As an addition to the flurry of 2ND generation HiMD news from MDCF, here’s some information of the upcoming NW-E50x flash-based series, which are due this coming April. No news of MSRPs as yet.

NW-E505 S NEW
Features:
• 512MB Flash Memory MP3 Walkman
• ATRAC3plus and MP3 direct playback
• NW-E505: More than 20 CD’s in ATRAC3plus, 10 CD’s in MP3
• FM tuner
• Stylish, compact design
• Bright and clear 3-line Organic EL display for easy navigation
• Super light: weighs just 37 grams
• WMA / WAV compatibility
• Lithium-Ion rechargeable Battery: 50h continuous playback
• High speed charging: 3 minutes charging = 3H playback time
• Easy music management with Sonic Stage 3.0 Jukebox software
• Available in: Blue and Silver

I believe the E507 will have a capacity of 1GB and 256MB for the E503.

Damn…that’s hot. If the Shuffle had a screen like that there would be no flash based market left.

Erik

Exactly. That’s absolutely sexy and I would argue that any flash device with 512MB or more requires some sort of screen. Sure I like shuffle play but I also often want to play specific songs. I want to have a choice.

OMG, everytime I come back to this page my eyes light up…that is just toooo hot. I have no use for another Mp3 but I think I might just have to splurge for no reason at all. I hope the display is everything it looks to be.

Erik

all i can say is…

i want :drool:

this is absolutely gorgeous!!!

Update: The blue version of NW-50x series.

The NW-E40x Series

*refer to pictorial below.

NW-E407
Features: 
• 1GB Flash Memory MP3 Walkman
• ATRAC3plus and MP3 direct playback
• More than 40 CD’s in ATRAC3plus, 20 CD’s in MP3
• Stylish, compact design
• Bright and clear 3-line Organic EL display for easy navigation
• Super light: weighs just 37 grams
• WMA / WAV compatibility
• Lithium-Ion rechargeable Battery: 50h continuous playback
• High speed charging: 3 minutes charging = 3H playback time
• Easy music management with Sonic Stage 3.0 Jukebox software
• Available in: Black, Blue, Red and Green

NW-E405
Features:
• 512MB Flash Memory MP3 Walkman
• ATRAC3plus and MP3 direct playback
• More than 20 CD’s in ATRAC3plus, 10 CD’s in MP3
• Stylish, compact design
• Bright and clear 3-line Organic EL display for easy navigation
• Super light: weighs just 37 grams
• WMA / WAV compatibility
• Lithium-Ion rechargeable Battery: 50h continuous playback
• High speed charging: 3 minutes charging = 3H playback time
• Easy music management with Sonic Stage 3.0 Jukebox software
• Available in: Black, Blue, Red and Green

Only one side is showcased here. I’d like to see whats on the other side of this beauty ..

I can’t wait to get my hands on one….

Hmmm… Sony Netherlands had removed those pictures from their gallery. I guess the exponential growth of visitors caused an overload with their server. Or perhaps they are just teasing us now. 

Update: I have updated the links to the above picture. Therefore, for those who missed the pictures after Sony removed its link, please scroll up the page.

I really will have to try hard to stop myself buying one of these to compliment my ipod.

One question though, what is the difference between the E40x series and E50x series…. apart from colours??

The description sounds the same!

Difference of capacity. I believe the E50x series only has 512MB and the E40x has both 1GB and 512MB option. However, at this point, it is safe to state that the specifications are not final.

Update:
Finally… an official announcement of Sony’s flash based units.

US News Links: “Sony unveils lower-priced Walkman”

Pictorial Source: AVWatch

Specifications:

NW-E507/505: [1GB/512MB] [MSRP: 25,000/20,000 Yen]
* Available colors: Silver, Azure blue, Cherry pink.
Available in Japan: April 21, 2005

NW-E407/405: [1GB/512MB] [MSRP: 22,000/17,000 Yen]
* Available colors: Midnight black, Ocean blue, Rose red, Lincoln green
Available in Japan: April 21, 2005

Audio Compression: ATRAC3plus and MP3. [Bit rate: 32-320kbps(CBR/VBR)]
Data transfer: Via USB
Charge Method: USB
FM Tuner: 76.0-90.0MHz [Reception frequency] and TV1～3ch
Size: 84.9 × 28.8 × 13.9mm

The main difference between the NW-E500 series and the E400 series is color variation and the FM tuner being exclusive to the NW-E500 series. In addition, the NW-E405 unit comes bundles with the MDR-E808LP earbuds whereas the E500 series and E407 unit comes bundled with the MDR-E931SP buds. Both unit of course incorporates the OLED display and supports kanji text.

NW-E500

NW-E400

OLED

Click for enlarged picture of the JOG dial

NW-E100 Series

NW-E107/105/103: [1GB/512MB/256MB] [MSRP: 20,000/14,000/10,000 Yen]
* Available colors: Velvet red, Frosty silver, Aquatic blue and orange.
Available in Japan: March 21, 2005

Audio Compression: ATRAC3/ATRAC3plus and MP3. [Bit rate: 32-320kbps(CBR/VBR)]
Data transfer: Via USB
Battery: 1x AAA type alkaline dry battery
Size: 56.2 × 56.2 × 19.2 mm
Weight: 37g with battery

Pictorial

I wonder how you carry this thing (the smaller ones that is)? Lanyard? Clip?