I was offered the chance to review a Sony W-Series Walkman MP3 Player, and after being a little skeptical about them in the past, I was excited to give it a shot for myself to see what I thought! I do love running with music after all and my headphone cord has been driving me insane lately, so this would be a great option to have if it passed the test.
About the Walkman W-Series:
The Walkman W-Series is cord-free and designed to be lightweight and wearable, with a water-resistant frame that fits comfortably behind the neck.
Other specifications important to runners:
- Fast charge: ~90 minutes of battery life in a 3 minute charge (for those times you forget to charge it, but need to get out the door ASAP).
- Long battery life: ~11 hours of total battery life when fully charged
- Storage: holds 1.68 GB of music
- Price: $59.99
I am always very excited when I get a box at my door and was extra excited the day I saw it was a box full of Sony Walkmen!
I took mine out and the first thing I did was plug it into my computer to get it figured out. I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to load songs onto, but once you plug it in with the USB cord, a window popped up where you can copy and paste songs from your iTunes music folder (or wherever you store music) into it. It was pretty simple to figure out and a few minutes later my Walkman was loaded up with songs!
Loading up with songs 
I tried it on and the ear piece that was on it was too big for my ears. Luckily it came with 2 other sizes (one bigger and one smaller), so I switched to the smaller one and it fit perfectly. After that I was ready for a test run, literally.
I haven’t been running with music much lately but made a point to bring this out on a run last week where I would be in daylight to test it out. I figured out all the buttons (play, track forward/back, stop, volume) and all were very intuitive and easy to use once it was on my head.
Sporting the Sony Walkman 
I started off into my run and it settled into place pretty much immediately. After that I didn’t even notice it was there. The sound was great, it was comfortable and best of all there were no wires hanging in front of me driving me crazy!
No cords! It just wraps around the back of your head &
I didn’t even notice it was there. 
I was definitely happy with how it worked and was excited to let Chris test it out also since he is a big music runner. He took it on his long run this weekend and really liked it also. It didn’t bother him, stayed put, he enjoyed not having cords and the volume met his very high standards.
Overall I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for a MP3 music player, especially if cords make you crazy. Chris and I will be fighting over sharing this one often.
The best part of this post is Sony gave me TWO additional Walkman W-Series to giveaway to readers!
To enter the giveaway (you don’t have to have a blog, just an email address!):
- Comment (Mandatory): leave a comment on this post telling me if you run to music and why or why not.
- Tweet (+1 extra entry): I want to win a @Sony Walkman from @runnersrambles
- Link (+1 extra entry): link this giveaway to your blog or facebook or wherever and email me telling me you did.
Just like my last giveaway you might want to like runner’s rambles on facebook, because there just might be extra chances for additional entries.
The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, March 15th at midnight California time. I will choose 2 winners randomly and announce them on Wednesday, March 16th.
***I was sent the Sony Walkman at no cost in exchange for my review. I was also sent two additional free Walkmen to giveaway.
I love listening to music while running! I have tried listening to podcasts but I find my pace slows when I do so I stick to upbeat music.
I’ve been really curious about these and would LOVE to try it out. The cord on muy iPod drives me crazy too!
I run with music when I run alone and often bring it along for long distance races. I don’t always need it, but sometimes the right music can give me a big boost!
Tweeted!
Running and music going side and side with me. Especially for my ultra’s! I strategicly choose my songs, and where they go on my play list, because certain songs get my adrenaline pumping, so i put them at the higher milage to help me out, and slower peaceful songs at the beginning, so i dont jump out too fast. It helps me get into a rythym and stay with it.
I would love to try it out on my walks
and since I’m such a fan, I’ll be back after I link it on facebook!
I am definitely a fan of running with music for some extra motivation; however, I’m pretty careful about where I chose to run with music!
Linked on FB too
I used to only run with music on the treadmill, but now that I am starting to actually find a love for running and just signed up for my first half, I am getting into some longer runs and have been running with music outside. I agree my headphone cord is annoying and I don’t know what to do with it. Oh and your blog has been really informative and encouraging!!! Em.
I always ask my closest friends & family for “their song” to add to my marathon play list. When that song comes on during the marathon, I focus on them the entire song. Sometimes I am cursing them out if I am in a tough spot, but usually it gives me inspiration and a little kick in my step. I have done marathons with & without music, while I like both, music can be a much needed coach during key moments in the race.
It depends if I run with music or not. Weekday early morning runs – definitely not for safety reasons. But for weekend long runs, music is helpful.
Tweeted
I am a big fan of running with music or podcasts. i have all kinds of playlists for different runs. i find podcasts to be really great for slower efforts or recovery runs. the cord of my shuffle does drive me a little nuts, so this is super intriguing!
Yes I run with music otherwise my ADHD gets the best of me. With the right tunes playing a good run is tantamount to meditation for me.
Good writing
I definitely run with music. Sometimes that’s what gets me out the door!
It all depends on my mood – sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.
Great giveaway!
AAAAHHH I’d LOVE to try it! If I’m running alone, I run with music. During a race or with a friend I go sound free!
SO SO FUN!!! I have been wanting those so so bad. I LOVE to listen to music as I run…I NEED IT!!!
I’d love to try this!! I hate the cord on my ipod. It always gets tangled in my arm.
I always listen to music when I run at the gym, not always when running outside. It just depends on the setting since I like to be able to hear my surroundings when I’m outside so I sometimes just rock the one earphone
I would LOVE one of these though, I hate the cords and I hate having to find somewhere to put my iPod. I hate it in armbands or pockets, so lately I’ve been wearing two sportsbras and stuffing it in between the two layers haha
Yay for a fun giveaway! Here is my mandatory comment: I can go either way running with music! I don’t run with music when it is dark out, but I’ll listen to music if I’m looking to have a faster run (then I listen to music with a certain BMP). I would love this for longer runs and for using at the gym!
And I just tweeted!
I have been trying to run less with music – when I saw the title of your post I laughed. I used to have a yellow sony walkman. It was my favorite!
Glad it is a little less cumbersome now – imagine a new product that still used tapes!?!
I am a huge fan of running with music!! I have my best runs when I’m powered by my favorite playlist. I really like the sound of this walkman – it just looks like a little bluetooth in your ear. And my headphone cords annoy me so much!
What a brilliant giveaway!!! I would love to win one of those!
PS: I just tweeted!
I would looooove to try that new walkman. Please enter me in the raffle.
Aron, I lost my Ipod at the seaside half marathon on sunday. This would be a great way to get my music back in my ears.
I very seldom get a chance to listen to music except when running, but I try to keep the volume at a level that I can hear what’s going on around me.
I run with music when I need some extra motivation or if I’m on the treadmill. If I’m feeling excited for a run or I’ve got a buddy then it’s not as necessary, but it’s there to get me through the tough spots!
I run to music to boost my energy and give me a tempo to keep up with.
I shared on my blog’s giveaway sidebar.
I have never run to music. One of these days I will..
I’ve wanted to try this for quite a while now. I have the hardest time getting earbuds to stay in my ears, so that’s why I’m leery of spending money on these kinds of things. And then the sound of the flapping cord drives me NUTS! So, pick me pick me pick me!
i’m a big music runner, unless i’m running with others. music and running just seem to make such a great combo!
Oh. This looks great. I was actually looking at the ad with Meb recently. I have gone through many earbuds that did not stay put or were not sturdy enough.
Anyway, I run to music – it helps me to zone out and just run, especially if I’m on the treadmill. I listen to music, audiobooks and my audio Bible. I am trying to do my short runs without music but we’ll see how that goes.
I tend to listen to podcasts and playlists but this thing looks great – my iPhone’s wires have been getting super annoying recently. You’ve even got me to go back to Twitter!
I would love to win one (I left my shuffle at the Folsom Tri last year!)!
That seriously has to be one of the coolest inventions ever! Cords make me crazy! And although I love my iPhone I’d love to have my music somewhere else!
I tweeted it (I’m always_joy)
I would love one of these! Headphone cords are annoying. I always run with music while on the treadmill, but I go without during races.
I tweeted this (karyash)
I also “liked” runners rambles on facebook
I love listening to music when I run since I run by myself. It helps pumps me up and keeps me going during a run.
I run with music to keep me pumped and focused on the run. Although, the SFMT is teaching me to run socially.
i tweeted already about it!!
i don’t run to music but i like to listen to it on walks and while i’m working.
90% of the time I don’t run with music. But sometimes I need that extra push!
I have gotten out of the habit of not running with music…usually just when I really need it..i.e struggling in a race or just to keep me alive on the tail end of a long run.
great giveaway…these things look so neat!
Those look so cool! I usually only run with music on the treadmill because when I run outside on the road I like to hear the cars just to be safe!
Wow. Cordless headphones?! That’s AMAZING! Nothing is worse than cords getting in the way of your stride!
I only listen to music while I run! Music is my mantra. When I am just not feeling my run or need the extra motivation- I put on a powersong and my mood instantly changes!
I’m going to go and like you on facebook now!
I never used to run with music running outside – there’s something about the rhythmic sound of feet and breathing – but my winter treadmill habits have gotten me started on running with music again. It makes treadmill and track workouts go by fast! I’m a little nervous to run outside with headphones though – unless I have one popped out on the side that cars are driving.
I like listening to music on my long solo runs… and using music as built in interval training!
I run with music sometimes but if I run with my mp3 player I usually listen to a podcast. Especially on long runs, the podcast give me something to think about and not be overwhelmed by the distance.
NPR has a lot that you can subscribe to for free- Wait, Wait Don’t tell me (a news quiz show) is funny and great to listen to.
Nice! Although I haven’t been running with music for the longest time (mostly because I hate cords flopping all over the place) I have recently started to listen to podcasts while running. This Sony thing sounds like it would be the perfect solution!
Thanks for doing this, and good luck to all entrants.
Love to run with music. Like the idea of running with no headphone cord. Looks like a good value at less than $60.
Linked on Facebook
OOH I’ve been wanting to get a pair of these ever since Danica reviewed them. I usually run with music because it keeps me distracted.
I tried these at the Vegas Marathon booth and loved the concept. Funny how u can be skeptical of great deals. $59 is less than most decent headphones. I hope they last!!
Enter me in the contest, would love for my first pair to be comped!
Linked to Facebook.
I listen to music when I run, keeps me distracted & pumps me up (depending on the song)
I linked this on my blog – http://dailyvitaminf.blogspot.com/2011/03/total-giveaway-tuesday-week-of-march-8.html
SUH-WEET giveaway! couldn’t have come at a better time! My b-day is at the end of the month and I was eyeing these babies as a gift to self after reading your original review.
I run to music to distract me!! I try to run without when getting close to a race, but during most of my training, I run to music. It motivates me and I find myself going faster when it’s playing!
I love music to help power me over the hills and past the tough spots!
I run with music but sometimes get tired of it during long races (halfs)
I love running to music and cords drive me crazy too! This product sounds awesome.
Am intrigued by the no cord walkman. I run occasionally with music but the cord and ear buds tend to drive me crazy. I really want to run with music so maybe this invention will be new running buddy. Thanks Aron!
most of the time I listen to music while running. If I am running with a group I tend to leave it behind.
Running without cords is the best thing ever!
Ok since bothy ou and D like this now I want one!!!!! hehe
I like running with music during races, but most of my weekly runs I run without it except towards the end of my my long runs when I need some extra oomph to push me!
I love listening to music during shorter runs, but for my long runs I almost always listen to podcasts. My two favorites are This American Life and Fresh Air – makes the miles fly by!
I only listen to music on the treadmill, because the ‘mill is boring! Otherwise, I’m usually content with the sounds of the birdies (as well as cars and cyclists).
On my hard days, I never listen to music because I’m trying to listen to my body and focus on my form. But on my slow days, I’m more relaxed and will listen to music.
L-O-V-E listening to music while running or working out! Having cordless headphones will make running and working out just a tad easier
I tweeted the give away! @jessywuv
I ‘liked’ you on facebook!
Hmm… I would be interested to see how this works. I don’t often run with music for a couple of reasons but mainly because I HATE having the cord get caught in my arms! I think this would be great for long runs when I really need that extra boost.
I used to run carring a WalkMan, oldschool style. Yeah, I’m old. It had a cassette tape. Along came CDs and my WalkMan got smaller but still a pain to carry. As my miles got longer I willingness to carry anything got less. I simply enjoyed listening to nature and gave up the music. Now I push the jogger when I am outside and it has a built in player for the passenger’s enjoyment. That’s great BUT as much as I love Veggie Tales, I’d love a way to hear something other than how God made me special while I run because I already know that and don’t really need the reminder for 6, 8, 10 miles of running.
I run with music because there’s nothing better than some good beats.
this sounds very cool….i run with music about 1/2 the time…
I’m glad that companies are reaching out to bloggers so much these days. I would never have known about this product if it wasn’t for your review. I almost always listen to podcasts when I run because it helps the time pass more quickly. My main gripe with headphone cords is that I’m short so the cords are extra-long on me. Also cords are the worst when it’s windy. Anyway, this Sony Walkman looks cool and I’d love to try it!
I’ve never listened to music when I run, but I might try it sometime, I think it might make me less bored sometimes on runs, and thus I might be better at keeping a slower pace since music would be there to distract me, haha
Wow what an awesome give away! I run with music – except my iPod died in mile 1 of my marathon last Oct, and I can’t afford a new one
Oh, and I tweeted
Awesome!!! I definitely DO run with music when I’m running on my own. I find that having music on really helps me zone out and “get in the zone”. It also helps me push through tough parts of the run. My iPod cord is always annoying me and getting in the way so these sony walkmens seem VERY cool!
I ALWAYS run to music. Music is a huge part of my life, and something I’m very passionate about. Sadly, my trusty iPod shuffle disappeared a few days ago…maybe the time is right to “cut the cord”, so to speak!
Hi Araon!
I am a long time reader, but first time commenter. I *love* your blog — especially since I was born and raised in Fremont! It’s great to see all the EB Park trails.
I run to music when I run by myself or race; as I tell my fellow “purist/minimalist” buddies it’s to drown out the pain. Right now I love listening to Girl Talk’s newest album “All Day” — it’s definitely been a mood booster during my training for the MORE Women’s Half in NYC in April. I recently bought a new pair of headphones that aren’t really working out, so I hope I win these!
Thanks again!
Anamarie
PS. Good luck in Boston. Also went to Wellesley, so make sure you are ready for the SCREAM TUNNEL!!
I love listening to music. I haven’t reached the running (or age?) maturity to run without tunes. I am hoping to get there some day for the sake of my ear drums because I like it LOUD!
I’ve become thoroughly annoyed with cords, and would love to try one of these out. I’m definitely a run-with-mp3 player kind of person, and while what I listen to varies, I actually usually listen to news podcasts instead of music!
I love running with music because it keeps me going and gets me out of my head. If I don’t have it I think about being tired or breathing too heavy. Plus there is just something about cheesy pop songs that puts me in a good mood and makes me want to swing my head back and forth as I run. Sometimes I think this is why swimming is harder than running or spinning (although I never use music when I’m on a ride).
I have never really run with music. When I first started running a couple of years ago I had to run with my stroller a lot and I thought it was safer without music.
tweeted
Have been dying to try these out! Love running with music. With kids, that’s the only time I get to listen to what I want to listen to!
I usually only run to music when I am on a treadmill. But I have really wanted to try this since it came out!
I usually run with music because it pumps me up!
Wow Sony walkman is a blast from the past. I sure do run with tunes and love it. It all depends on my mood. Somedays I like to blast the Beastie Boys and other days I dig podcasts.
I run with music the majority of the time. It was initially so I didn’t hear myself breathing, which made me more tired than I really was. After a while, I learned to love certain songs to run to and give me the motivation when I really need it. The cool thing is I have my running songs, and then I have songs I listen to any other time. I try not to mix the two!
On the treadmill, music (or TV) is a must. But when I’m outside running with my friends, I prefer to go without. I also won’t race with music since it’s banned most of the time, anyway.
When running solo I’ll usually bring my ipod and leave one ear open so that I can hear what’s going on around me. That would be a concern of mine using this product … but I suppose at the track it’d be safe enough to drown out everything!
Run mostly with music!
I love to listen to music when I run, it motivates me.
I also tweeted this giveaway @dominiqueia
Here is the link where I mentioned the giveaway (with link) on my blog:
http://domandtrey.blogspot.com/2011/03/piles-of-paper-drive-me-crazy.html
I always run with music – but everything I have is so old school. This would be an awesome prize!
Also – do you have a list of running songs posted – I need some fresh tracks.
Laura
i’ve been getting through some of my easy runs with music lately. good times. and whenever i think of sony walkmans i totally think of the old school versions!
I DEFINITELY listen to music! It gets me going and helps the time to pass quickly.
Yes Music is a must! I just grabbed one of those sony walkmans of the internet today. Hopefully it’s as great as it sounds. I’m really into great music that I plug into the mp3 player, but I’m really not into the radio so this is a great one for me. 90 min. is great too. my mp3 player I’ve been using only lasts about 45 min. then die’s on me. Thanks for the info!
I don’t listen to music when I run outside, but I DO listen to music on the treadmill!
LOVE rocking out to some jams on a run!
no music for me while I run outside. inside only if it’s a tempo or interval run.
I run with music. I’ve had the same playlist for over a year but its music I love and I most use it as background music. I definately use music less than I used to though.
I did a sweet too!
I can’t dance so running is my form of dancing and it allows me to be “at-one” with my music!
I run to music because I always have more energy when I do!
I always listen to music when running. It puts me in a zone and the right kind of mood I need to be in to run a distance.
I cant run WITHOUT music! I actually think it is a bad habit, but it makes things move faster when I’m running alone.
Hi Aron! I ALWAYS run with music. I refuse to run any race that prohibits ipods. The only time I make exceptions is if I am running with a friend or my dad. I would absolutely love this Walkman because I cannot stand the cord!!!
love that it has a quick charge!!!!
I LOVE listening to music while I run… it helps to “keep me company” and i like singing along
I love running meanwhile listening to music since it pumps me up! It also helps me forget the con of living in a city meanwhile running….the sound of traffic.
THIS!!
runnersrambles@gmail.com
FB and EMAILED you the link — This is Awesome!
I push through when I have good tunes…. !
I just started running with music while training for LB and now I can’t live (run) without it!!!
I need need NEED to run to music because I just don’t like the sound of me breathing…weird, I know. It bothers me!
Great review! Does the unit feel heavy at all?
It depends. A lot of times I really enjoy running with music because it can be a huge mental booster. But most of my best thinking is done on runs with no music.
I love running to music! It helps me find my rhythm and can be a huge motivator — especially on speedwork days!
what a great giveaway! i LOVE running to music, it helps me to escape and zone out my thoughts and just focus on my run.
I listen to music to escape and zone out! it helps when my mind can’t find something to think about and helps me focus on songs and my running! It is a must if I have to run on the treadmill!
I love listening to music on my run! Songs keep me focused and keep me going. I find it hard to get through runs without music – especially on the dreadmill!
Tweeted!
I always run or do any type of exercise to music! It is what I use to keep me excited and focused! I can always count on Lady Gaga to give me that extra burst of energy!!!
i run with music but only on training runs…not in races. i like to be distracted by the music on longer runs and listen to up tempo music on hard workouts as motivation, especially if i’m alone & in a safe area.
tweeted http://twitter.com/thepajamachef/status/46240048206716928
tweet http://twitter.com/thepajamachef/status/46240048206716928
I love running to music. Its what helps me keep going!
I don’t run with music because I don’t have a music player option right now. I like to run without music until about 2 hours of running and then I need a boost or distraction depending on my mood!
I tweeted!
@barefootangieb
I posted a link to my blogs giveaway link list on my sidebar
I totally want to win a player!!
Awesome giveaway! Thanks for hosting it. I love running to music. Sometimes I barely notice the music and it fades into the background while I’m lost in my thoughts, but I usually run with a pretty empty mind and the music adds to the fun.
I’ll listen to podcasts, music, news, etc… just to pass the time. It all depends on the run though. Sometimes running with no additional noise is nice.
I HAVE to have music on while I run or I go crazy! I’ve had my ipod die on me at the end of a long run and it was rough going from there.
I tried running to music for the first time in over 20 years yesterday. The jury is still out; I’d love to win this to help with the decision:)
Linked on my blog.
Tweeted this one too.
I don’t normally listen to music because all I have is a tiny radio and I can’t get any reception! It’d be great to have a walkman to put in my own music and actually listen to something while I run, besides my own gasping breath
Yes for the most part I run with music.
i linked back
http://www.ericarunning30.com/2011/03/weekend-round-up-314.html
I have a love/hate relationship when it comes with running with music. Sometimes it’s just what I need to keep me going, other times I spend 90% of my run shuffling through the songs annoyed by everything I hear. I’m not nearly awesome enough to run without music as I am horrified by my heavy panting when I run.
I run with music on days that are beautiful. The music just fits the sun and breeze perfectly. Days that are less than beautiful don’t require music because nature provides it all for me! (and also because I don’t want to ruin my non-waterproof mp3 player!!)
For the majority of this winter’s marathon training season I have not run with music becase we run on the roads. It’s just not safe to have music while on the roads. But I do use music during closed road races and treadmill runs. I reserved my music for the last 6 miles of my last race, Little Rock Marathon last week and it really helped me. I was starting to dig deep to get through and using music to help push through does have its advantages.
I posting a link on my blog.
Ooh! I think I want one of these! I am sick of my sweaty arm band for my iPod. Like you, I don’t run with music as often as I used to, but this looks like a nice alternative.
Question: is is possible to run with the headphone in one ear? Sometimes I don’t feel as safe if I have music in both ears. I like to hear traffic, other runners etc. and often only use one headphone.
I tweeted. Oops…I forgot to tag you on my tweet.
I posted it to Facebook!
I already “like” you on facebook.
I tweeted!! MilePosts
I don’t typically run with music outside for safety reasons. I ALWAYS run with music on the treadmill. I’ve never raced with music EVER but am debating it for National Marathon…..hmmmmm……
And I just posted on my facebook page!! YAYAYA – fingers & toes crossed now
I definitely run with music! Not all the time, but on my longer or solo runs I like to have music. Keeps me movin! Great giveaway Aron!
I do like to run to music at times. If I have the right song, it definetely helps to keep me moving. I don’t usually race with music because the wires get in the way. This sounds like a great solution!
I only run with music, if I am on a car free trail. Otherwise, I want to hear, what’s going on around me.
I just tweeted about the giveaway.
And put a link on the sidebar of my blog.
These would work great for cyclists, too.
Only if I’m on a treadmill – out doors I feel like I should be listening for cars. Haha
sometimes I run with headphones on but no music. I think it keeps people from stopping me when I’m running or I can pretend to ignore the people around me. the quiet is so peaceful though
i tweeted this! @subbutton23
I never used to run to music (unless I was on a treadmill…), but lately I have been. That or podcasts.