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The final four
Specifically, we looked at the following portable CD players:
The features Eva considered most important were on all the models we looked at (even the least expensive ones). All had some form of bass boost, and all had fairly advanced anti-skipping technology. All got at least 50 hours or more of battery life, using two "AA" batteries.
Styling also turned out to not be much of an issue. By moving beyond the disposable players, we were in a price range where the quality of the players' components was reflected in the styling and materials of the casings.
Our selections sorted themselves into two basic groups of players. The regular portables were sleek in appearance, with metallic silver finishes and accents. As the price increased, sizes got smaller, packing more features into cases that were barely larger than the discs they played. Definitely cool.
The sports units were white; their durable, thick plastic casings simulated the feel and look of sports equipment. The cases were a little larger on a whole than those of the regular models, with rugged closures securing their lids.
First round elimination
The first player Eva cut from the Final Four was the most expensive model. Clocking in at $30 higher than the other three final choices, the D-EJ885 had a number of extra features that Eva didn't need (although she really liked them). This $130 unit was the only one of the four to have rechargeable batteries with a recharging stand.
Eva also liked the stick-style controller with the LCD display. Eva wanted easy control access during running. Reading info and changing tracks from the stick seemed to make more sense than holding the player in one hand, and trying to jab the buttons on it with the other while jogging.
The D-EJ885's other unique feature, a mini-jack audio output, wasn't something Eva was likely to use. This line output is most commonly used to send the player's signal to battery-powered personal speakers. It's also frequently used in conjunction with a CD adapter cassette to run the CD player's signal through a car's cassette deck. All of Eva's listening involved using the portable player as a self-contained unit with headphones. Further, for her birthday we replaced her vehicle's original cassette deck with a radio/CD player unit, rendering the CD adapter cassette she had been using unnecessary.
Although an excellent player overall, Eva decided to trade the option of rechargeable batteries for a smaller price tag.
Second round elimination
Eva then narrowed the field to two by eliminating the D-NF610. This unit was the least expensive of the three remaining (but only by $10). Being so close in price, all three of the players had almost identical features. Minute details now loomed large.
The D-NF610's biggest difference was its lack of program play, which was something Eva considered a must for long bus rides. She then looked at the three units side by side.
Appearance now became a more critical aspect. Eva thought the D-NE710 looked a little cooler. That slight preference, plus the lack of program play on the '610, were what determined her final two selections.
Specifically, we looked at the following portable CD players:
- Sony D-FS601 S2 Sports Walkman with AM/FM/TV/Weather radio (around $100)
- Sony D-EJ885 Walkman (around $130)
- Sony D-NE710 Walkman CD/ATRAC3/MP3 player (around $100)
- Sony D-NF610 Walkman CD/ATRAC3/MP3 player (around $90)
The features Eva considered most important were on all the models we looked at (even the least expensive ones). All had some form of bass boost, and all had fairly advanced anti-skipping technology. All got at least 50 hours or more of battery life, using two "AA" batteries.
Styling also turned out to not be much of an issue. By moving beyond the disposable players, we were in a price range where the quality of the players' components was reflected in the styling and materials of the casings.
Our selections sorted themselves into two basic groups of players. The regular portables were sleek in appearance, with metallic silver finishes and accents. As the price increased, sizes got smaller, packing more features into cases that were barely larger than the discs they played. Definitely cool.
The sports units were white; their durable, thick plastic casings simulated the feel and look of sports equipment. The cases were a little larger on a whole than those of the regular models, with rugged closures securing their lids.
 The Sony D-EJ885 CD Walkman |
First round elimination
The first player Eva cut from the Final Four was the most expensive model. Clocking in at $30 higher than the other three final choices, the D-EJ885 had a number of extra features that Eva didn't need (although she really liked them). This $130 unit was the only one of the four to have rechargeable batteries with a recharging stand.
Eva also liked the stick-style controller with the LCD display. Eva wanted easy control access during running. Reading info and changing tracks from the stick seemed to make more sense than holding the player in one hand, and trying to jab the buttons on it with the other while jogging.
The D-EJ885's other unique feature, a mini-jack audio output, wasn't something Eva was likely to use. This line output is most commonly used to send the player's signal to battery-powered personal speakers. It's also frequently used in conjunction with a CD adapter cassette to run the CD player's signal through a car's cassette deck. All of Eva's listening involved using the portable player as a self-contained unit with headphones. Further, for her birthday we replaced her vehicle's original cassette deck with a radio/CD player unit, rendering the CD adapter cassette she had been using unnecessary.
Although an excellent player overall, Eva decided to trade the option of rechargeable batteries for a smaller price tag.
 The Sony D-NF610 CD Walkman |
Second round elimination
Eva then narrowed the field to two by eliminating the D-NF610. This unit was the least expensive of the three remaining (but only by $10). Being so close in price, all three of the players had almost identical features. Minute details now loomed large.
The D-NF610's biggest difference was its lack of program play, which was something Eva considered a must for long bus rides. She then looked at the three units side by side.
Appearance now became a more critical aspect. Eva thought the D-NE710 looked a little cooler. That slight preference, plus the lack of program play on the '610, were what determined her final two selections.
