPod looks pretty cheap actually as well as international recognised.

I did initally think it was a bit pricey but looking at the competition Ill take that comment back.

Balin64 · Jan 15, 2004, 03:49 AM

What is that Log that I assume works as a scrolling device? Ugly, over-priced. I too see the merits of the iPod mini in new light.

0 and A ai · Jan 15, 2004, 05:18 AM

I don't think the silver side is ugly. I do think there is alot of button clutter but sony is being consistent. Ipod mini is superior in every way it appears and for 325 i think i'd buy a 15 gig ipod.

Tiauguinho · Jan 15, 2004, 08:00 AM

$327... I seriously hope that people will stop complaining about the iPod mini price! Good move Apple!

johnnyjibbs · Jan 15, 2004, 08:11 AM

OK it looks cheap, ugly, and it's expensive. It only holds 500 songs. Hmmm. The only thing it has got going for it is its size, but even the normal iPods are hardly big.

As usual, Sony slapping a premium on it and thinking it will sell. Their name will get them so far, but I'd take an iPod any day. I think most people will do the same.

Chip NoVaMac · Jan 15, 2004, 08:19 AM

I don't think that it looks that bad myself. What I would be more concerned about is the software. Will it be based on SonicStage and the limitations copying ones own music?

Also did anyone see the Sony announcement of the 1gb MiniDisc?

iGav · Jan 15, 2004, 08:43 AM

more info here too...

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/main_...fm?NewsID=7674

seems one version is smaller than the iPod mini, but features no controls on it and requires the inline remote, (the version Sony has been bragging about) however the version which does have the controls on, is actually significantly bigger than the iPod mini.

Result Apple I say, with the iPod mini

MattG · 09:10 AM

$327 for two gigs?!?

Certainly makes the mini look like a good (better) deal, and the iPod 15g like a GREAT deal in comparison.

JtheLemur · Jan 15, 2004, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MattG
$327 for a gig?!?

Reading is funda'mental - 2 gigs.

MattG · Jan 15, 2004, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JtheLemur
Reading is funda'mental - 2 gigs.

I fixed it. I saw "giga pavit" and thought "one gig."

ipiloot · 10:10 AM

What a buzz around some rebranded overpriced AIWA unit. Not worth mentioning.

dloomer · Jan 15, 2004, 09:26 AM

Isn't the $327 just the US dollar equivalent of what they sell for for in Japan?

What do iPods sell for over there?

dloomer · Jan 15, 2004, 09:28 AM

Okay, sorry ... answering my own question here.

15 GB iPod sells for 31,800 Yen in Japan. vs. 35,000 for the Giga Whatever.

Um ... I think that makes the iPod a better deal or something?

iggyb · Jan 15, 2004, 09:35 AM

All I can see from this is that is should boost iPod and iPod mini sales in Japan. (assuming they're going to sell iPod minis in Japan...)

Tulse · Jan 15, 2004, 09:53 AM

If they don't sell iPod minis in Japan, Apple's marketing staff should be fired -- they will sell like hotcakes over there (well, only if the Japanese liked hotcakes a whole bunch. More like it will sell like hotcakes would sell to the Dutch...or something...).

sinisterdesign · Jan 15, 2004, 09:57 AM

no Mac support? well, so much for plunking down more $$ for less capacity. that would have been a huge waste of time to make it Mac compatible.

the first "MP3" player i bought was a Sony. i put MP3 in quotes b/c in fact it converted everything to their crappy ATRAC3 format. who wants to resample already compressed music? i'm glad to see that this one at least supports MP3...step in the right direction.

but what's up w/ that remote? "our player is smaller than the mini". that's like taking the engine out of a car & saying it's lighter than the competition. "see how lightweight our sporty car is? of course you need that 800lb engine over there in the floor for it to run..."

also, it really shows how good a job Ive and his group have done w/ the UI of the iPod (and even moreso on the mini). you don't need dozens of buttons, switches & levers for every function of the player, have things be contextual. that way i don't wreck trying to turn down the volume or skip a song when i'm in my car. i guess Sony doesn't care if people wreck while using their products. thanks a lot Sony.

deejemon · 10:12 AM

Yawn.

They might have had the tiniest chance if it had the "Sony" brand on it, but "Aiwa"?!?

iggyb · Jan 15, 2004, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by deejemon
Yawn.

They might have had the tiniest chance if it had the "Sony" brand on it, but "Aiwa"?!?

The Sony brand would help it, IF it was a little cheaper. But $327 for 2GB....and right after a 4GB iPod mini was introduced at $249??? Seems like a failure before it even starts.

Count Blah · Jan 15, 2004, 10:38 AM

This along with some other HD based MP3 player announcements has led me to a couple conclusions:

1)The iPod is even more amazing than I thought, given what you get for the price.

2)The low end($$ wise) HD based MP3 players are not yet in competition with the high end flash market. And are stuck in this nevernever land of "Why not spend some more to get a classic iPod" and "I'm not going to spend more than $199 on an MP3 player"

classic009 · Jan 15, 2004, 10:58 AM

looks like we get the aiwa branded version in the us

http://www.us.aiwa.com/default.asp?p...on=viewProduct

http://www.us.aiwa.com/default.asp?p...on=viewProduct

sushi · Jan 15, 2004, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by iggyb
All I can see from this is that is should boost iPod and iPod mini sales in Japan. (assuming they're going to sell iPod minis in Japan...)

In April according to the Apple Store in the Ginza.

...and yes, I bet the mini iPods will sell like hotcakes over here!

Sushi

agreenster · Jan 15, 2004, 11:14 AM

The Giga-what?!??!?

What a horrible name. Hope it has a different name in the states. (for their sake) iPod just rolls off the tongue.

This from the people who brought us the revolutionary 'walkman' back in the day.

Giga-Pavit? Ughn.

Go iPod!

ClimbingTheLog · Jan 15, 2004, 11:17 AM

$329? There's no way I'd pay that much. If it was $50 cheaper I would have bought two already, but there's no way in hell I'll spend $329.

(sorry I just had to jab at the iPod Mini whiners; looking at the already low margins and competitors it seems Apple is really the price leader)

Jan 15, 2004, 01:54 AM	#1
MacBytes macrumors bot Join Date: Jul 2003	Sony debuts first HD-based MP3 player, 2GB in capacity Category: 3rd Party Hardware Link: Sony debuts first HD-based MP3 player, 2GB in capacity Posted on MacBytes.com Approved by Mudbug

Jan 15, 2004, 03:49 AM	#4
Balin64 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In a Mauve Dream	Yuck What is that Log that I assume works as a scrolling device? Ugly, over-priced. I too see the merits of the iPod mini in new light. __________________ The Sun has wept Rose in the shell of your ear... And Man has bled back at your sovereign side. -Rimbaud

Jan 15, 2004, 05:18 AM	#5
0 and A ai macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2004	I don't think the silver side is ugly. I do think there is alot of button clutter but sony is being consistent. Ipod mini is superior in every way it appears and for 325 i think i'd buy a 15 gig ipod. __________________ You Can Say I'm dreamer But I'm not the only one. - John Lennon

Jan 15, 2004, 08:00 AM	#6
Tiauguinho macrumors 6502a Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: The Netherlands	$327... I seriously hope that people will stop complaining about the iPod mini price! Good move Apple! __________________ Join MR Folding Team (3446)

Jan 15, 2004, 08:11 AM	#7
johnnyjibbs macrumors 68030 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: London, UK	OK it looks cheap, ugly, and it's expensive. It only holds 500 songs. Hmmm. The only thing it has got going for it is its size, but even the normal iPods are hardly big. As usual, Sony slapping a premium on it and thinking it will sell. Their name will get them so far, but I'd take an iPod any day. I think most people will do the same. __________________ johngriffithsapps.com - Get It Done! \| Grocery Checkout 15" MBP, iPhone 3G, 12" PB, iPod 4G, iPod shuffle

Jan 15, 2004, 02:13 AM	#2
balconycollapse macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Kansas City	More expensive then a 4 GB ipod mini. What's the point. Also shows that speculation on a cornice powered 2 gig ipod for 99 dollars would not be possible or else sony would have done it with this device.

Jan 15, 2004, 02:44 AM	#3
winmacguy macrumors 68020 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New Zealand	Just reading all the details at the moment: 500 Songs USB 2 interface 2GB HD Supports MP3 formats variable rates 2 versions available runs on most versions of windows but not Mac $325.00 US Compared with iPod at 4GB Mini ,Mac and PC stylish appearance USB and Firewire and $249.00US and a range of colours with a simple name to boot. iPod looks pretty cheap actually as well as international recognised. I did initally think it was a bit pricey but looking at the competition Ill take that comment back.

Jan 15, 2004, 08:19 AM	#8
Chip NoVaMac macrumors 601 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Northern Virginia	I don't think that it looks that bad myself. What I would be more concerned about is the software. Will it be based on SonicStage and the limitations copying ones own music? Also did anyone see the Sony announcement of the 1gb MiniDisc?

Jan 15, 2004, 08:43 AM	#9
iGav macrumors 601 Join Date: Mar 2002	more info here too... http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/main_...fm?NewsID=7674 seems one version is smaller than the iPod mini, but features no controls on it and requires the inline remote, (the version Sony has been bragging about) however the version which does have the controls on, is actually significantly bigger than the iPod mini. Result Apple I say, with the iPod mini __________________ "Flick the Gestapo.... No, I said Flick, the Gestapo!"

Jan 15, 2004, 08:47 AM	#10
MattG macrumors 68030 Join Date: May 2003	$327 for two gigs?!? Certainly makes the mini look like a good (better) deal, and the iPod 15g like a GREAT deal in comparison. Last edited by MattG : Jan 15, 2004 at 09:10 AM.

Jan 15, 2004, 09:21 AM	#13
ipiloot macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2001	What a buzz around some rebranded overpriced AIWA unit. Not worth mentioning. Last edited by ipiloot : Jan 15, 2004 at 10:10 AM.

Jan 15, 2004, 09:26 AM	#14
dloomer macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2003	Apples to Apples Isn't the $327 just the US dollar equivalent of what they sell for for in Japan? What do iPods sell for over there?

Jan 15, 2004, 09:28 AM	#15
dloomer macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2003	Okay, sorry ... answering my own question here. 15 GB iPod sells for 31,800 Yen in Japan. vs. 35,000 for the Giga Whatever. Um ... I think that makes the iPod a better deal or something?

Jan 15, 2004, 09:35 AM	#16
iggyb macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Colorado	All I can see from this is that is should boost iPod and iPod mini sales in Japan. (assuming they're going to sell iPod minis in Japan...)

Jan 15, 2004, 09:53 AM	#17
Tulse macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2003	If they don't sell iPod minis in Japan, Apple's marketing staff should be fired -- they will sell like hotcakes over there (well, only if the Japanese liked hotcakes a whole bunch. More like it will sell like hotcakes would sell to the Dutch...or something...).

Jan 15, 2004, 09:57 AM	#18
sinisterdesign macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: atlanta	awww, shucks. no Mac support? well, so much for plunking down more $$ for less capacity. that would have been a huge waste of time to make it Mac compatible. the first "MP3" player i bought was a Sony. i put MP3 in quotes b/c in fact it converted everything to their crappy ATRAC3 format. who wants to resample already compressed music? i'm glad to see that this one at least supports MP3...step in the right direction. but what's up w/ that remote? "our player is smaller than the mini". that's like taking the engine out of a car & saying it's lighter than the competition. "see how lightweight our sporty car is? of course you need that 800lb engine over there in the floor for it to run..." also, it really shows how good a job Ive and his group have done w/ the UI of the iPod (and even moreso on the mini). you don't need dozens of buttons, switches & levers for every function of the player, have things be contextual. that way i don't wreck trying to turn down the volume or skip a song when i'm in my car. i guess Sony doesn't care if people wreck while using their products. thanks a lot Sony. __________________ DESKTOP \| dual 3GHz Mac Pro & 30" Cinema Display LAPTOP \| 2.4GHz 15" Macbook Pro iTHINGS \| 32GB iPhone, 80GB iPod

Jan 15, 2004, 10:08 AM	#19
deejemon macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Australia	Yawn. They might have had the tiniest chance if it had the "Sony" brand on it, but "Aiwa"?!? Last edited by deejemon : Jan 15, 2004 at 10:12 AM.

Jan 15, 2004, 10:38 AM	#21
Count Blah macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sterling, Va	This along with some other HD based MP3 player announcements has led me to a couple conclusions: 1)The iPod is even more amazing than I thought, given what you get for the price. 2)The low end($$ wise) HD based MP3 players are not yet in competition with the high end flash market. And are stuck in this nevernever land of "Why not spend some more to get a classic iPod" and "I'm not going to spend more than $199 on an MP3 player" __________________ I tell you this, no eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn.

Jan 15, 2004, 10:58 AM	#22
classic009 macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2003	Aiwa Player looks like we get the aiwa branded version in the us http://www.us.aiwa.com/default.asp?p...on=viewProduct http://www.us.aiwa.com/default.asp?p...on=viewProduct

Jan 15, 2004, 11:14 AM	#24
agreenster macrumors 68000 Join Date: Dec 2001	The Giga-what?!??!? What a horrible name. Hope it has a different name in the states. (for their sake) iPod just rolls off the tongue. This from the people who brought us the revolutionary 'walkman' back in the day. Giga-Pavit? Ughn. Go iPod!

Jan 15, 2004, 11:17 AM	#25
ClimbingTheLog macrumors 6502a Join Date: May 2003	$329? There's no way I'd pay that much. If it was $50 cheaper I would have bought two already, but there's no way in hell I'll spend $329. (sorry I just had to jab at the iPod Mini whiners; looking at the already low margins and competitors it seems Apple is really the price leader)

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