By 1997, Sony had deepened the character of each segment with refined materials and usability tweaks tailored to its audience. The portfolio approach meant managing multiple Walkmans rather than a single category.
WM-FS1
The WM-FS1 is a Walkman with a built-in radio. It features a bass boost function and uses AA batteries. It belongs to the early Walkman lineage that integrated radio functionality.
WM-MV1
The WM-MV1 is a playback-only Walkman with an automatic reversal function. It features a bass boost function and uses AA batteries.
WM-WE1
The WM-WE1 is a playback-only Walkman. It features a bass boost function and is compatible with AA batteries and gum-type rechargeable batteries.
WM-EQ3
The WM-EQ3 is a playback-only Walkman. It uses AA batteries.
WM-EQ5
The WM-EQ5 is a playback-only Walkman with an automatic reversal function. It uses AA batteries.
WM-FX5
The WM-FX5 is a Walkman with a built-in radio. It features bass boost and automatic reversal, and uses AA batteries. It belongs to the early Walkman lineage that integrated radio functionality.
WM-WE7
The WM-WE7 is a playback-only Walkman. It features a bass boost function and is compatible with both AA batteries and gum-type rechargeable batteries.
WM-GX322
The WM-GX322 is a Walkman with radio and recording capabilities. It features bass boost and automatic reversal, and uses AA batteries. It has an early combined configuration that combines radio and recording functions.
WM-EX641
The WM-EX641 is a playback-only Walkman with an automatic reversal function. It features Dolby B, remote control operation, and bass boost, and is compatible with AA batteries and gum-type rechargeable batteries. It is an early high-end model that enhances convenience through the introduction of electronic control functions.
WM-EX642
The WM-EX642 is a playback-only Walkman with an automatic reversal function. It features Dolby B, remote control operation, and bass boost, and is compatible with AA batteries and gum-type rechargeable batteries. It is an early high-end model that enhances convenience through the introduction of electronic control functions.
WM-EX655
The WM-EX655 is a playback-only Walkman with an automatic reversal function. It features Dolby B, remote control operation, and bass boost, and is compatible with AA batteries and gum-type rechargeable batteries. It is an early high-end model that enhances convenience through the introduction of electronic control functions.
WM-GX655
The WM-GX655 is a Walkman with radio and recording capabilities. It features bass boost and automatic reversal, and is compatible with AA batteries and gum-type rechargeable batteries. It has an early combined configuration that combines radio and recording functions.
WM-FX833
The WM-FX833 is a Walkman with a built-in radio. It features Dolby B, remote control operation, bass boost, and automatic reversal, and uses AA batteries. It belongs to the early Walkman lineage that integrated radio functionality.
WM-FX855
The WM-FX855 is a Walkman with a built-in radio. It features bass boost and automatic reversal, and uses AA batteries. It belongs to the early Walkman lineage that integrated radio functionality.
WM-EX922
The WM-EX922 is a playback-only Walkman with an automatic reversal function. It features Dolby B, remote control operation, and bass boost, and is compatible with AA batteries and gum-type rechargeable batteries. It is an early high-end model that enhances convenience through the introduction of electronic control functions.
1997 showed Sony had learned to curate a family of distinct products instead of a monolithic line. That internal diversity helped the brand absorb the late-decade tension between analog perfection and digital momentum. 1997 left the Walkman fully comfortable with its own internal variety, though comfort came at the cost of the original singular identity.
