Zheng,+Shijia+(Eva)

Lab 1 //Question: 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.//

iPod: · Brief Summary of the Design: o iPod uses an analog system which stores music files on an internal hard drive, while the later products of iPod such as iPod mini use flash memory to enable their smaller size. As with many other digital music players, iPods can also serve as external data storage device. · User Interface: o In all, the design of iPod is an innovation that gives an uncluttered, minimalist interface. o Color displays use anti-aliased graphics and text. Animated graphics appear when user slides the central panel. o Operations such as scrolling through menu items and controlling the volume, controlled by using the click wheel in a rotational manner, offer more convenience and visual experience to the user. o The user interface for the iPod is virtually identical to that of any other kinds of traditional MP3 Players. · Technology and Delivery of Sound: o All iPods can function in “disk mode” as a mass storage device to store data files, including music files, personal calendars, photos, etc. o Unlike many other MP3 players, iPod requires its users to transfer music files through manual process. A typical file management application would just not allow an iPod to properly access the files. o Apple introduced a user-configurable volume limit in response to concerns about hearing loss. This particular design strategy has made iPod a more user-friendly and attentive MP3 player in all times.

This might be an interesting video to watch: media type="youtube" key="aeXAcwriid0" height="344"

Walkman: · Overall Summary of the Design: o A Sony brand originally used for portable audiocassette, and now used to market Sony’s portable audio and video players. o Walkman A800 series was Sony’s first all-digital, flash-based video Walkman, for which Sony promoted the idea of “All in one, Advanced, and Attractive.” · User Interface and Technology: o It is notable that there has been some hardware changes include the exclusion of stick remote control and the usage of new connector for charging, accessories, and data transferring. However, comparing to the user interface of an iPod, a Walkman still requires its users to use buttons to view music files and play them. o Notable hardware change – color screen that can display album art. o New power management features, which give the device a three-hour battery life after only three minutes of charging.