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Walkman Strides Past iPod

Sony Walkman wins over Japanese consumers

September 4, 2009
When it comes to mp3 players, the Apple iPod has long been considered the standard and the desire of most music-oriented consumers. But for the first time in four years, the Sony Walkman has caught up with the iPod and actually moved ahead in sales, according to Tokyo-based researcher BCN, Inc.

Sony, of course, pioneered the personal music player. It introduced the Walkman cassette player in the late 1970s. Early models were huge by today's standards, but were revolutionary at the time.

Once mp3 players entered the market, cassette players were relegated to garage sales and Apple's iPod, offered in a wide range of models and price ranges, dominated the market.

But according to BCN, Sony mp3 players outsold iPods in Japan last week. Sony's share of the personal music market climbed to 43 percent, edging out Apple's 42.1 percent.

U.S. consumers have increasingly complained about problems charging their iPods and raised issues of durability, but BCN sees other reasons for Sony's rise. The analysts point out that many consumers who purchase an Apple iPhone no longer feel they need a separate music player, since the iPhone offers many of the same functions.

At the same time, Sony's long standing reputation for quality is beginning to win over mp3 player consumers. Sony's Walkman has gained market share, the researchers say, after the company introduced a series of mp3 players for just over $100.

Despite Sony's strong showing in Japan, Apple's iPod remains the sales leader in the U.S. and Europe.

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