History of portables
History of portables
In late 1992, Sony unveiled its first portables to the public.
In late 1992, Sony unveiled its first portables to the public.
It was a black brick weighing about 1 kg. I remember that the purchase price in Italy was very high and remained so for a long time.
It was a black brick weighing about 1 kg. I remember that the purchase price in Italy was very high and remained so for a long time.
The price of the blanks was also high.
The price of the blanks was also high.
It is necessary to remember that MD was competing with the tape cassette, a consolidated market by now. In my opinion, the presentation of the new support was mainly a technological "show of strength" from Sony.
It is necessary to remember that MD was competing with the tape cassette, a consolidated market by now. In my opinion, the presentation of the new support was mainly a technological "show of strength" from Sony.
Sony was one of the most active companies in both the production of tapes, portables and tape cassette decks; who among you has never owned a Walkman?
Sony was one of the most active companies in both the production of tapes, portables and tape cassette decks; who among you has never owned a Walkman?
To arrive at the production of a portable recorder worthy of the name we have to wait for the 1998 Sony R55.
To arrive at the production of a portable recorder worthy of the name we have to wait for the 1998 Sony R55.
Since then, and even more since 2000, there have been fast-paced models, ever smaller, lighter, more and more technological using magnesium, improving the sound characteristics and the aesthetic appearance.
Since then, and even more since 2000, there have been fast-paced models, ever smaller, lighter, more and more technological using magnesium, improving the sound characteristics and the aesthetic appearance.
At the turn of the year 2000 the price of the machines started to fall until reaching 1/5 of the initial price ad around 2002 the players had reached their size limit; the size of the MD.
At the turn of the year 2000 the price of the machines started to fall until reaching 1/5 of the initial price ad around 2002 the players had reached their size limit; the size of the MD.
In the following 4 years the production has diversified into a plethora of models of which it is difficult to know the production date.
In the following 4 years the production has diversified into a plethora of models of which it is difficult to know the production date.
ln some cases I have managed to find labels with the year of production by opening the machine.
ln some cases I have managed to find labels with the year of production by opening the machine.
I wish you a good vision.
I wish you a good vision.