product review + giveaway: sony w-series mp3 player

although the completely revamped sony walkman has popped up throughout the blogosphere recently, i can't help but think of the original walkman. i didn't have a real walkman, but i did have a few discman's. i remember when i upgraded to the super cool, "no-skip" version. i would use it when i "ran" and by ran i mean maybe a mile. i don't think it had skipping problems until after i dropped it 50-bajillion times and then it may have had a few issues (can you blame it?).

thankfully, technology has evolved and sony now offers a cordless mp3 player, the w-series. it looks a lot like a bluetooth (or as my old boss would say, a bluetoob) so it can make you look important but you won't be able to take calls on the run.

key features

• cordless
• water-resistant (to an extent of course)
• quick to charge (takes 3 minutes to get about 90 minutes of action)
• only $49.99 (originally 59.95 but currently on sale)

how'd it work for me?
i prefer to run without music when running outside, but i need entertainment when running/exercising indoors. i first used the 'w' on a 10-mile treadmill run. i had difficulties getting it to stay in place and after texting with morgan i tried her backwards method. i guess my head is shaped funny because the backwards method worked after a few attempts.


the second and third trials were both 5-mile treadmill runs, along with some abs and weight-lifting. i had no trouble with the w-series on either of these two runs and can admit it was probably user error on the first run.

the on/off and volume up/down controls are very easy to use and the sound quality was good as well. i really enjoyed not having a headphone cord flap against my arm/torso during a run or having to untangle myself from any weight equipment.

*giveaway*
sony provided me with two w-series mp3 players to giveaway.

to enter
leave a comment below and tell me what your first (or favorite) cassette tape was.
- mine was the free willy soundtrack. jason james richter was such a hottie.

for 4 bonus entries: tweet "i want to run to the beat with @sony's w-series mp3 player #ctkrocktherun" (if you don't include the #ctkrocktherun, i won't know you tweeted)

if you hosted your own sony giveaway (ahem morgan, aron, kevin, jess, and others) - spread the word to your readers and have them tell me you sent them! if your 'referral' wins, you'll win a special personalized prize-pack from me.

disclaimer & fine print
sony sent me a w-series mp3 player for review.
sony also sent me two additional w-series mp3 players to giveaway.
the special prize-pack(s) for referrers will be provided by funds from the ctk bank (aka myself).

there will be two (2) winners chosen via random drawing.
you do not have to be a resident of the united states to enter.
giveaway ends friday, may 27th.