I own a Sony B Series MP3 Walkman(Model NWZ-B142F/B) since last week. I’m sharing some of my comments about the product. Sony has made the player ultra compact, weightless and simple in architecture that one can carry and use it as easy as a pen. It’s a proof of Sony’s marvel engineering.
Sound Output:
This product produces distortion free crystal clear sound. The Bass Enhancer is a good option to Boost low frequency sounds. The function can be activated using a toggle switch sits quietly on the top of the player. The Volume controller is located next to the Bass Enhancement Switch, it is similar to the ones used in Cell phone having(+ and -) controls and it’s ergonomically located.
I feel sony must have provided "Canalphones"(i.e the one used in Higher-end Sony Ericsson Walkman Phones) rather providing conventional earphones("Earbud" type). Canalphones goes deeper inside ears, It’s washers seal-off ears completely and provides 100% True Audio experience. There won’t be any leakage of sound and Bass enhancement would also have been enhanced further.
Design:
I would rather call it as a ‘Flash Drive’, than calling as a MP3 Walkman or a FM Radio player. The player reveals a conventional USB interface on opening its front cover. The device can readily be connected to a PC as Mass Storage and transact the data back and forth. The media offers 2GB Storage memory .
This product has a universal earphone adapter, so Other than factory supplied earphones; one can also connect PC headsets, external speakers and other audio accessories.
Features:
ZAPPIN Technology:
Don’t get stunned by the name "ZAPPIN". It’s not a rocket science to understand, Whenever you go to a Sweet Stall, The Shopkeeper offers you some sweet samples in each variety and based on your feedback he takes the order from you, just like that Zappin function allows user to listen to all available songs one by one quickly by playing 5 secs each. This helps user to find the right song quicker.
Play modes and Equalizer:
Sony offers four play modes(Normal, Continuous Play - Song, Continuous Play - List and Shuffle) with this player.
The player comes with a five band equalizer with four presets(Heavy, Pop, Jazz, Unique) and one custom setting. It works pretty decent.
I don’t understand why Sony has provided Either-OR-Option for Bass Enhancement Option and Equalizer.(i.e.) Either you can Use Bass Enhancement or Equalizer. I feel, combination of above options could have given a better audio output than current.
FM Radio Function:
FM Radio is good, reception is loud and clear. With Bass Enhancement it makes me feel like Music Station. I surprised how this stuff could produce excellent radio reception without any external antenna. There Sony Is. I found accessing FM Radio difficult, one has to browse all the way to root menu and select FM. Sony could have placed shortcut button to access FM quickly.
Voice Recorder:
Normal like any other voice recorders and play backs, it’s a good function for Journalist/ Media reporters
Battery Back-up:
There is no separate cable or pin for charging this player. Just plug it to PC as a USB and forget it. According to Sony its 3 min quick charge offers 90 min playback. It consumes about an hour to do a full charge. Total playback time is around 14 hours.
Verdict:
Sony B Series NWZ-B142F/B is an excellent portable Walkman player, FM Radio and a 2GB Flash drive. Sound Quality is amazing with good battery Back-Up. Though priced little high(Rs.2890) for its features, one can invest for Sony’s State-Of-Art Audio Experience and Portability. Those who are looking to buy a 1 or 2GB Flash drive can buy this player instead, as it plays multi-role.