Background and Identification
The Sony Network Walkman model NW-HD5 is an MP3 player released by Sony in July 2005. The NW-HD5 was released as the second successor to the NW-HD1 model, which was released in 2004 amid the Apple iPod’s widespread success and called the “world’s smallest portable audio device.” The NW-HD1 model was Sony’s first hard disk-based audio player. The NW-HD5 was sold in direct competition with the 4th generation iPod.
The NW-HD5 model featured a design update from the HD1/HD3 models with a simpler control system, a user-removable battery, an upright handheld format, updated software, and better file format compatibility. The HD5 model also featured a “Follow Turn Display” that automatically aligned itself based on how the player was held on startup. This Walkman was advertised to have a running time of 40 hours when using low-quality format settings and no player-based audio enhancements. The device could run for 30 hours for 128 kbit/s MP3s.
The NW-HD5 model was sold in black, silver, and red body colors. Some NW-HD5 models were shipped with cosmetic design flaws that caused buttons to develop small cracks under the device’s plastic coating. In January 2006, production of the NW-HD5 model ceased, partially because of these design flaws.
Technical Specifications
- 20GB hard drive holds approximately:
- 333 hours of music at 128 Kbps
- 667 hours of music at 64 Kbps
- other bitrates also supported
- plays MP3 and ATRAC3 files
- WMA and WAV files converted to ATRAC3 for playback on NW-HD5
- 1-1/2", 7-line backlit LCD
- switchable vertical/horizontal orientation for display
- up to 40 hours playback with removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- G-Sensor™ technology helps protect hard drive when player is dropped
- G-Protection skip recovery system
- high-speed USB interface
- SonicStage® software
- earbud headphones
- carrying pouch
- AC adapter/charger
- weight: 4.9 oz.
- 2-7/16"W x 4-1/16"H x 5/8"D
- MFR # NWHD5S