WM-SX34

The WM-SX34 is a simplified Sports Walkman built around cassette playback alone, omitting radio and Dolby while keeping auto-reverse, Mega Bass, anti-rolling support, and Sony's automatic volume limiting system inside a durable plastic body made for movement. One of its more practical details was the elongated belt clip, which doubled as a protective guard around the volume control to help prevent accidental changes during exercise or outdoor use. It runs on two AA batteries and stayed mechanically straightforward.

That volume guard tells you almost everything you need to know about this model. The SX34 is not interesting because it was advanced, but because it was attentive. It reads more as a Sports Walkman designed around the actual annoyances of active use instead of around the desire to show off extra features.