The MZ-N10 Net MD Walkman recorder is the ultimate tool for creating great-sounding music mixes as well as live voice or music recordings. It transfers music at up to 64x speed, and the included SonicStage Jukebox software stores and manages digital music files, custom playlists, and music transfers, making it a cinch to transfer music to the device. A stereo minijack mic input accepts a range of microphones and is convenient for a variety of applications, and the unit comes with a built-in rechargeable battery capable of boosting battery life to 58 hours of playback when used in conjunction with a single AA battery.

Taking advantage of high-speed transfers from a PC via a direct USB connection, the MZ-N10 can record more than five hours of music on one 80-minute minidisc (using LP4 mode). It also uses Sony's skip-free G-Protection technology, which eliminates or reduces skipping during many active uses. The MZ-N10 is compatible with the RealOne music player and the pressplay.com online music subscription service. It plays back ATRAC3 files and supports multiple Internet audio formats, including MP3, WMA, and WAV. The unit provides up to 56 hours of continuous playback on one AA battery.

Recording is faster and easier than ever using the long-play LP4 mode and a supplied matching USB cradle with a direct connection to the jukebox. Placing the unit in the connected cradle also ensures that it automatically recharges.

The MZ-N10 also features an editing remote with a backlit LCD and a three-line dot-matrix display that shows nine characters per line for easy song searches and edits. Sony's Jog Dial navigator scrolls through track lists vertically to search for songs and groups--you can access desired points by simply rotating the dial with one finger then pushing it. A handy feature called Personal Disc Memory stores your preferred settings for listening volume and other functions when playing your favorite minidiscs.

The Easy Skip group-folder function helps you organize songs into albums or groups. Once transferred to the MZ-N10, you can easily skip from group to group. Besides the bundled SonicStage software and SonicStage simple burner application, the MZ-N10 also includes software for creatively organizing your music. MoodLogic software goes beyond typical jukebox applications, letting you compile music by mood or tempo rather than simply by artists and song titles.

MoodLogic corrects your file information by identifying and re-titling mislabeled tracks during ID3 tag cleaning. It also has a feature called Music Marker, which lets you "tag" music during playback. Once you reconnect the device to your PC, MoodLogic retrieves the marks, connects you to the Musiclub Web site, and provides you with information about the song and artist as well as with links to download new tracks, purchase CDs, or discover similar artists.

Here's how you can use the included Sonic Stage Software to manage your music files:

What's in the Box
MD player/recorder, AC-ES605 AC power adapter, USB cradle (battery-charging stand), RM-MC33EL/S slim-stick backlit LCD remote control, MDR-A34SP headphones, dry-battery case (for 1 AA battery), digital cord, SonicStage version 1.5 CD-ROM (with Net MD Simple Burner software), USB cable, user's manual, warranty information.