Typical price: £180
What is it: Sony's 20GB NW-HD5 and the iPod are both dead simple to use, but the HD5 is smaller, and its removable battery lasts much longer
What we think: MP3 player with 20GB hard drive
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 25 July 2005
Tags: Sony, Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5, songs, plastic, earbuds
We like:
Supercompact and durable design; excellent sound quality; intuitive tactile interface; removable battery; stellar battery life
We don't like:
No extra features, such as FM radio or recording; ATRAC3 is the only DRM option; must use SonicStage software for music transfer
You might also need:
Nice, big headphones; real carrying case
CNET UK judgement:
If you want a slick alternative to the iPod and you're into Sony's Connect music store, then the NW-HD5 is a stellar choice
Full review:
Sony's MP3 stock has shot up mercurially since introducing native MP3 playback to its Network Walkman franchise. Its latest hard drive-based player, the supercompact Network Walkman NW-HD5, has 'winner' written all over it. Although the 20GB player lacks extra features that make the iRiver H320s and the Cowon iAudio X5s of the world so popular, the HD5 delivers, with a wonderfully simple interface, a tiny form factor, sharp sound quality and prodigious battery life. Available in silver, black or red, the HD5 has a list price of £200. Continue Reading...
Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 History
27 Apr 2007 in Reviews
When a gadget earns a place in your heart
I'm sure everyone has a gadget they love more than any other. A lot of people fall in love with their phones, some might have a soft spot for their TV, for me, it's my mp3 player, a Sony HD5.
Latest user reviews
October 25, 2006
Posted by: Foade Khamlichi
"Great to start - Problems later"
October 20, 2005
Posted by: Bugsy Malone
"Brilliant, Unbeatable"
Tell us what you think
Can't find the product you're looking for? Want to suggest a product for review?
Special Offers from our Sponsors
Latest MP3 player Reviews
Philips GoGear Muse
Good format support and a slick design can't make up for a poor screen and laborious user interface
Apple iPod shuffle (September '09, 3rd gen, 4GB)
Its small size is impressive, but makes it trickier to use than rival devices
Apple iPod touch (3rd gen, 64GB)
Lack of a camera is disappointing, but this is a truly excellent media player in almost all other respects
on MP3 & Digital Music
Don't hold your breath for Wii HD, says Nintendo
Nintendo cautions against holding your breath for a new Wii HD. Such action won't make it release an HD console any quicker, and might result in the breath-holder getting dizzy and passing out
More:
