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Sony NW-MS7 Memory Stick Walkman

WHAT'S HOT: The Memory Stick Walkman looks the best of any player we tested. The purple, shiny case is shaped like an oversized pack of gum. Sony uses the minimalist design effectively: Play and scroll with an uncluttered set of buttons. We preferred the Walkman's simple dials instead of those we found on other players.

WHAT'S NOT: It's very expensive ($399), second only to the HanGo Personal JukeBox. The Memory Stick Walkman is the first MP3 player to comply with the music industry's security initiative, so there are a number of first-generation problems that make it irksome to operate. You have to convert all your existing MP3 files into Sony's proprietary format--a time-consuming process. (A 3.5-minute song took 4.5 minutes--and that's just to convert it, not transfer it the device, which took another 5 or so minutes.) Sony's proprietary format also takes up more hard drive space than that of typical MP3s. In order to download any songs, you must register the device with Sony, providing the company with extensive personal information.

WHAT ELSE: The bright backlight makes reading the LCD easy in dark lighting conditions.

BEST USE: The Sony Memory Stick Walkman works best for those who can afford its high-end style and price. The player handles MP3s you record from your CDs easily, though it isn't your best choice if you download music from the Internet.

SUMMARY

Sony Memory Stick Walkman $399; 64MB of Memory Stick memory, supports Sony's OpenMG technology, USB, no battery, Sony's OpenMG Jukebox software, 1-year warranty, 24-hour tech support. Sony 800/222-7669 www.sony.com