WM-F501

The WM-F501 is the radio-equipped version of the WM-501, carrying over the same integrated gumstick rechargeable chassis, auto-reverse transport, Dolby B noise reduction, Dynamic Bass Boost, and amorphous head while adding FM, AM, and TV audio reception. Despite the extra circuitry, it preserved much of the same compact, self-contained feel that made the original 501 platform so important. The metal body and hold lock reinforced its role as a complete all-in-one portable instead of a compromise design.

Here, Sony doing the obvious next thing, but doing it well. Once the slim integrated rechargeable format worked, it made perfect sense to extend it into radio instead of forcing users back into larger, more accessory-dependent machines. The F501 is the point when the compact premium Walkman stopped being a niche format and started becoming a full family.