Rating: 
Summary: Music Heaven
Review: After reading everything I could find on MP3 players and Minidisc units, I decided that minidisc held far too many advantages to not get one, and the Sony MZ-N707 was the one for me (mostly for cost issues). I am extrememly happy with my decision. Yes, the OpenMG software is buggy. But it does work. After installing it, I had it search my hard drive and import all of my MP3's which were ripped at 100% VBR (variable bit rate). I then created a 5+ hour playlist and asked it to transfer it to the included blank minidisc. Half an hour later, I came back to the computer to find that it was hung trying to convert the first song in the list! Next, I tried SimpleBurner to rip a CD directly to Minidisc. Worked flawlessly. Transferred about 4-5 CDs onto the single MD in lp4 mode (sounds good enough for me).
Had an idea and went back to OpenMG. Had it optimize the original playlist (create ATRAC files from the MP3 files) without sending to directly to the MD. Worked great! Fairly quick (about 20 minutes to convert 5+ hours of music), and was then able to download the songs to the MD. Next on the list to try was recording some of my spoken audio tapes. Was disappointed that syncro-recording does not work with analog recording, but that was easy enough to work with. Found out that after the end of the tape, the MD still records the silence in 2-3 second tracks. I had about 60 tracks to erase, one at a time! I would have loved to have the option to erase everything from here to the end. The only options are to 1)erase this track, or 2)erase the whole disc. All in all, an excellent piece of equipment. Software may be a little buggy, but it does work and I'm sure it will be improved over time. The sound quality is excellent, the disc never skips, the unit is solid and light, and the media is [inexpensive]! It's the best of tape and CD all rolled together!
Rating:
Summary: Almost Perfect....
Review: Basically, I think the MD format is terrific! The sound quality of the ATRAC3 is excellent! However, the main gripe I have seems to be the same as everyone elses. The copy protection scheme is annoying. I do a lot of "original" recording via the analog input on my sports model. It would be nice if I could copy that to my hard disk ( any OS, since I use several, mostly NOT Windows ) and be able to make my edits and also to back up my audio on cheap data CD's for archival purposes. This seems possible, the software just doesn't allow it. Also, I run MacOSX 10.1.4 and BeOS 5.03 ( I know, a dead OS, but it works! ) Still, a good product. However, if it were more flexible, it would be a "perfect" product. Also, if it had a "data" mode as well, it would be super!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: It's not THAT bad...
Review: But one wonders if Sony is even on the right track in trying to remain relevant in the mp3-centric digital music world. I think something like NetMD would have been utterly fantastic three years ago, when USB-enabled computers were starting to gain mainstream adoption, and before hard disk and cd-r burner prices hadn't dropped low enough for more people to rip and burn their music collection. Then, I think, the ability to transfer up to five hours of music onto a single, (relatively) inexpensive minidisc would have held greater appeal. Regardless of timing, the NetMD technology is still pretty neat. You are able to transfer digital content, either imported mp3/wma or audio CD's, directly to minidisc using one of three compression settings. SP, the full-bore setting, allows up to 80 minutes on one disc, and is the best sounding of the three. It is "lossy" compression, like mp3, but to my damaged ears, they sound at least as good as CD's. LP2 doubles the storage time, but the increased compression makes the resulting recordings sound like... well, ALMOST as good as a 160kbps cbr mp3. Almost. LP4 quadruples storage time, but as you might guess, the sound quality is pretty dodgy, comparable to a poorly ripped 128kbps (or lower) cbr mp3. LP4 is pretty much a lost cause as far as most rock goes, but it is surprisingly passable for hip-hop and spoken word (and probably for most electronica, but I have yet to test this). As far as transferring existing mp3/wma content goes, I wouldn't recommend it (I know, it pretty much nulls the hype of NetMD, doesn't it?). I've tried converting a batch of 160kbps cbr mp3's to SP and LP2, using the included OpenMG Jukebox (or as some folks call it, the OMFG Jokebox). At SP, the sound quality is comparable to the original, but the transfer to MD takes almost as long as the length of the content. Transfer in LP2 is faster, if you disregard the processor-hog conversion to ATRAC LP2 mode, but the sound quality takes a nosedive. From what I've read, OMFG Jokebox is notoriously unstable. Or so I've read. I've been able to successfully install it on two separate Windows 2000 Pro machines, and I'm feeling so lucky, I'm going to buy a lottery ticket once I'm done with this review. In the meanwhile, I've been using the Net MD Simple Burner program to transfer audio CD content directly to MD (mostly in LP2 mode, with some LP4, but for some weird reason, SP is NOT available as a transfer mode with Simple Burner!). I have started amassing a usable variety of discs packed with songs for the gym or for walks in the park, and from there on, it's straightforward MD goodness. Compact form factor, high skip resistance, durable media, high battery life. Basically all the things that most CD-R/W mp3 players (especially the 3" units) aren't. I'm inclined to agree that Sony munged the Minidisc yet again, this time with questionable software, but the good news is that I am still able to make use of NetMD. Drop me a line if you have any questions or war stories to share.
Rating: 
Summary: doen't work
Review: I bought my MZ-N707 for one purpose: to record live music. My friend is in a band and he wanted me to record his gigs, so I looked into ways to record live music. What I found was that if you don't have thousands of dollars, endless hours of time, and a fully-equipped sound studio, you're hosed. So I called my local GuitarCenter store and was told the Sony MZ-N707 was just the thing I needed. It just so happened they had a bundled package there that included the works: microphone, car adapter kit, rechargable batteries, etc. And the price was right: about $350. So I bought it, took it to my friend's show, recorded the show with no problems, listened to the show on the way home (FABULOUS, CD-QUALITY SOUND!), and then, when I got home, tried to load the tracks onto my computer in order to burn them onto CD's. NOT!!! After literally weeks of trying different things, re-reading the manual, reading the dozens of web forums that are devoted solely to this subject, and, finally, emailing Sony, I found out that YOU CANNOT TRANSFER ANYTHING FROM THE MINIDISC TO YOUR COMPUTER that you didn't take off of your computer. I don't know what rocket scientist thought of packaging the minidisc recorder with a microphone if you can't use anything you record with that microphone, but I hope that person is one of the millions of Americans on the unemployment line right now (God Bless the rest of you!). Sony said it was because they were concerned about copyright infringement, but what if you, like, OWN THE COPYRIGHT? Sorry, no provisions are made for such a common occurrence. Ultimately, I found a couple ways of transferring the music recorded onto the minidisc to your computer, but unless you have a separate digital CD burner, as far as I know, you're limited to creating analog files. The easiest way (I think) is through RealPlayer's "record from outside line" option. If you use this option, be sure to create separate tracks on the minidisc recording first; if you don't, you'll be stuck recording the entire disc onto your CD, and if the session is too long, it won't record at all (I can attest to how frustrating this is -- the last time I recorded my friend's gig, I downloaded it and then gave him the minidisc so he could use his studio equipment to download it digitally. Unfortunately, the session I downloaded is about 2 minutes longer than what will fit on a CD, so I can't transfer any of it until he gives me back my minidisc!). I want to be clear that the QUALITY of the minidisc's recording is phenomenal--10 stars--but that the product's potential is severely hampered by the lawyers at Sony. However, there really isn't anything else on the market for recording live music that is as inexpensive, portable (the minidisc is tiny), and reliable as the MZ-N707. For anyone who is as inexperienced at recording live music as I am, I highly recommend this device. I promise you two things: (1) you will get CD-quality sound recordings, and (2) if I can figure out how to get the music onto my computer and then onto a CD, you can! Also, as another reviewer mentioned, the battery life is unbelievable. It uses two AA batteries (don't bother with the rechargable ones), and they probably last for at least 320 minutes of recording time, plus the related download time. I've run out of batteries a few times while recording, though (my own fault), so don't believe the little meter in the window--just replace them every time you need to record and you'll be set until the next gig.
Rating:
Summary: If Sony didn't suck, it would be PERFECT for live recording!
Review: I bought my MZ-N707 for one purpose: to record live music. My friend is in a band and he wanted me to record his gigs, so I looked into ways to record live music. What I found was that if you don't have thousands of dollars, endless hours of time, and a fully-equipped sound studio, you're hosed. So I called my local GuitarCenter store and was told the Sony MZ-N707 was just the thing I needed. It just so happened they had a bundled package there that included the works: microphone, car adapter kit, rechargable batteries, etc. And the price was right: about $350. So I bought it, took it to my friend's show, recorded the show with no problems, listened to the show on the way home (FABULOUS, CD-QUALITY SOUND!), and then, when I got home, tried to load the tracks onto my computer in order to burn them onto CD's. NOT!!! After literally weeks of trying different things, re-reading the manual, reading the dozens of web forums that are devoted solely to this subject, and, finally, emailing Sony, I found out that YOU CANNOT TRANSFER ANYTHING FROM THE MINIDISC TO YOUR COMPUTER that you didn't take off of your computer. I don't know what rocket scientist thought of packaging the minidisc recorder with a microphone if you can't use anything you record with that microphone, but I hope that person is one of the millions of Americans on the unemployment line right now (God Bless the rest of you!). Sony said it was because they were concerned about copyright infringement, but what if you, like, OWN THE COPYRIGHT? Sorry, no provisions are made for such a common occurrence. Ultimately, I found a couple ways of transferring the music recorded onto the minidisc to your computer, but unless you have a separate digital CD burner, as far as I know, you're limited to creating analog files. The easiest way (I think) is through RealPlayer's "record from outside line" option. If you use this option, be sure to create separate tracks on the minidisc recording first; if you don't, you'll be stuck recording the entire disc onto your CD, and if the session is too long, it won't record at all (I can attest to how frustrating this is -- the last time I recorded my friend's gig, I downloaded it and then gave him the minidisc so he could use his studio equipment to download it digitally. Unfortunately, the session I downloaded is about 2 minutes longer than what will fit on a CD, so I can't transfer any of it until he gives me back my minidisc!). I want to be clear that the QUALITY of the minidisc's recording is phenomenal--10 stars--but that the product's potential is severely hampered by the lawyers at Sony. However, there really isn't anything else on the market for recording live music that is as inexpensive, portable (the minidisc is tiny), and reliable as the MZ-N707. For anyone who is as inexperienced at recording live music as I am, I highly recommend this device. I promise you two things: (1) you will get CD-quality sound recordings, and (2) if I can figure out how to get the music onto my computer and then onto a CD, you can! Also, as another reviewer mentioned, the battery life is unbelievable. It uses two AA batteries (don't bother with the rechargable ones), and they probably last for at least 320 minutes of recording time, plus the related download time. I've run out of batteries a few times while recording, though (my own fault), so don't believe the little meter in the window--just replace them every time you need to record and you'll be set until the next gig.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your time!!
Review: I bought one mzn707 and used it successfully for about 3 months. Then I had to return it because the spring that closes the door to the media window broke! That's right, broke. I was able to get a new one, free of charge, but now the unit does not register with the software. It will not read the disks either. I removed the software and reinstalled, but still it won't read. I have wasted some much time and have been so frustrated with this piece of junk. Never again will I buy a Sony. They constantly put out inferior hardware and buggy software. Don't buy this thing...get one with a hard drive and that has been favorably reviewed.
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time!!
Review: I bought one mzn707 and used it successfully for about 3 months. Then I had to return it because the spring that closes the door to the media window broke! That's right, broke. I was able to get a new one, free of charge, but now the unit does not register with the software. It will not read the disks either. I removed the software and reinstalled, but still it won't read. I have wasted some much time and have been so frustrated with this piece of junk. Never again will I buy a Sony. They constantly put out inferior hardware and buggy software. Don't buy this thing...get one with a hard drive and that has been favorably reviewed.
Rating:
Summary: NetMD rocks -- perfect replacement for a CD player
Review: I bought the NetMD (MZ-N707) as a replacement for my portable CD player (that gave up on me after 7 good years of service). I have an extensive collection of CDs and I was going to start burning track selections with my PC's CD writer to listen on my portable. I would have to carry the bulky CDs and player around (AGAIN!) and they could only hold up to 72 minutes of music.
The greatest feature of the MD for me is the software that comes with it. Both allow you to select tracks, download its names and write straight to the MD.
I am very happy to carry such a small and light device, totally skip free, with 5-6 songs selections from 6-7 different CDs, in my commute back and forth from the office. My MDs have about ~35 songs each.
Battery never runs out as I let it to charge everyday overnight.
The software is very intuitive and has never given me any problems.
I have a Pentium II-400MHz/256MB/Windows 2000, quite old box, and it works properly. Each minute of music translates into 15 seconds of recording, what I don't find it bad at all. Just like when burning CDs, you can't do anything else while burning an MD. It is fair to say that each MD holds, on average, up to 2.5 CDs; and they are tiny!
I am not giving 5 stars because the price of the device is a bit too high. Although MDs are not (a lot) at all, and for now they are cheaper than blank CD-Rs. Even when you buy the recorded ones, that most of the time come with EXTRA tracks not available on the CDs.
The only portable players that can match or even be considered a better buy are the hard disk based players. But they are (a lot) and don't have half of the audio features, i.e., fiber link, microphone attachment etc.
I think Sony came a long way and now the MD is ready to "cross the chasm" and reach the general public and stop being perceived as an enthusiast's toy. It is definitely mature and very competitive.
My last piece of advice: If you are considering a memory based player, don't pull the trigger until you evaluate the MD. In my opinion, memory based players will perish soon and just the MD and the hard drive (5GB+) based will stay.
I am very passionate about the NetMD, but I did compare apples to apples before buying it. Great CD player replacement, beats any memory based device.
Don't listen to the mambo-jambo about proprietary ATRAC3 or whatever. The end result is what really matters.
Rating: 
Summary: This thing is GREAT
Review: I bought this item 2 days ago and I am now enjoying great music. Software is fine and didn't gave any problem with Windows 2000 Pro and Windows XP Pro. You just don't have to rely on OpenMG, you can use Realone Player(Free), with NetMD driver to record music on the disc. Before buying this product, I was looking for portable MP3 players (discman). But after reading lots of reviews in amazon.com, I decided to go for this one. Only downside of Net MD is that you can't record or download anything to PC using USB cable.
Rating:
Summary: doen't work
Review: I bought this product (Walkman net md mz-n707 type R) in a shop in Mexico City and it has never worked. At the beginning of every disk the sound is distorted and horrible. After approximately three minutes it sounds O.K.
I have tried to find a place to have the walkman fixed but I have not been successful. Could you help me, please?
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