Battery duration*2

ATRAC3 format: Approximately 50 hours ATRAC3plus format: Approximately 45 hours MP3 format: Approximately 40 hours FM radio reception: Approximately 22 hours *2 This is when the power save setting is normal (page 35). The battery duration will vary depending on temperature and usage.
On the remaining battery indication
The battery icon in the display changes as shown below.
The battery power gets low as shown in the battery icon. If LOW BATTERY is displayed, you cannot play back with the Network Walkman. In this case, charge the battery by connecting to your computer. Notes Charge the battery in an ambient temperature of between 5 to 35C (67 to 95F). The icon above USB Connect in the display is animated while your Network Walkman accesses the computer. Do not disconnect the USB cable when the icon is moving or the data being transferred may be destroyed. Use of your Network Walkman with a USB hub or a USB extension cable is not guaranteed. Always connect your Network Walkman to the computer directly using the dedicated USB cable. Some USB devices connected to the computer may interfere with the proper operation of your Network Walkman. The control buttons on your Network Walkman are all disabled while it is connected to a computer. You can display the data stored in the built-in flash memory using Windows Explorer when your Network Walkman is connected to the computer.
Transfer audio files to your Network Walkman. For information on transferring audio files to the built-in flash memory, refer to the SonicStage operating instructions.
For information on transferring audio files back to the computer, refer to the SonicStage operating instructions or online Help for the SonicStage software. Note If the USB cable is disconnected while data is being transferred, unnecessary data may be left in the Network Walkman. In this case, transfer usable audio files (including non-audio data) back to your computer and format (page 37) the Network Walkman.
Listening to music with your Network Walkman
Charge the built-in rechargeable battery before use (page 12) and transfer audio files to your Network Walkman.
Notes When using Network Walkman, be sure to disconnect it from the computer. For information on FM tuner operations, see FM Tuner (page 40).

You can skip to the beginning of the album or group within the Play Range in the Group Control Mode.
To Skip to the beginning of the next album/ group*1*2 Skip to the beginning of the current album/ group*1*2 Shuttle switch operation Set the Shuttle switch to the GROUP position and rotate it to >. Set the Shuttle switch to the GROUP position and rotate it to.

Fast-rewind*2

*1 Rotating and holding the Shuttle switch to > (or.) while playback is stopped, makes continuous skips to the beginning of the next (or the current) song, and if held longer, continues to skip through the next (or previous) song(s). *2 The Fast-forward and fast-rewind speed becomes gradually faster.
*1 Skips to the beginning of the next (or the current) albums first track when the current Play Range is the result of an album name or artist name search. Skips to the beginning of the next (or the current) groups first track when the current Play Range is the track list result of a searching by group search. *2 Rotating and holding the Shuttle switch to > (or.) while playback is stopped, makes continuous skips to the beginning of the next (or the current) album/group in the current Play Range, and if held longer, continues to skip through the next (or previous) album/group(s).

B Advanced Operations

Repeat mode
There are 3 types of repeat mode: Track Repeat, A-B Repeat, and Sentence Repeat. Track Repeat (Track Rep) This mode plays back tracks repeatedly in the following 3 ways.
Track Repeat mode Repeat Operation All the songs in the Play Range (coverage of playback) are played back repeatedly. The current song is played back repeatedly. All the songs in the Play Range (coverage of playback) are played back repeatedly in random order.
Selecting the repeat mode
Single Repeat Shuffle Repeat
Press and hold the SEARCH/ MENU button for half a second in stop mode. The menu screen is displayed.
A-B Repeat (A-B Rep) This mode plays back the specified section in a track repeatedly. Sentence Repeat (Sentence Rep) This mode plays back voice data within a specified section in a track repeatedly.
Repeat Mode Sound Volume Mode
Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Repeat Mode> and press the Nx button to confirm.
Playing tracks repeatedly (Track Repeat)
The Track Repeat mode is changed by pressing the REPEAT/SOUND button. You can check the current Track Repeat mode with the icon of the display.
Rotate the Shuttle switch to select a desired repeat mode and press the Nx button to confirm.
Track Rep A-B Rep Sentence Rep
You can choose one mode among Track Rep, A-B Rep, and Sentence Rep. You can operate each repeat mode you selected, as refer to the below. Track Rep: see Playing tracks repeatedly (Track Repeat). A-B Rep: see Playing a specified section repeatedly (A-B Repeat). Sentence Rep: see Playing specified sentences repeatedly (Sentence Repeat).

REPEAT/SOUND button

Track Repeat icon
Press the SEARCH/MENU button repeatedly to exit menu mode.
Notes The display automatically returns to the playback screen if you do not operate any button for 60 seconds. When there are no audio files in the built-in flash memory, you cannot set any repeat mode. When you connect the Network Walkman to your computer, the selected repeat mode will be canceled. When you change the Play Range, the selected repeat mode will be canceled. You can only select repeat mode from stop mode.
Select the Track Repeat mode (Track Rep) first (page 21). Then, press the REPEAT/SOUND button repeatedly to select the repeat mode you want.
Each press changes the Track Repeat icon as follows:
none (Normal play) (Repeat) (Single Repeat) (Shuffle Repeat)
Playing a specified section repeatedly (A-B Repeat)
While playing a track, you can set the start point (A) and end point (B) for a section you wish to play repeatedly.

Nx button

Press the REPEAT/SOUND button to set the end point (B). AtB is displayed and the specified section is played back repeatedly.

01:23 A B

Select the A-B Repeat mode (A-B Rep) (page 21). Press the Nx button to start playback. A t blinks. Press the REPEAT/SOUND button to set the start point (A) while playing back. A t is displayed and B blinks.
You cannot set A-B Repeat for a section that overlaps two or more tracks. If you do not set the end point (B), it is automatically set at the end of the track. Rotating the Shuttle switch releases the already set start point (A). Switching to the FM tuner releases the already set start point (A).
To clear the start point (A) and end point (B)
Press the REPEAT/SOUND button during A-B Repeat playback. Press the SEARCH/MENU button during A-B Repeat playback. Set the Shuttle switch to the GROUP position to select the Group Control Mode during A-B Repeat playback. Select the previous or next track by rotating the Shuttle switch during A-B Repeat playback. (The A-B Repeat mode is not canceled.)
To cancel the A-B Repeat mode
Change the Repeat mode in the menu screen (page 21).

To cancel the Menu mode

Press the SEARCH/MENU button to return the screen to the previous stage. Press repeatedly to exit menu mode.
Changing the display mode
You can view various information in the display while the audio player is played or stopped. Change the display mode by pressing the DISP/FM (Display/FM) button. There are 4 types of display, and you can set the desired display in the Menu mode (page 27). Property: Displays the current Play Range, the current album number/total album number within the Play Range, the current track number/total track number within the Play Range, the CODEC (compression type), and bit rate.
Clock: Displays the current time and date.

Minute

2005 12/14
Bubble: Displays animated bubbles.

All Artist

25/545 ATRAC3 plus 35/kbps
Lap Meter: Displays the current track position within the Play Range, the elapsed time, and the current volume level.
Current track position within the Play Range Elapsed time

Current volume level

Selecting the display types (Display Screen)
You can select whether or not to use each of the 4 display types: Property, Lap Meter, Clock, and Bubble by pressing the DISP/ FM (Display/FM) button. The display types can be displayed by placing a check mark next to the setting.
DISP/FM (Display/FM) button
Press the DISP/FM (Display/FM) button while the audio player is played or stopped.

(normal display)

Property Bubble

Lap Meter

Notes The diagram above shows the order when all the display types are set to on (has check mark) in the Display Screen of the Menu mode. If some display types are set to off (no check mark), they will not be displayed. You cannot change the display mode while using the FM tuner.
Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Display Screen>, and press the Nx button to confirm.
Adjusting the treble and bass (Digital sound preset)
You can adjust the treble and bass. You can preset two settings, which can be selected while the audio player is played.

Property Lap Meter Clock

Set the check marks for Property, Lap Meter, Clock, and Bubble screen. 1 Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Property and press the Nx button to confirm. 2 Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Lap Meter and press the Nx button to confirm. 3 Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Clock and press the Nx button to confirm. 4 Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Bubble and press the Nx button to confirm. If a check is already marked, the above steps will uncheck it.

Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Power Save Mode>, and press the Nx button to confirm.

Save ON Save OFF

Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Save ON>, and press the Nx button to confirm. Rotate the Shuttle switch to select the setting you want, and press the Nx button to confirm.
Super (Disp OFF): nothing in the display. This setting uses the least battery consumption.

Normal Super(Disp OFF )

To set the Power Save mode to OFF
Select Save OFF in Step 3.
The playback/FM tuner screen is always displayed when the Power Save mode is set to OFF.
Turning off the beep sound (Beep)
You can turn off the beep sounds of your Network Walkman.
Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Beep OFF, and press the Nx button to confirm.
To change the setting to ON
Select Beep ON in step 3.
Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Beep> and press the Nx button to confirm.

Beep ON Beep OFF

B Other functions
Formatting memory (Format)
You can use your Network Walkman to format the built-in flash memory. If memory is formatted, all data previously stored in the memory will be erased. Be sure to verify the data stored in the memory prior to formatting.
Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Format> and press the Nx button to confirm.

Format OK? OK Cancel

Rotate the Shuttle switch to select OK and press the Nx button to confirm. Formatting. blinks and start formatting. When formatting is complete, Complete is displayed.

To cancel formatting

Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Cancel and press the Nx button to confirm in step 4. Note You cannot format memory while playing music.
Rotate the Shuttle switch to select Advanced Menu>, and press the Nx button to confirm.
Changing the USB connection setting (USB Bus Powered)
Depending on the computer you are using, if the power supply is insufficient, incomplete data transfer may occur from the computer to your Network Walkman. In this case, setting the USB connection (USB Bus Powered) to Low-power 100mA may improve data transfer.
Rotate the Shuttle switch to select USB Bus Powered>, and press the Nx button to confirm. Rotate the Shuttle switch to select the setting you want and press the Nx button to confirm.
USB Bus Powered High-power500mA Low-power 100mA

GROUP (Manual) Preset Hold

Manual Tuning

Preset Tuning

P01 [ 90.00 MHz ]

FM [P01]
To Select the next preset number* Select the previous preset number*
The frequency is displayed in [ ]. When a selected frequency is already preset, the number is also displayed.
To Shuttle switch operation Rotate the Shuttle switch to >. Rotate the Shuttle switch to. Rotate and hold the Shuttle switch to > for a second. Rotate and hold the Shuttle switch to. for a second.
The preset number is displayed in [ ].
Shuttle switch operation Rotate the Shuttle switch to >. Rotate the Shuttle switch to.
Select the next frequency Select the previous frequency Select the next receivable broadcast station* Select the previous receivable broadcast station*
* The selecting speed becomes gradually faster by rotating and holding the Shuttle switch to > (or.). Note You cannot select broadcast stations if no preset stations are entered. Preset the receivable stations using FM Auto Preset (page 40).
* Rotating and holding the Shuttle switch to > (or.) for one second tunes in the next (or previous) receivable broadcast station. If interference is prevalent and reception is too strong, press the REPEAT/SOUND button to set to LOCAL. Under normal conditions, press REPEAT/SOUND button again to set to DX.

Improving the reception

The headphones cord serves as the antenna, so extend it as far as possible.
Presetting desired broadcast stations
You can preset broadcast stations that FM Auto Preset misses (page 40).
To delete preset broadcast stations
Select the desired frequency. Press and hold the Nx button for half a second. Rotate the Shuttle switch to select OK, and press the Nx button to confirm. The preset broadcast station is deleted and the next one is displayed.
Select the desired frequency by Manual Tuning mode. Press and hold the Nx button for half a second.
You can preset up to 30 stations (P01 to P30). Note The preset number is always sorted from low to high frequency order.

B Other Information

Precautions

On installation

Never use your Network Walkman where it will be subjected to extremes of light, temperature, moisture, or vibration. Never leave the Network Walkman exposed to high temperature, such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight.
Warning If there is lightning when you are using your Network Walkman, take off the headphones immediately.

On the use

When using a strap, careful to avoid hooking it on objects you pass by. Do not use the Network Walkman on an aircraft.
On cleaning On heat build-up
Heat may build up in your Network Walkman while charging if it was used for an extended period of time. Clean your Network Walkman casing with a soft cloth slightly moistened with water or a mild detergent solution. Clean the headphone plug periodically.

3 Remove the cover B.

Troubleshooting
If you experience any of the following difficulties while using your Network Walkman, use this troubleshooting guide to help to remedy the problem prior to consulting a Sony dealer. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer. If a problem occurs while connected to your computer, also refer to Troubleshooting in the online help of the supplied software.

To reset the player

If your Network Walkman does not operate normally, or if there is no sound, even after checking the troubleshooting guide below, press the reset button for more than one second with a pointed tool. z Tip
Any audio files stored in the memory will not be erased by pressing the reset button.

Reset button

What happened?

On operating

Symptom There is no sound. Noise is generated. Cause/Remedy The volume level is set to zero. c Turn the volume up (page 14). The headphone jack is not connected properly. c Connect the headphone jack properly (page 14). The headphone plug is dirty. c Clean the headphone plug with a soft dry cloth. No audio files are stored in the memory. c If NO DATA is displayed, transfer audio file(s) from the computer. The Shuttle switch is set to the HOLD position. c Set the Shuttle switch to the center (normal) position (page 30). Your Network Walkman contains moisture condensation. c Wait a few hours to let your Network Walkman dry. The remaining battery power is insufficient. c Charge the battery (page 12). The Play Range is shortened. c Select All Track in the search menu screen (page 15).

Buttons do not work.

The transferred songs cannot be found.
Symptom The volume is not loud enough. There is no sound from the right channel of the headphones.
Cause/Remedy The AVLS is enabled. c Disable the AVLS (page 32). The headphone jack is not fully inserted. c Connect the headphone jack fully (page 14). The extension headphone cord is not properly connected to the headphone jack of your Network Walkman or the headphone cord (NW-E505/E507). c Connect them properly (page 14). The remaining battery power is insufficient. c Charge the battery (page 12).
Playback has stopped suddenly.

On the display window

Symptom s is displayed for a title. Cause/Remedy Characters that cannot be displayed on your Network Walkman are involved. c Use the supplied SonicStage software to rename the title with appropriate characters.

On charging the battery

Symptom Battery life is short. Cause/Remedy The operating temperature is below 5C (67F). c Battery life becomes shorter due to the battery characteristics. This is not malfunction. The battery is required to be replaced. c Consult your near Sony dealer. Battery charging time is not enough. c Charge the battery longer if the USB connection (USB Bus Powered) is set to Low-power 100mA (page 38).
On the connection with the computer or supplied software
Symptom The software cannot be installed. USB Connect is not displayed when connected to the computer with the dedicated USB cable. Cause/Remedy An operating system not compatible with the software is used. c For details, refer to the SonicStage operating instructions. Please wait for authentication of the SonicStage software. Another application is running on the computer. c Wait for a while and reconnect the USB cable. If the problem persists, disconnect the USB cable, restart the computer, and then reconnect the USB cable. The dedicated USB cable has disconnected. c Connect the dedicated USB cable. A USB hub is used. c Connecting via a USB hub is not guaranteed. Connect the dedicated USB cable directly to the computer. The Network Walkman USB connection (USB Bus Powered) is set to High-power 500mA. c Set the USB Bus Powered to Low-power 100mA (page 38). The dedicate USB cable is disconnected. c Connect the dedicated USB cable. The driver for the Network Walkman is not installed. c Install the driver for the Network Walkman by installing the SonicStage software on the supplied CD-ROM. The driver will be installed together with SonicStage. The dedicated USB cable is not connected properly. c Connect the USB cable properly. The free space of the built-in flash memory where you want to transfer audio files to is insufficient. c Transfer any unnecessary songs back to your computer to increase free space. You have already transferred to 65,535 songs or 4,096 groups to the built-in flash memory using the SonicStage software. c You can transfer up to 65,535 songs, and 4,096 groups to the built-in flash memory using SonicStage software. One group can contain up to 999 songs. Audio files with a limited playing period or playing count may not be transferred due to restrictions set by copyright holders. For details on the settings of each audio file, contact the distributor.
Your Network Walkman is not recognized by the computer when it is connected to the computer.

A song(s) cannot be transferred to your Network Walkman.
Symptom The number of audio files that can be transferred is limited. (Available recording time is short.)
Cause/Remedy The free space of the built-in flash memory where you want to transfer to is not enough for the size of audio files you wish to transfer. c Transfer any unnecessary audio files back to the computer to increase free space. Non-audio data is stored in the built-in flash memory where you want to transfer audio files to. c Move non-audio data to the computer to increase free space. USB hub or USB extension cable is used. c Connecting via a USB hub or USB extension cable is not guaranteed. Connect the dedicated USB cable directly to the computer. Your Network Walkman is not connected to the computer properly. c Quit the SonicStage software and verify the connection of the dedicated USB cable. Restart the SonicStage software.
Operation of the Network Walkman becomes unstable while it is connected to the computer. Failed to authenticate Device/Media is displayed on the computer screen while connecting the Network Walkman to the computer.

On FM tuner

Symptom You cannot hear the FM broadcast well. Reception is weak and sound quality is poor. Cause/Remedy The receiving frequency is not fully tuned in. c Select the frequency manually to improve reception (page 42). The radio signal is weak. c Listen to the FM broadcast near a window since the signal may be weak inside buildings or vehicles. The headphone cord does not extend enough. c The headphone cord functions as an antenna. Extend the headphone cord as far as possible. An apparatus emitting radio signals, such as a mobile phone is being used near your Network Walkman. c When using such apparatus as mobile phones, keep them away from your Network Walkman.
The FM broadcast is affected by interference.
Symptom There is no beep sound when your Network Walkman is operated. Your Network Walkman gets warm. Cause/Remedy Beep is set to Beep OFF. c In the menu mode, set Beep to Beep ON (page 36). While charging, your Network Walkman may become slightly warm.

Messages

Follow the instructions below if an error message appears in the display.

Message AVLS (blinks) CANNOT PLAY Meaning The volume level exceeds the rated value while the AVLS is enabled. Your Network Walkman cannot play certain files because of incompatible formats. Transferring has been interrupted forcefully. Accessing the built-in flash memory. A malfunction is detected. The song is playback restricted by the copyright holder. Remedy Turn the volume down or disable the AVLS (page 32). If the file cannot be played, you can erase it from the built-in flash memory. For details, refer to To delete abnormal data from the built-in flash memory (page 51). Try using another computer. Please wait for access to complete. This message appears while the built-in flash memory is initiating. Please consult your nearest Sony dealer. If song cannot be played, you can erase it from the built-in flash memory. For details, refer to To delete abnormal data from the built-in flash memory (page 51). Transfer the normal audio file back to the computer and then format your Network Walkman. For details, refer to To delete abnormal data from the built-in flash memory on page 51. To operate Network Walkman, set the Shuttle switch to the center (normal) position (page 30). You must charge the battery (page 12).
CHARGE ERROR The power supply is abnormal. DATA ACCESS

ERROR EXPIRED

FILE ERROR
The file cannot be read. The file is not normal.
Your Network Walkman cannot be operated because the Shuttle switch is set to the HOLD position. The battery is low.

LOW BATTERY

Message MG ERROR
Meaning An unauthorized distribution file is detected for copyright protection.
Remedy Transfer the normal audio file back to the computer and then format your Network Walkman. For details, refer to To delete abnormal data from the built-in flash memory on page 51. If there are no audio files in the built-in flash memory, use the SonicStage software to transfer audio files. You can preset up to 30 broadcast stations. If you want to preset more stations, delete unnecessary stations first (page 43), then preset the stations you want. This is not a malfunction. You can operate your Network Walkman using the SonicStage, but you cannot operate the controls on your Network Walkman. Your Network Walkman is accessing to the built-in flash memory. Wait until the access completes. This message is displayed when transferring data to the built-in flash memory or formatting the Network Walkman.

NO DATA

There are no audio files in the built-in flash memory. 30 broadcast stations are already preset.

PRESET FULL

USB Connect

Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N)
80 dB or more (excluding ATRACkbps)

Dynamic range

85 dB or more (excluding ATRACkbps)

Operating temperature

5C to 35C (67F to 95F)

Power source

Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery USB power (from a computer through supplied USB cable)
Battery life (continuous playback)*
ATRAC3 format: Approximately 50 hours (Playback at 105 kbps) ATRAC3plus format: Approximately 45 hours (Playback at 48 kbps) MP3 format: Approximately 40 hours (Playback at 128 kbps) FM radio reception: Approximately 22 hours * This is when the power save setting is normal (page 35). The battery duration will vary depending on temperature and usage.

Dimension

84.9 28.8 13.9 mm (3 3/3/16 9/16 inches)
(w/h/d, projecting parts not included)

Approx. 47 g (1.7 oz)

Supplied accessories
Headphones (1) Dedicated USB cable (1) Extension headphone cord (NW-E505/E507) (1) Carrying pouch (NW-E505/E507) (1) Clip (1) CD-ROM for the SonicStage software, PDF file Operating Instructions, and PDF file SonicStage Operating Instructions (1) Quick Start Guide
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby Laboratories.

Glossary

MagicGate
Copyright protection technology that consists of authentication and encryption technology. Authentication ensures that protected content is transferred only between compliant devices and media, and that protected content is recorded and transferred in an encrypted format to prevent unauthorized copying or playback.
Note is terminology denoting the copyright protection system developed by Sony. It does not guarantee conversion among other media.

OpenMG

Copyright protection technology that securely manages music content from the EMD/Audio CD on a personal computer. Application software that is installed on the computer encrypts the digital music content when recording on the hard drive. This allows you to enjoy music content on the computer, but prevents unauthorized transmission of this content across a network (or elsewhere). This PC copyright protection complies with MagicGate, and allows you to transfer digital music content from a PCs hard drive to a compliant device.

ATRAC3

ATRAC3, which stands for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding3, is audio compression technology that satisfies the demand for high sound quality and high compression rates. The ATRAC3 compression rate is approximately 10 times higher than that of the Audio CD, resulting in an increased data capacity for the media.

ATRAC3plus

ATRAC3plus, which stands for Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding3plus, is audio compression technology that compresses data higher than ATRAC3. The ATRAC3plus is new audio compression technology that enables equal or higher quality sound comparing to ATRAC3.

A-B Repeat 23 Accessories 8 ATRACATRAC3plus 54 Audio CDs 6 AVLS (Limiting the volume) 32
Fast-forward Fast-rewind FM Formatting 40 37

Group 15, 19, 20

Beep sound Bit rate 36 54
Headphones 8, 14, 44 HOLD function (Locking the controls) 30
CD (Audio CDs) CD-ROM Charging Clock Computer 6 8, 26, 31 6, 11, 12

Information 39

Limiting the volume (AVLS) 32 Listening 14 Locking the controls (HOLD function) 30
Date-Time Display Display mode Download 31 10, 15, 22, 6

Menu list MP6, 55

EMD service 6 Explorer (Windows Explorer) 13, 30

OpenMG 54

USB cable 12 USB connection setting (USB Bus Powered) 38
Play Range Playback Power Save Mode 15-35

Volume 14, 33

Radio 40 Remaining battery indication 13 Repeat 21 Repeat count 25 Reset 46
WAV format Windows Explorer 6 13, 30
Search 15-19 SEARCH/MENU button 15-25, 27-29, 31-39 Sentence Repeat 24 Serial Number 8 Shuffle Repeat 21 Skip to the beginning of a track 20 SonicStage 11 Sound preset (Digital sound preset) 28
Time Setting Track Repeat Transferring Troubleshooting Tuner 6, 40

Sony Corporation

Xtatix Freefone Review by PC Magazine

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Xtatix Freefone

REVIEW DATE: 12.06.05

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Rock Your Workout Introduction Apple iPod nano

(summary)

It does have quite a few limitations, but given its comfort level and decent sound, we think the Xtatix Freefone makes an excellent gift idea.

Sony Network Walkman

NW-E505 (summary)
Samsung yepp YP-U1X Xtatix Freefone

At A Glance

Total posts: 1 $149.00 By Michael Kobrin
Full Review Dell DJ Ditty (summary)

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We're always searching for ways to get music from our pocket to our head without any wires in between. Bluetooth headphones are one solution, though because of the limitations of Bluetooth, we're generally not impressed with the sound quality. Enter wearable MP3 players. We've seen a few of these come and go, most notably the Oakley Thump and Thump 2. These sound decent, but they're expensive and not always practical. And most headphones that have built-in MP3 players try to do too much, with built-in FM tuners, Bluetooth phone connections, and media slots. Xtatix, a small Buffalo, New York-based company, is selling what we consider a very good solution for exercise nuts who just want to load a bunch of MP3s on some headphones and get running or cycling. The Xtatix Freefone has some limitations, but we feel it's a step in the right direction for wearable technology. It makes a solid, (very) basic 1GB flash-based wearable MP3 playerand it doesn't make you look dorky. The Freefone fits over your ears with flat foam pads like popular "streetstyle" headphones, and a hard plastic band clips over the tops of your ears and goes around the back of your neck. These are the lightest MP3 headphones we've seen yet, and the neckband provides very good clamping, so they stay on your head even if you're practicing gymnastics (we did a cartwheel and they didn't budge one bit). We were able to wear them comfortably through a solid hour of cycling, and we took them off afterwards only because they probably wouldn't work too well in the shower. The controls take a bit of getting used to and could be placed a little better, but at least they're fairly simple. All buttons do double duty depending on
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how long you hold them down: Two buttons on the bottom of the left headphone control track-skip functions if pressed briefly and volume if held for more than half a second. Two buttons on the top control Play/Pause, on/off, equalizer preset options, and repeat (only single-track repeat is available). To charge the player, you use a USB cable that's reminiscent of the one we saw on the MobiBlu DAH-1500i MobiBlu DAH-1500i : One end is a standard USB plug and the other is a 2.5mm minijack of the type found on cell phone earpieces. (The MobiBlu cable terminates in a 3.5mm jack.) The player doesn't include a separate charger, so you've got to be near a PC to charge it. Loading music on the player is a simple matter of connecting it to any PC or Mac via the USB cable and transferring files via drag-and-drop. The player supports MP3s and unprotected WMA files, and you can store data files on it as well. Unfortunately, you have to have all of your music in one folder, because it can read only from a single folder, and it reads tracks in alphabetical order. We listened to jazz, pop, rock, and R&B, and although there's not really any deep low bass, the upper bass and highs are strong enough that music doesn't sound muddy or distant. The EQ presets are the usual suspects Rock, Pop, and Jazzand are too subtle for noisy environments. But one added benefit of the neckband's strong clamping power is that it actually pushes the speakers closer to your ears, providing better bass response than it would have otherwise. It even blocks a tiny bit of noise, though you can still hear plenty of what's going on around you, so you're less likely to get hit by a car during your morning run. And 6.5 hours of battery life may not seem like much, but if you're working out for longer than that at a stretch, well. frankly, we're scared. But that does mean you'll need to plug the Freefone in and let it charge fairly often. If you want a digital music player that's light, simple, and not terribly expensive for working out (or even commuting), this is certainly one to check out. It does have quite a few limitations, but given its comfort level and decent sound (not to mention the low dorkiness factor), we think the Freefone makes an excellent gift idea. The 1GB version will run you $149 direct, but the 512MB version is only $99.

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