Shootout: New iPod vs. Sony Walkman

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9 - Price
Apple’s new generation iPod holds 40 gigabytes in storage but at $399 is now $100 less than the same size older model. That change in price is fortuitous as Sony announced a $399 price for the new Walkman when it goes on sale in the US in August. Sony “says” the Walkman will be priced lower than the iPod. The 20 gig iPod is only $299.

Sony products, however, are often discounted after an initial launch, and the same could be expected of the Walkman. Still, price is price. If the top of the line is the top of the line and both are $399, it’s a tie.
WINNER: Draw

Sony’s Walkman is just one behind with three full categories to go. The final stretch…

10 - Accessories
The iPod comes with virtually no accessories provided by Apple, while the Sony Walkman comes with Sony’s full-flavored approach to gadgetry; many little things to plug in to the device. That being said, third part accessories abound for the iPod and it enjoys a three year lead on the Walkman. A huge accessories industry has blossomed forth with every kind of portable music gadget you can imagine. FM transmitters, Car Cassette Adapters (made by Sony), Auto Charger, Cables, Speakers, Voice Recorders, Extra Battery, carry cases. It’s a big list. It would take Sony years to catch up in the accessories department. Hands down; iPod.
WINNER: iPod

11 - Online Music Access
Apple’s iTunes and the iTunes Music Store have made a notable impact on how we use music.

Yes, there are other music stores online; a dozen or so to be factual. Add them all up and they still don’t equal half the sales of downloadable music from Apple’s iTunes Music Store. Sony countered with its own proprietary music store called Sony Connect.

In general, the store has been panned by the critics as lukewarm and an embarassment to Sony. Apple’s first generation iPod and iTMS was excellent from the start and has only improved. It’s the leader because it’s better.

Macs and Windows PCs work seamlessly and easily between machine, iTunes Music Store, iTunes, and iPod. It’s an experience unlike any other in the industry. That’s why Apple’s online download music share exceeds 70-percent.
WINNER: iPod

12 - Value
Ultimately, it’s about the overall value, isn’t it? All the factors mix together in value; compatibility, price, features, “feel”, accessories, battery life, overall quality. Fortunately, I don’t have to say much about the winner in this category. Apple’s millions of iPod owners have already voted. With their pocketbooks.

The iPod remains the hands down “value” leader because, like the Mac itself, it just works. Not only does Apple have the “feel” that gives users warm and fuzzies, it does well in every other category that generates a product’s overall value—a lesson not learned yet by competitors.
WINNER: iPod

The once and reigning champion in portable music players is:

Apple’s next generation iPod.

Given time and money, Sony may cut into Apple’s marketshare for music players and online song downloads. They’ll need to make drastic improvements in both. The new Sony Walkman is a good product in a competitive category.

It’s the iPod that’s won the hearts and minds of millions of users worldwide. They won’t be easily swayed into something that’s “not compatible” unless it’s much better and costs much less. Sony’s Walkman doesn’t do either.

iPod in a landslide.