Gadgetory

hey I'm Donnell bellum this is a first look at the Walkman Z from Sony this is an Android based media player running Android 2.3 and price it around $249 for an 8 gigabyte model 279 for 16 gigs and 329 for 32 unlike many Android devices Sony doesn't include a memory expansion slot on here so choose your capacity carefully I think it's fair to say that this is Sony's answer to the Apple iPod Touch so what does it offer that the iPod doesn't well the first thing is obvious it offers Android you get the full Google experience here with Android Market Gmail and GPS powered navigation you also get the full Android Market stocked with video rentals music books all that stuff in addition to the apps and games you're used to Sony is also offering a nice 4.3 inch screen here which is noticeably larger than the iPod Touch you get a built-in HDMI output high quality headphones are included there's a speaker on the back volume rocker on the side and this interesting W button right here in the middle this button calls up a mini version of the music player regardless of what screen you're on you can even access it from the lock screen it's also a reminder that Sony branded this is a Walkman for a reason the sound quality here is excellent and Sony includes an impressive suite of sound enhancement settings to make your music shine they've also included Sony's Music Unlimited service which offers an all-you-can-eat selection of music for a monthly fee there are some drawbacks there are no cameras no memory expansion the screen brightness here is pretty dim and Sony forces their proprietary connection on here instead of a micro USB port still as iPod alternatives go I prefer the Walkman Z over the Samsung Galaxy players I reviewed a few months back so that's the Walkman Z from Sony for cnet.com I'm Donna Bell