Is Sony’s NW-HD1 the iPod Killer?

Sony is heading into battle as they become the latest company trying to take the digital audio player market share from the iPod. The new Sony Walkman NW-HD1 offers 20 GB of storage space, and weighs just 3.8 ounces. This is lighter than the larger iPod, and just a tiny bit bigger than the iPod mini. The device will be able to store 13,000 songs according to Sony, which if true is an amazing feat at 20 GB. Apple's 40 GB iPod holds approximately 10,000 songs. In addition, it boasts a 30 hour battery life. It is expected that the device, which launches in Japan on July 10, will sell for less than $400 in the United States.

So are there any negatives to Sony's device? Well, continuing their tradition of creating their own standards, the Walkman NW-HD1 only plays Sony ATRAC files. What does this mean to you? Your MP3 files, along with any music purchased through any online music store (aside from the abysmal Sony Connect) will have to be converted to ATRAC format if you want to use it on this device. I'm calling it now - because it can't even play MP3's, the Walkman NW-HD1 will be a failure.

Talk about Sony's new device on the Gear Live Boards

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