NWZ-S544

The NWZ-S544 is part of the later 2009 S Series Network Walkman. It emphasized balanced multimedia performance with Clear Audio and DSEE processing. With 8 GB flash storage supporting MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV playback, it includes video and photo functions. A 240x320 TFT display showed content, and the lithium-ion battery delivers 42 hours of audio. WM-PORT handled connections, with FM radio, recording, and built-in speaker includes.

This unit comes from the point when Sony let the S Series get bigger, louder, and more visibly consumer-electronics-coded than it had been before. The larger display, integrated speakers, video playback, and heavier body all move it away from the older private listening device idea and toward something closer to a self-contained pocket media gadget. The built-in speakers especially make that clear.