W Series Sony Walkman MP3 Player review and giveaway.

Folks, I'm not one to run with music. I've just never really liked it. I don't like things in or over my ears so headphones and earbuds are out for me.


Happy Runner husband, on the other hand, likes his tunes. And he likes to run with them.


So, when I was approached to review the Sony Walkman MP3 Player, I figured I would turn to him and he would give them a true test. He is, truth be told, a tough customer. Probably tougher than me.


The W series MP3 player is a one-piece player, so it is wire-free, and it is designed to be used during vigorous activity, like running. When we first opened the package, we were both struck by the design of the MP3 player. The W series is slick! Really slick. Just looking at it you can tell that some high-level engineering was going on in the development. Check it out:

MP3 player closed (turned off)

MP3 player ready for action!

After we finished ogling the player, Owen decided to get it ready so he could use it during his lunchtime runs.


And here he met with the one downside of the player: He had a tough time using the software to load the music. The software isn't the most intuitive to use so it took a while to get rolling to load songs. But, once he got everything set up it was easy enough, it just took more effort than expected.


With his songs loaded, Owen took the player out for a run. Or 20. 


And, in short, he loved it. And continues to love it. He's found that the player fits well, stays in place on his head and ears, and is comfortable. The sound quality is excellent and the convenience of having the entire player right there on your head, with no wires and nothing to hold, is great. A real win in his book.


He's a bit bummed that he can't play entire albums using the player, however. He's an album guy and the player allows you to play on shuffle or using playlists. Since many runners use playlists for their runs, this probably isn't an issue. But, if you like to listen to albums in their entirety then you're out of luck.


Overall, the W series MP3 player gets a major thumbs-up! As I mentioned, Owen is a tough customer so for him to like it as much as he does tells me that it really is a good product. 


To buy:


The W series MP3 player retails for $59.99 at Sony but it is currently on backorder. Amazonhas the player on sale for $49.88 with free shipping.


To win:


Lucky you! I have TWO W series MP3 players to give away. And entering couldn't be easier. All you have to do is leave me a comment with your favorite running song and you'll be entered to win.


Additional entries:

As always, you can gain extra entries. Remember, though, you must complete the required entry first! (Leave one comment per entry for the additional ones to count):

• Follow this blog, or let me know that you already do (leave a comment)
• Become a fan of The Happy Runner on Facebook, or let me know that you already are (leave a comment)
• Link to this giveaway from Facebook or Twitter (do as often as you'd like, just leave a comment each time)
• Link to this giveaway from your blog (leave a comment with the url)

This giveaway will run through Thursday, April 21 at 11:59pm EST and the TWO winners will be announced on Friday.

Good luck!


And have a great weekend!


~ Felice

Review/giveaway disclosure: I received three W series MP3 players -- one to keep and two to give away. I was not otherwise compensated and the opinions expressed are entirely my own. You can read my disclosure statement HERE.