NW-S774BT

The NW-S774BT is a tenth-generation S Series Network Walkman with 8 GB storage supporting MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV playback. A lithium-ion battery delivers up to 42 hours of use with Bluetooth, WM-PORT, video and photo playback, and Clear Phase. The chassis measured roughly 7 mm at its thickest point.

The Bluetooth-equipped version of the S774 makes that tension even clearer. Sony was clearly trying to modernize the classic compact Walkman without flattening it into just another generic gadget. The player still is a Walkman first. The Bluetooth is there to support that identity, not replace it.