Striking Good Looks
In its design, the D-SJ01 eschews tradition and turns ordinary portable CD players on their head. While on the go, you can carry the Sony in your left palm: slip your hand through the strap, and wrap it around the edge. All of the necessary controls, such as Play, Stop, and Track Skip fall under your thumb. This is a much better way to carry a CD player than strapping it to your waist; it feels more secure and doesn't flop around.
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
And if that's not quite enough style for you, the black, yellow, and silver color scheme will definitely help you stand out from the crowd. You can watch your discs through a translucent, yellow window on the lid as they spin away. Half of the joy of this Discman is just how cool you look when you're toting it around town. And admit it: Style goes a long way in dictating the right portable electronics choice.
Rugged Construction
As a member of Sony's line of sports electronics, the D-SJ01 isn't just another pretty piece of plastic. Tipping the scales at just over 13 ounces with batteries, it's weighty without being heavy. If you're the type to go trail running in the rain, you'll appreciate the 40-second, antiskip buffer and water-resistant construction. This player absolutely will not skip, handling sharp vertical and lateral movements with aplomb.
Whether we were simulating vigorous physical exercise or listening sedately, the D-SJ01 always pumped out great-sounding music. Although the player has variable bass settings, we wish Sony had thrown in a few additional features, such as variable equalizer settings or an AM/FM radio, especially since the asking price is a whopping $250. But the D-SJ01 really does offer an innovative, functional design that plays music flawlessly, even under the harshest conditions.