The sound quality is simple and good headphones really great. If you're looking equalizers and sound profiles, is the place to go. Besides Clear Bass and other optimizations, the sound on their own listening needs to be adjusted. For me, the normal mode is enough, because I see in it only a volume adjustments of certain frequencies. That depends on your own ear and the power of perception.
The video playback mode is the way I have always imagined. The 2.4 inch display is very nice and sharp, detailed and has the optimal size. Little it should not be, otherwise it goes on a long time strong on the eyes. You can also choose if you hold the device in the left or right hand in addition to the horizontal and vertical alignment of the video. While viewing a video, you can fast-forward with 1,2,3 times the speed and at the same time see the film. The progress bar is inconspicuously small and does not cover the half of the film / image, as is the case with the Creative Zen. So you have a better idea where you are currently. This is really useful if you sometimes want to see a longer film thereon. The viewing angle of the display is good. Supplied unfortunately is no software with which you can convert videos clever. I recommend here the free Super 2008 by Eright software (freeware). The best results are obtained with the following settings:
MP4 H.264 / AVC AAC LC
Video Scale Size: 320 x 240 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 4: 3
Frame rate: 25 fps
Options: HiQuality (= 2-pass)
h.264 profiles: Baseline H.264 Level 1.3
Audio: 44kHz
Bitrate: 432 kbit (try it!)
Audio:
Sampling Freq: 44100
2 channels (= stereo)
Bitrate: 128 kit / s (depending on taste)
The audio, video and image files can be copied with installed Media Player 11 drag and drop them to the player, move and delete under Windows XP Service Pack # 2. This assumes that you use a Sony own USB cable. Alternatively, it is wonderful over Bluetooth, the transmission is not particularly fast. However, since most laptops have more than these is no problem for me. Operation of the player is similar to many Sony mobile phone and is well done and clearly. What is a bit disturbing that the player can be charged only on PCs that pretend the MP3 player a MTP server. Under Windows XP (SP + 2) and Vista should not be a problem. On Linux, it might be difficult.
The MP3 player has to play to a shuffle mode, features playlists, but must be created with the Windows Media Player 11. After playing the instrument with music, the track information is automatically added to a library. Title can be searched on the device by title, artist or other features. Alternatively, there is also the folder mode, where they can select as their titles individually in Explorer. What I think is a pity that individual music tracks and photos on the player can not be deleted. For this I must always go beyond the PC! I can only format it. Since I often grab an entire album to the player, and then delete the less beautiful songs, I think that's a bit awkward. Still acceptable.
Before purchasing the Sony MP3 player I had toyed with the Creative Zen, which is to have from 99 euros with 8 GB. He has a brilliant 2.5-inch display, an SD (HC) card slot and is made noble. Unfortunately, the service is somewhat hakelig in my view. In addition, the contents of the SD card can not be integrated into the playlist, which is a shame. Here Creative Labs has its operating concept not well thought out. Therefore, I opted for the Sony, which is lighter, smaller and more manageable. Solely the small "back" and "Home" buttons I find a bit annoying. The side-mounted "Hold" switch is well placed, because the other keys can be pressed while carrying in your pocket quickly. Therefore, the key lock "Hold" is really important.
Conclusion: Overall, this Sony MP3 player is a great all-rounder (image, video and audio) and makes for a great multimedia experience. The price is currently 175 euros to Apple level, but 8GB bit pricey! Therefore only 4 points! On the smaller weaknesses of the device, which I have described, you can adjust well. The battery life is very long lasting. The Bluetooth function is really convenient, but an expensive extra! As a highlight, this player also play WAV files, if someone has special quality preferences. However, I've had enough MP3 and AAC in high bit rate.
