Gadget review: Sony NWZ-Z1060 32GB Walkman powered by Android

Will the Japanese giant be able to resuscitate the MP3 player from death’s door or has the smartphone finished it off? It’s easy to like the new Walkman; it’s shiny with a 4.3in WQVGA (800 x 480) LED backlit touchscreen that’s very responsive. In terms of proportions it’s a good couple of centimetres longer than the iPhone or my HTC Desire HD.

Running the Android operating system with Google Marketplace support means Angry Birds and iPlayer lovers are catered for and the NVIDIA Tegra 2 graphics processor made light work of any movie I threw at it.

But at £299, you’d rather have that Smartphone you got free on contract, right? I would’ve said so … then I stuck the earphones in my lugs. This Walkman is the audio equivalent of the Bugatti Veyron; rip-roaringly powerful. Sony have included an S-Master MX amplifier, Clear Audio Technologies and paired the player with their ever-so-tasty EX earphones. Coldplay, Beethoven and even Olly Murs sounded fantastic with a soundstage wider than the Sahara.

Sony have finally woken up to iTunes with their Music Unlimited service which provides free streaming of millions of songs and videos plus the ability to bring tracks with you on the move without having to stump up a load of cash. If you have other DNLA compatible gadgets such as a Smart TV or one of Sony’s wireless speakers you can also throw content from your Walkman at these devices. With a swish of my finger, Avatar was suddenly playing on my Sony Bravia TV in the living room. Very cool.

This is a Michelin-starred music and media player, with a price to match. I suppose it depends if you can put up with mince, or if your sound has to be fillet steak?

• Sony NWZ-Z1060 32GB Walkman powered by Android

£299 from www.play.com and www.amp3.co.uk, see www.sony.co.uk for more information.