The first model of the first-generation Walkman personal stereos. Contrary to those inside and outside the company who claimed that “without a recording function, it won't sell,” it became a huge success, proposing new lifestyles which became popular around the world.

Following an unconventional course of development, the design specifications were determined first, with engineers then creating the corresponding product. Much lighter than the first-generation, this new Walkman supported metal tape and featured an anti-rolling mechanism. Emphasizing design and sound quality, the “Walkman II” was immensely popular.

Product developed based on creating a Walkman roughly the size of a cassette case. This model featured one AA battery, head, pinch roller, and headphone jack arranged in a row, with the cassette placed horizontally alongside this structure. From this point forward, the Walkman was established as a modern necessity, easily carried in a handbag or pocket.

The world's first portable CD player. Approximately the size of four CD cases, the body weighed 590g. Sold at a surprisingly low price (less than 50,000 yen), this device single-handedly accelerated the spread of the CD.

First model in its class to adopt a “gum stick”-like rechargeable battery and accommodated AA batteries as well. This device greatly reduced battery costs and weighed under 200g.

The first ultracompact, lightweight DAT Walkman, small enough to fit in one's palm.

The world's first “MD Walkman” mini-disc recorder. This device had recording, playback, a numeric keypad, anti-skip technology, and a variety of additional useful features.

Playback-only MD Walkman featured the best of Sony's portable technology. World's smallest and lightest (as of September 1996).

Memory Stick Walkman, supporting Magic Gate copyright protection technology.

The first product to support the NetMD standard for high-speed transfer of music data from PC to Walkman. Powered by a “gum stick” sized rechargeable battery, this device was capable of approximately 28 hours of playback in standard mode.

Marketed simultaneously with “Duo” Memory Stick, this device incorporated 256 MB of flash memory in a compact body. It represented a new style of network Walkman enabling users to enjoy the equivalent of 11 CDs of music.

Adapts to the individual tastes of each user. The Walkman A series: forging deeper ties between people and music.