Sony MZ-N707 Net MD Walkman Player/Recorder (Black) Review

What I like about it : the complete packaging with all necessary cables, the rechargeable battery, the nice design, the remote control, the cheap price of minidiscs compared to MP3 players memory cards, the overall quality.
What I don't like so much : this thing cannot read MP3 files, these have to be translated to ATRAC3 files before being "checked out" to the player. This takes a lot of time and disk space, which is a pain. The result is good if you use 128 kbps MP3 files to start with, but from 96 kbps MP3 files, the resulting sound is dramatically downgraded and really horrible. As a consequence, I have to re-rip all my CDs to 128 kbps. The software is not so bad but very very slow. Many people complain it crashes or hangs too often, but I haven't had any problem under Windows 2000.
What I dislike about it : if you hope to use it as a digital recorder, you'll be very disappointed. I was able to record myself playing clarinet using an external mic, and this was fine, and very easy to do I must say. But then there is no means to export the result in a digital format. To generate an MP3 file from there, you must re-record the track using the headphones plug as line-out to the AUX input of your PC's sound card. With a significant loss of quality (and time). Really frustrating, a stupid software limitation...

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Product Description:
Tap into the power of minidisc portable listening and music mixing with Sony's ultimate MD technology: Net MD. A direct USB connection to your PC lets you transfers 80 minutes of music from to the MZ-N707 in less than three minutes (32x, in LP4 mode), and Net MD technology even makes it possible to store up to five hours of music on a single 80-minute disc.
The supplied QuickRip CD-dubbing application facilitates fast transfer of CDs to MD--with artist and titles intact, and without storing files on your hard drive at any stage. Simply launch the application and select the tracks you want to transfer to the player. (The player and its software is compatible with Microsoft Windows operating systems 98, SE, 2000, ME, and XP.)
Record in standard mode for the richest sound quality, or choose between two long-play modes for the most effective use of space on a single MD. The bundled Open MG jukebox management software supports secure music downloads and is used to organize playlists, title tracks, and maximize music mixes. The unit records from various sources, accepts multiple Internet audio formats (such as MP3 and WMA files), and offers flexible editing tools. You can record and re-record on affordable and durable minidisc media up to a million times without degradation.
The MZ-N707 also offers long battery life and Sony's ultra skip-free G-Protection technology to prevent annoying interruptions to your music during most active uses. A handy remote control lets you edit text information, and the player/recorder comes with a rechargeable battery (and charging stand) for musical enjoyment without fear of wasting precious batteries.
The Easy Skip group folder function lets you group songs or "albums" in the OpenMG Jukebox before transferring them to your Net MD recorder. The player provides up to 56 hours of playback time on one AA battery, and it features multiple playback modes for a choice of programs with shuffle, repeat, and programming options. You can also control the recording level for optimized results, and the digital Mega Bass sound system ensures a full, rich listening experience.
What's in the Box
Net MD player/recorder, AC-ES305 AC power adapter, NC-WMAA rechargeable battery, battery charging stand, RM-MZ4R editing remote, MDR-027SP stereo headphones, car connecting pack (car battery cord, cable tube, Velcro tape, carrying case with Velcro), digital connecting cable, CD-ROM (including OpenMG Jukebox ver. 2.2 and Net MD Simple Burner), USB cable, a user's manual, and one blank re-recordable minidisc.

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