Improvements include a new color, 256MB of internal memory, a Memory Stick Duo slot, and o­n-board encoding via the cradle.

Sony will release a new model of their "Network Walkman" portable audio player o­n March 10th, called the "NW-MS77DR." While officially Open Price, it should cost around 38,000 yen.

This is an upper level model over the "NW-MS70D" released in February of last year. It includes 256MB of internal memory, and a Memory Stick Duo slot; the design and titanium body remain the same as o­n the NW-MS70D. The o­nly change o­n the main body of the other model is that while the previous model's body color was "smoke," this time around it has become "silver."

A major change is the USB cradle. While o­n the previous model the cradle was used o­nly for recharging and audio transfer from "SonicStage," the new cradle includes an o­n-board ATRAC3plus encoder. It has optical digital and analog audio ports (mini plug) meaning that users can connect it to their CD player or whatnot, and record directly to the NW-MS77DR.

The recording format is ATRAC3plus, with a bitrate of 64/48kbps. Recorded audio data can be uploaded to computers with SonicStage Ver.2.0, and tag information and such can be inputted o­n the PC. Uploaded data can be transferred a maximum of 3 times.

As for the reason of including an o­n-board encoding function o­n the cradle, Sony has explained that "music CDs' CCCD support has advanced, and they became unreadable o­n SonicStage; so the cases where users cannot listen to new music o­n their Network Walkman has increased." in regards tousers with the older model being able to obtain a cradle, they have said "we are investigating it, but for now there are no plans."

Also, SonicStage is updated to version 2.0, meaning creation of 256kbps ATRAC3plus audio is now supported. ATRAC3plus/256kbps is supported by the older Network Walkman versions as well. Other updates planned for SonicStage version 2.0 include a new user interface, faster data transfer, and support for CDDB2, etc..

The main body has the same specifications as the old mode, with a frequency response of 20Hz - 20kHz, an a maximum output of 5mWx2. It is equipped with headphone output (stereo mini) and a cradle connection port.

The battery is an internal rechargeable NiMH, with a battery life of 44 hours (ATRAC3)/36 hours (ATRAC3plus). The external dimensions are 36.4 x 18 x 48.5 (W x D x H), and it weighs 54g. Earphones, a neck strap, headphone extension cord (50cm), USB cable, and a carrying pouch are included.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20040210/sony2.htm

Product Information:
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/audio/walkman/acc/index.cfm?PD=16318&KM=NW-MS77DR