Lab+One

= = = LAB ONE =



Compare and contrast a Sony Walkman with an Apple iPod, and describe the differences in their physical construction, interface design, technology and delivery of sound. Quick sketches are helpful for this analytical process.

Physical construction

The Walkman is bulky and larger in appearance compared to the iPod. The Sony Walkman has no screen hence it does not display what music the user is listening to, where as the iPod has a bright wide screen where it not only lists the music files but also incorporates album images and videos of the music files as well. For the Walkman, the buttons on the left side of the player are larger and bulky where as for the iPod, it has a sleek look where the buttons that are on the click wheel are operated by a delicate touch. The iPod appears to be more ergonomic since it can comfortably sit in a user’s hand without a tight grasp where as the Walkman is on the bulkier side. In terms of user experience, the iPod can also easily fit in a pocket hence enhancing user experience whereas the Walkman limits the user. Moreover, Sony has imprinted their brand on their product itself where as the iPod represents apple distinctively, hence resulting into the product being the image for the consumer.

Interface design

Users of technologies look for the newest and sleekest design that enhance their user experience hence the interface design is vital. The iPod has come to be known as the sleek and ‘cool’ music player device where it sets itself apart from other technologies in the market. The Walkman does not look appealing due to its size and its colour. Apple has developed iPods with different colours to match user’s choices. In addition, the earphones for the Walkman are larger and limit the user due to the steel that joins the earphones, where as the apple has small ear pads that fit in the user’s ears and are more flexible. iPod’s click wheel has been an invention that sets it apart. The internal and external aspect of the iPod changes the look and feel of the product itself.

Technology & delivery of sound

The most imperative difference between the Walkman and the iPod is the technology they use. The Walkman relies on cassettes which is an analog system since the music is not stored digitally where as the iPod operates on a hard drive hence music files are digital. In terms of reliability, the analog system (i.e Sony Walkman) is more prone to damaged music files where as the digital system ( i.e the iPod ) does not due to their storage capabilities. The hardware replaces the cassettes which reduce the hassle of storing different cassettes for playing music. Users do not have to carry their choice of cassettes with them since music in the iPod is stored digitally. The iPod uses chip transistors which run on circuitry that improve quality of music delivery, where as the Sony has no operating system so its mechanical, however the music for both devices is still delivered through a physical process.

**A Look at the Sony Walkman**

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 * A look at Ipod **

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