Simplify your laptop buyingSony Walkman Bean NW-E307 (1GB, Licorice Black)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: NW-E307B
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Sony's half-baked Walkman Bean tries hard to be hip, but bad design elements and hissy audio make it one square audio player.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Sony Walkman Bean NW-E307 (1GB, Licorice Black) price range: $95.00
- Reviewed by: Rick Broida
- Edited by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on: 10/18/2005
The good: Excellent FM reception and battery life; retractable USB connector.
The bad: Poorly designed USB cover; awkward controls; tiny screen muddles interface; noticeable hiss during playback; music-store support limited to Sony Connect; slow file transfers.
The bottom line: Sony's half-baked Walkman Bean tries hard to be hip, but bad design elements and hissy audio make it one square audio player.
The 512MB NW-E305 comes in Coconut White and Tropical Ice Blue, while the 1GB NW-E307 comes in Black Licorice and, especially for the girls, Cotton Candy Pink. Sony has already lowered prices since announcing the Beans in August; you'll pay $119.95 and $149.95 for the 512MB and 1GB versions, respectively.
It'll come as little surprise that the Bean is shaped like, well, a bean--specifically, a kidney bean, with rounded edges and a slight bend in the middle. Although we applaud Sony's attempt at innovative design, there's nothing particularly practical about a bean-shaped audio player. If anything, the device is harder to hold and manipulate than it should be. It is adorable, though.
The Sony Bean has a small but very bright one-line OLED screen, a five-way D-pad controller, and three buttons, two of which are maddeningly stiff and shallow. A sliding plastic cover reveals a retractable, pop-out USB connector. That's handy, but the cover itself is a problem. When you close it all the way, it engages the player's Hold mode. To disable Hold, you have to nudge the cover back a notch, at which point it wobbles loosely and easily pops open again.
Although the screen gives the Sony Walkman Bean an immediate edge over the iPod Shuffle, its tiny size limits its value. Song navigation is fairly straightforward: press the up or down arrow on the D-pad to scroll through your playlist. But it takes considerable effort to figure out the complicated one-line menu system. Sony's kooky terminology doesn't help. For example, an option called Sound has three settings: Off, 1, and 2. You'll need lots of luck figuring out what any of that means without consulting the electronic manual.
The Sony Bean's other key advantage over the iPod Shuffle is its FM tuner, which allows for both manual and automatic preset selection (up to 30 presets total). You can't record radio, however, and again the controls make for somewhat awkward operation.
The Sony NW-E300 series supports direct playback of MP3, WAV, and ATRAC3 audio files; Sony's Connect music store uses the last of those. The player also supports unprotected WMA files--as long as they're first wrung through SonicStage for ATRAC3 conversion. Obviously we'd prefer protected-WMA support, which would permit access to a wide range of online stores. But to be fair, the iPod Shuffle has a similar limitation. The difference is in the software: Apple's iTunes is a robust, appealing music manager/store interface, while Sony's SonicStage remains a slow, clunky, relatively limited application. It took more than five minutes to import our 10GB collection of MP3s, which is an unusually long time. And SonicStage is just generally unintuitive to use, with a design that smacks of midgrade shareware. The exception is the nicely presented Connect music store, which you can sample thanks to a coupon that Sony includes with the Bean for five free tracks.
Ultimately, any audio player must be judged by its sound quality. Note to Sony: Loud doesn't equal good. Although the Bean can play really loud (concerned listeners should enable its volume-limiting feature), it suffers from noticeable background hiss. Our sample MP3 and Connect ATRAC3 tracks sounded quite good overall, especially when we ditched Sony's bass-deficient white earbuds, but the hiss was distracting, notably in quieter tunes. Thankfully, FM radio suffered no such problem, and reception was excellent.
In CNET Labs' tests, the Sony Bean transferred files at a disappointing 0.61MB per second. Even deleting songs from the device seemed to take forever: nearly three minutes to remove just two dozen songs. However, the player more than redeemed itself with its incredible battery life of a bit less than 47 hours. That's not quite the 50 hours Sony promises, but it's outstanding all the same.
User reviews
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i just got my magical bean
by CaptainFalcon8000 on August 20, 2005
Pros: fm tuner band, good battery life, good design
Cons: its pricey and since it is a sony flash player there are restrictions
Summary: alright the guy who said the shuffle is better and the other punk who said it dosen't have wma compatability listen up. dudes you dont have to buy one ...
Summary: alright the guy who said the shuffle is better and the other punk who said it dosen't have wma compatability listen up. dudes you dont have to buy one to know whether it has wma or not just read. I just hate morons who who just rate because they are apple fanboys or are jealous and are still using tape players if you dont know what it does then dont rate. what does the shuffle do plays yo damn songs at random wow yeah it looks nice but thats all. hey i dont hate apple i got an ipod too but how can you say the shuffle is better does it have an fm tuner or a dispaly screen or how about being able to handle several formats can it do that? flash players have to compensate for the lack of memory they must have lcd screens, voice record ,am/fm tuners and maybe even a picture viewer the shuffle does not and at least the sony bean has an fm player.
6 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very good player
by nightguard on January 27, 2006
Pros: Good price, easily accessible, good sound quality, excellent battery life, and convenient hook up and battery charging
Cons: Slow transfer time, little bit awkward controls
Summary: I am very happy with my Sony Bean, and I didn't agree with some of the cons listed by the site reviewers. The interface and hold settings can be ...
Summary: I am very happy with my Sony Bean, and I didn't agree with some of the cons listed by the site reviewers. The interface and hold settings can be a little awkward at first, but it is easy to get used to. The controls are simple and easy to learn. The sound quality is excellent, and I did not experience the hissing noise the reviewers talked about. I noticed some distortion when the volume is cranked up to maximum, but that is to be expected.
I especially enjoy the long battery life of the Bean, and how simple and easy it is to hook up to your computer and charge it while you download songs. I found the transfer and download time to be reasonable, and not terribly slow. Some may be put off by the SonicStage software, but I do not mind.
I think that the cons listed about the Sony Bean are minor. The controls are simple for the most part, the interface is convenient, and the hiss during playback is, I have found, nonexistant. In short, no player is perfect, but the Bean is very good, and the problems one may experience with it are outweighed by the positives.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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695 songs in 1 Gig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by farrid on September 17, 2005
Pros: Number of songs/Battery life/FM tuner/Quick internal battery charging/No wires, USB plug built right in.
Cons: No talk of FM record or voice rec./No talk of AC cord for charging
Summary: Sony's ATRAC3plus format sounds great and shrinks the size down to at least half the size of an MP3. You need an LCD or OLED to see what folder ...
Summary: Sony's ATRAC3plus format sounds great and shrinks the size down to at least half the size of an MP3. You need an LCD or OLED to see what folder of music you are choosing. The only reason I would buy a shuffle is because I was a blinde consumer.
If there is one thing a portable music player should be able to do is to make playlists while on the go. I have to spend enough time at my computer and to think I would have to sit there and organize playlists for say a workout or jog? I don't think so. I put all the artists together in there own folders and would like to take the wildest songs of each to make a playlist for my workout. Come on Sony your slouching. This is my only complaint about any portable player.
Because of the battery life and number of songs sony can crunch into that little thing when compared to the rest of the flashed based mp3 market, I am staying with my rating
If Sony did not put FM record in this player because they are so set on making the public purchase their music than I will be using this reason to not buy a sony player with FM tuner until they see the light of day. I-Pod is no better with not including an FM tuner for the very same reason. I resting my faith in Creative to come out with the perfect 10 I have been waiting for.
Again would be nice to sort by Artist or Gender, but looks like I said earlier. You will have to take the time to make organized folders the way you want them, at your computer.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fell apart twice-do not buy it-total waste of money
by amyscoutmom on November 4, 2007
Pros: worked fine for a couple months
Cons: then all the buttons fell off and it would not respond
Summary: Cute concept shaping an mp3 player like a bean, but the thing fell apart a couple months after purchasing. Sent it back for a refurbished one that did the same ...
Summary: Cute concept shaping an mp3 player like a bean, but the thing fell apart a couple months after purchasing. Sent it back for a refurbished one that did the same thing a couple months after we received it. Total waste of money. Now it won't even respond when you try to click on the things under where the buttons used to be that fell off.
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Great little MP3 Player! Must Have!
by candiedchristine on June 18, 2007
Pros: small, long battery life, plenty of storage space
Cons: didn't find anything wrong
Summary: When I was in the market to get an MP3 player, Sony was the fist company I thought about. (First of all, I can't stand Ipods because they are ...
Summary: When I was in the market to get an MP3 player, Sony was the fist company I thought about. (First of all, I can't stand Ipods because they are not user-friendly, and they constantly have software issues). When I saw the "Bean" I instantly fell in love with it. It's so tiny, it can fit anywhere! It has great features. You can sort your play lists with the software it comes with, add/subtract songs from the player with ease, it has an AM/FM radio, and even a cute little screen saver for the LCD.
According to cnet, "The bad: Poorly designed USB cover; awkward controls; tiny screen muddles interface; noticeable hiss during playback; music-store support limited to Sony Connect; slow file transfers."
Honestly, I did not find one problem with this device. Part of the desirability is the fact that it's so small, so you're obviously going to have a small interface. The USB is stored behind a flap, and when you pull back the flap, the USB spring-loads out, making it easy to plug into your computer. I did not find a problem with audio-playback. In fact, the sound is incredible! File transfer isn't the fastest, but when you're trying to upload 1 gig, it's not going to be instant! (patience people?) Sony Connect is actually a pretty decent music-store, but you can always use a different music-store, and then use the on board file-conversion software to make the format of the mp3's compatible with the Bean.
Basically, it's a great little player that packs a punch! -
Poor quality and poor software
by JimTimPenn on December 29, 2006
Pros: Nice to hold
Cons: Flimsy bottons and poor software
Summary: The Sony Bean is a poorly-made. Overall, it can be reasonable to use except for the poor software that sometimes doesn't recognize music or simply crashes on my NEW ...
Summary: The Sony Bean is a poorly-made. Overall, it can be reasonable to use except for the poor software that sometimes doesn't recognize music or simply crashes on my NEW computer. I question the quality of this mp3 player also. I had it only for one year and about a week after the warrenty expired, the but main button to control volume, song choice, and stop/go just randomly stayed down after pressing it. After looking over it, I realized the button was permanently broken after normal usage.
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It is good but there are better out there for cheaper
by Elliotty on December 10, 2006
Pros: Amzaing batery 50 hours and good radio, super quick charge and all u need to charge is the USB, It can play music from Itunes
Cons: Not great sound quality, the screen is practically impossible to see in bright light, buttons fiddly, the hold doesnt work well
Summary: Good but way off brilliant screen isnt great and the controlls are way too fidly simple since all u need is the headphones and it and thats it because you ...
Summary: Good but way off brilliant screen isnt great and the controlls are way too fidly simple since all u need is the headphones and it and thats it because you charge it from the USB and trasfer music through it as well. The best feature just has to be its design and its name
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awesome player!!!!
by schifs on November 15, 2006
Pros: battery life, built in USB, easy menu navigation, nice looking shape, ATRAC format.
Cons: flimsy USB cover
Summary: i don't really understand how can people complain about some of its features. the bad thing about this mp3 player is the flimsy USB cover that seems that it'...
Summary: i don't really understand how can people complain about some of its features. the bad thing about this mp3 player is the flimsy USB cover that seems that it's gonna break off.
ok, the battery life is amazing!, the shape is awesome, i don't understand how people can say that "atrac sucks" IT JUST LET YOU HAVE MORE MUSIC IN YOUR PLAYER!!!. as i said, i'm an ignorant about computers but i did not have any problems installing all the stuff required to get your music to you bean. it is really easy if you just READ A LITTLE BIT, before struggling with your player and go screaming on the web "OMG THIS IS A PIECE IF ****!"...........i would recommend people to buy this product, and don;t be like the ones that dont even know how to read a manual, if you like it, just get it and read the manual, you will have no problems!!! -
Good quaily MP3 player, with good battery life, needs better hold button.
by amanda1221 on August 18, 2006
Pros: Good radio reception, good battery life
Cons: Hold button is very unconveinent, USB cover breaks easily
Summary: I got a Sony Walkman Bean for my birthday this year and it was overall very good. The FM radio was super clear and the battery charges quick and stays ...
Summary: I got a Sony Walkman Bean for my birthday this year and it was overall very good. The FM radio was super clear and the battery charges quick and stays charged for a long time. My bean does not have a static sound in the background and the beep between the songs can be turned off. The screen is very bright but can not be seen in when it is sunny out. The retractable USB cover broke a month after i got my jelly bean. Thats one of the worst quailys on the bean. Also that if you push the retrable USB cover all the way its puts the MP3 player on whole which is very annoying at times. Overall the Mp3 player is okay, but i wanted to make sure i warned eveyone of the bad quailitys this MP3 player has.
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Simplicity Defined w/ features
by havocgland on August 12, 2006
Pros: GREAT sound quality, easy to use w/ improved software
Cons: for what it's designed for, & it's features... n/a for cons
Summary: I?ve owned a few Sony Network Walkmans & this like them is also worth the money. It is what it is, not much for frills although the design of ...
Summary: I?ve owned a few Sony Network Walkmans & this like them is also worth the money. It is what it is, not much for frills although the design of this player is kinda cool & grows on you. This player doesn?t need all the bells & whistles that others do becuz when it comes down to it you buy a player to listen to music that?s it?s main job? & YES it does this simple job very very well.
The screen though a bit small is nice to have Put a small piece of transparent (Scotch) tape over it, ya wont have to worry about scratching it. (which is what I have done) The built in USB is a nice touch & though it doesn?t feel as sturdy as it could like that of a ?Shuffle? unlike the shuffle, there is no cover to loose becuz the USB is retractable. The player works well, easy to navigate & easy to operate in only one hand & ya don?t even have to look at it to operate it unlike an iPod (save the Shuffle which has no screen at all & only ¼ the battery life. Yes the battery life for this player is astounding; I have gotten easily over 40 hours of play out of one charge)
I would have to say the best thing about owning this player other than the incredible battery life is for the first time I don?t have to worry about it getting scratched or damaged. It?s made of a durable plastic that doesn?t seem so durable at first but it really is & doesn?t show day to day scuffs & light scrapes like so many other players do. Yes, if you bang it around & miss treat it, like ANY player it will show damage scars. But at least this one for the most part is pretty good at ?hiding? that.
The sound quality is superb & with in-ear earphones this thing has the deepest bass of any player I have owned not counting my other Sony players & BEATS the pants off the sound quality of ANY iPod. (Yes I have owned a few, yes they are great players w/ wonderful design & sleek stylish contours but over all fall short on several levels, mostly battery performance, durability & features).
For the price, this player is worth it & more. The software is easy to use for anyone?even a first time mp3 player owner. [ to those people who have issues w/ Sonic Stage software, it?s obvious you know very little about media players, they are all about the same no matter what & like iTunes yes this software will only work w/ the player for transfers?big deal?it?s called copyright infringement, get used to it?]
Personally I think this player would be perfect for kids & those who need a player for working out or maybe out hiking or biking on back trails. It can take the bumps, scrapes & dings UNLIKE an iPod & still give you a top notch preformace.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: NW-E307B
- Description: Sony's worldwide reputation for creating unique, attractive, high-quality, advanced technology products rests on a long line of innovations embraced by people from all walks of life. With a diverse product lineup serving a variety of lifestyles and industries, Sony continuously strives to introduce new products and technologies to meet changing market needs.
General
- Product type Digital player / radio
- PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
- Flash memory installed 1 GB Integrated
- Digital storage None
- Weight 1.6 oz
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.7 in x 1.5 in x 0.9 in
- Color Black
- Available body colors Cotton candy pink, Licorice black
- Included accessories USB cable
- Software type Sony SonicStage
Carrying Case
- Case type None
Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards MP3, WAV, WMA, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus
- Playback modes Repeat all, Random play / shuffle
- Edit functions Erase
- Additional features JPEG photo playback, PC Connection via USB, USB On-The-Go compatible
Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display OLED
Audio Features
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Additional features Hold button, Volume limiter
CD System
- Digital audio standards supported MP3, WMA, WAV, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus
Radio
- Tuner type Digital Radio tuner
- Tuner bands FM
- Tuning display OLED display
Remote Control
- Remote control None
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural Ear-bud
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Connectivity technology Wired
Connectivity
- Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable - External
- Connector type 1 x USB, 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Battery / Power
- Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
- Mfr estimated battery life 50 hour(s)
- Power device type None
System Requirements
- Peripheral / Interface devices USB port
- Operating system Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows 2000
- Min hard drive space 400 MB
- Min RAM size 128 MB
Product series
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Sony Walkman Bean NW-E305 (512MB, Coconut White)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Digital player / radio, 512 MB, MP3, WAV, WMA, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
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Sony Walkman Bean NW-E307 (1GB, Cotton Candy Pink)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Digital player / radio, 1 GB, MP3, WAV, WMA, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
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Sony Walkman Bean NW-E305 (512MB, Tropical Ice Blue)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Digital player / radio, 512 MB, MP3, WAV, WMA, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
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Sony Walkman Bean NW-E307 (1GB, Licorice Black)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Digital player / radio, 1 GB, MP3, WAV, WMA, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
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