New Sony NW-HD5 20GB MP3 Player Officially Announced

Sony is the first to introduce a hard-drive based MP3 Player with 40 hours of play-time on a single battery charge. Charge time via AC is 3 hours, via USB its 6 hours. The battery (LIP-880PD B) is removable and will sell for 4,935 Yen (~$45). The NW-HD5 measures 59.9×89.3×14.5mm and weighs 139g. This makes the NW-HD5 smaller than the 20GB iPod.



The display measures 1.5 inch and has seven text lines. Sony's new Network walkman supports of course MP3 and still ATRAC3plus music formats. Other features include: 6 band equalizer, G-Sensor HDD protector, 0 degree flipable display and reverse display option.
The NW-HD5 goes on sale in Japan on April 21st, no price set yet. Available colors are black, silver and red. More details in Sony press-release (Japanese).
Pocket-Lint reports that the NW-HD5 (Listed on Amazon.UK with a price possibly of £170.20) will arrive in the UK in May with a £199 (~$374) street price. This is the same price a 20GB Apple iPod costs in the UK.

I guess we will today see NW-HD5 press-releases from Sony in the USA and Europe too.

Sony takes with the NW-HD5 direct aim at the Apple iPod and hits it hard at a weak point, the battery. Sony offers way more battery-life and a cheap way to exchange it or even travel with a spare one, giving you 80 hours of play-time.

Update 05/26/05:
Buy the Sony NW-HD5 Now

Compare Prices on the NW-HD3