Sony WMFX290 Walkman Digital Tuning TV / Weather FM / AM Stereo Cassette Player

Rating:
Summary: Works fine
Review: I haven't owned a walkman in quite a few years. I bought this to listen to books-on-tape while I workout. It's very compact and has worked well. There is sufficient volume for my needs and the sound quality seems just fine. The fabric/plastic cover has to be removed to change tapes (I usually just leave it off now ... but you need it if you want to clip the unit to your waistband). Battery life seems good and it only requires one AA. Since I've only had it one month, I can't really comment on durability.

Rating:
Summary: No penalties and a few nice touches
Review: The WM-FX290 plays tapes clearly without the warbly speed changes (known as "wow and flutter") that render piano music unbearable. At this price point, competency is the key; anything better is icing on the cake.

These days, people shopping for a cassette Walkman probably listen to audiobooks or have a boxful of old tapes they think they'll get around to playing. Neither customer likely expects Dolby noise reduction or the ability to play CrO2 or metal tapes. Also, in case you were planning to dictate notes to self, note now that this unit does NOT record.

The pleasant surprise is what you DON'T expect to find at this price: Attractive styling, digital tuning with presets, comfortable headphones, exceptional battery life (from one AA battery!), and a "hold" button that prevents unintended station changes when the unit is stuffed in a pocket.

What isn't so hot? Well, weather band has weak reception even in areas with usable signal, the "bass boost" function produces a sonic mudslide that will alarm even "boom car" afficionados, and the nearly opaque clamshell makes you eject to read the tape label or see how much tape remains on a side (yikes).

At this humble price point, the presence of a few nice touches -- and lack of jarring penalties -- spells an easy five stars.


Rating:
Summary: Good tuner and tape ....usual lack of volume.
Review: Very good reception for FM not bad for AM/MW.Decent tape deck without a lot of wow and flutter,allthough cue/review would have been nice.Not Cro2 compatable(no switch).It comes with a handy protective slip case.How can you get any volume out of one AA cell? You can't.Has the same pathetic lack of volume as most of the newer walkman types.Headphones that come with it are not the best...but when have you ever got a good set of 'phones with a walkman? Invest in some Koss Porta-pros.It's money well spent.

all in all it's a good little unit..but as usuall for todays gear,don't expect much volume.