Rating: 
Summary: Sony never fails!
Review: Yes, Sony is ridiculously proprietary, but if you only own Sony products, then compatability and memory stick media issues/costs shouldn't be a problem. This is my second Sony Network Walkman (I had the NW-MS9 a while back but sold it when I got my Clie), and I am absolutely loving it. First of all, you can't beat the size. It's so small and light that you'll forget it's even in your hand sometimes. The controls were a bit strange to me in the beginning, especially compared to the design of the NW-MS9, but they're easy to get used to once you realize that holding the MS70D kind of like a gun gives you great access to the most frequently used buttons. I know the gun metaphor isn't the clearest image in the world, but once you get your hands on the MS70D, you'll understand what I mean. Second, sound quality is excellent. I'm not an audiophile by any means, so I won't even try comparing ATRAC3plus with MP3s. All I know is that everything sounds great. I recorded all my songs at the highest rate, though, so maybe that has something to do with it. I haven't tried the lower setting, but I'm sure it's great for the non-audiophile listener. Third, the controls are relatively intuitive. Everything is pretty easy to get to. By the way, for the reviewer who asked about the memory stick duo expansion slot, it's actually embedded at the bottom of the actual unit. So it adds no bulk to the unit at all (i.e., even if you could remove it, it wouldn't make any difference). The "bulkiness" to the player is at the top - that spacey-looking cylindrical thing. On one side is the headphone jack. You can remove the silver jack cap if you want to use your own headphones (which I would recommend, only because stock headphones are always uncomfortable in the ears and inferior in sound quality). The volume control is also on this side. One the other side is the play/hold button and the "joystick" thing that you can push away or toward you for fast-forwarding, rewinding, searching, etc. The silver bar thingee below the cylindrical thing (yes, very high-tech talk!) is the HOLD switch. This switch is the only thing on my CONS list of the MS70D. It definitely feels very well made and sturdy, but I can't EVER remember which way to move the thing. This isn't a huge problem, but I always try moving it the other way before getting it right. Yes, it wastes only milliseconds of my life, but still. It would be like having to flip a light switch twice before actually turning on the light. Not really a hassle, but somewhat annoying anyway. I like Sony's "regular" HOLD switches, like the ones on the Clies and the NW-MS9, where you just need your thumb to slide the little textured metal piece. For this switch, since it's quite large, you need your thumb and index finger to move it back and forth. The expansion slot is a nice touch, especially since it's undetectable. I don't have any memory stick duo cards, though, and the embedded 256MB is more than enough for me. I also have a minidisc player (MZ-E10, world's smallest and lightest!), so if I ever need more variety than what 256MB yields, I'll use that. The MS70D is perfect for listeners who like the shuffle play mode. As long as you only transfer songs you actually like and want to hear, then you'll never have to use any of the controls on the player at all. Just turn it on and leave it on. The battery life IS 33 hours, after all. There's a sweet group function mode, too (similar to playlists), which is nice if you have your music categorized (which I don't). I know a lot of people complain about the SonicStage software, but because I have a Vaio computer, I'm used to using it. And familiarity often influences preference. I think it's really easy to use; this version looks a lot better than the older version that came with my computer. If you have a HUGE mp3 collection, you might be annoyed at the conversion time, though SonicStage does give you the option of keeping the tracks in mp3 form. The MS70D supports other formats as well, but I don't have anything but ATRAC3plus on it. And finally, just look at the thing. It's gorgeous and cool and will definitely be an eye-catcher no matter where you are. The docking cradle is nice, too. Not a bad addition on your desk. So if you're looking for the perfect balance between form and function, look no further. The NW-MS70D is here.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice design, terrible software
Review: Yes, the design is nice and the battery live is good but the software is a disgrace. I also can not understand why Sony only supports USB 1.1 in this day and age. The disaster recovery - well the complete lack thereof - is a serious issue if you don't want to re-transfer all your CDs to a hard disk every time you experience hard disk problems or have to change machines. The SonicStage software is slow and not very user friendly. Why does the list of just recorded song keep refreshing every time a song is converted? Nice try Sony, but please package some usable software with your poducts.
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