March 2008. Here comes Walkman v. 1.00123456789 . . . Or NW-A820.

It’s sad that Walkman, a beloved brand way, way older than iPod, comes across as an iPod wannabe. Despite the features it dangles with the revamped Walkman or its many reincarnations (the Walkman line; versions whachamacalit) like noise-cancelling whatnot, Sony knew all along that a paradigm shift to wean people away from the iPod craze is far-off as of the moment.

Apple’s philosophy has always been: design and ergomomics the Apple way — a deceptively tough nut to crack. Still, the NW-A820 Walkman, like other Ipod wannabes, offers us possibilities and keeps Apple on its toes.

It's just that this Walkman looks like a lookalike of another iPod lookalike fail. LOL. This despite the fact that it’s really ok. I mean, man, you’d be sad to open a gift box, expecting an iPod or iPod touch, only to find a Walkman. :)