Sony Intros Walkman Bean Digital Audio Player

The devices play back both MP3 and ATRAC3(R)/3plus music files, in addition to supporting WMA and WAV formats. They are compatible with Sony's Connect online music store and include SonicStage software to import, manage and transfer music collections.

The OEL (organic electroluminescence) display is light and bright, making it easy to view track and title information. To offer even greater utility, the display can easily change orientation to satisfy left-handed and right-handed music lovers alike. And a time/calendar function conveniently displays the time and date.

The players have a pop-up USB jack that connects directly to a PC for charging and transferring music. They provide up to 50 hours of continuous playback on a rechargeable battery and feature a quick-charge function that enables about three hours of playback on a time-saving, three-minute charge. An 80% charge can be obtained in about 45 minutes.

The 300-series Walkman Bean players will come supplied with color coordinating earbuds. The NW-E305 model will be offered in white or blue with 512 MB of capacity for about $130. The 1 GB NW-E307 model will come in a choice of pink or black for about $180.

Source: Sony