Sony NW-S200

To the lack of surprise of most industry professionals, who generally put more stock in Apple's ability to keep secrets than in Sony's, the Japanese consumer electronics giant fessed up to having a unique, fitness-friendly MP3 player in the works, the NW-S200 series. After an Amazon.com leak that briefly displayed product information on the seller's Web site, we contacted Sony to find out if the rumors were true. Here's what we discovered.

The cigar-shaped player, which measures 3.8x0.6x0.6 inches and weighs 0.9 ounce, will be available in 1GB (NW-S203F, $120) and 2GB (NW-S205F, $150) capacities. Both models feature identical brushed-aluminum construction and black coloring. Like the NW-E400, this player's main controller is a multifunction knob situated on the end of device. Next to this knob are the volume rocker and mode button, then the single-line OEL display, which features brightly lit, light-colored text on a dark background. As with many current Sony MP3 players, including the NW-A1200, the screen is protected beneath the outer layer of the device. To transfer content, which unfortunately must be done using the included SonicStage software, you can access a mini-USB port hidden beneath a cover on the end opposite the knob. (For more information on our opinion of SonicStage, read any Sony MP3 review.) The device is expected to go on sale sometime in September.

One look at the NW-S200's extras immediately reveals its athletic intention. The player is packaged with an armband and sport-style earbuds. And it's water resistant, so it can withstand sweat and even rainfall. But the star of the show is the built-in G-Sensor, which allows you to use the NW-S200 as a pedometer. Of course, you can also input your height, weight, age, and stride so that the player will keep track of calories burned. No word yet on if Sony intends to include tracking software à la the Nike + iPod.

Sony has built in a stopwatch with interval capability, which will automatically stop your music when a time-related goal has been reached. And for gym rats, the NW-S200 includes an FM tuner, particularly handy for tuning into your workout facility's TVs. A couple of unique features--both dependent on the G-Sensor--round out the device. The first is a function that switches the player between standard and shuffle playback modes if you shake it three times with the LCD facing up. The second are the onboard "running" and "walking" playlists that you designate based on the playlists you have already created. If you're strolling along with your player, the "walking" playlist comes on, and when you speed up, the "running" one starts. This is a neat feature we'd love to see expanded upon in future fitness-friendly MP3 players.