Product Reviews

The NW-A1200 is an updated version of Sony's NW-A1000 player, which we reviewed in What's New, Shopper February 2006. It costs about the same as the 4GB NW-A1000 did when it launched, but this model provides twice as much storage.

Unlike the model it replaces, the NW-A1200 supports the playback of WMA files without the need for a firmware upgrade. Unfortunately, it still won't play DRM-protected WMA files, such as those available from Napster and other Plays For Sure music stores. If you want to buy digital tracks, you'll need to buy unprotected MP3 files or visit the SonyConnect online store. You can recharge this player through its USB connection or a supplied AC adaptor. Its battery life is acceptable, but not as good as we've seen from other Sony hard disk players.

Sony makes the NW-A1200 in some unusual colours, as well as the more standard silver and black. We're not too keen on its looks, but it does at least stand out from most other players. Although neither the player nor its software is as easy to control as an iPod, the NW-A1200 sounds better, and comes with superior headphones.