HD5 Build quality

I had a HD1 and was very happy with the build quality, i now have the HD5 and thinks its a better audio player , sound quality is much better than my HD1 on MP3s. However the build quality is questionable, i have the button problem but that doesnt concern me as much as the top of the player , i have a red model and the plastic top has a noticable gap between itself and the metal casing , it is more noticable on the back of the player.
It is not a large gap but it is annoying and will let in dust.
Anyone lese have this or is it just mine?

Anyone elses unit the same?

Not mine, sounds like you have just cause to get it replaced under warrenty.

[KeanosMagicHat]

OK ..... Having received my NW-HD5HS last week, I've been away from the forum whilst I had a good play.

In terms of build quality the NW-HD5HS is definitely not as good quality as the NW-HD1, hold both in your hands and you can feel it instantly.

When you look at the two units together it is also obvious.

As evidence of this I have already noticed a reasonably obvious scratch on the "chromed" surround at the top of the player. As someone who is very careful with new gadgets this is pretty poor.

I have, however, decided to keep the new player (which sadly means I have to return the NW-HD1).

Here's a brief outline of the main pros and cons of the NW-HD5HS over the NW-HD1 as I see them.

Pros

Larger capacity HD (30GB v 20GB)
Removable Battery
Longer battery life - up to 40 hrs as opposed to 30 hrs
Better user interface
Single Handed Operation much easier
USB Charging as opposed to cradle


Cons

Materials used definitely look and feel less expensive.
USB cover does indeed feel flimsy - although others have provided assurances.
Less classy design (IMO)
Heavier - although TBH we're talking grams here so in your pocket you won't really notice.
Screen contrast not great
Initials search facility only allows for track title search - not Artist, Album etc.


So in summary I'd broadly agree with the original poster and say that the NW-HD1 is far better looking IMO and definitely has better build quality, but the NW-HD5HS is the better overall player.

NW-HD1 - Form vs NW-HD5HS - Function.

[HD3]

Just as a comment, I'm a HD3 owner.

I personally think the HD1 looks THE BEST out of all of them- its terms of build quailty and the way it looks

[LFC_SL]

Sony are losing money in portable music player dept so have to scrimp and save

Signed Happy HD3 owner glad its not a HD5 with cracked buttons

I have been debating over getting the HD5 due to the whole button cracking issue. One option that is looking better is getting the 30gb (HD5H), however, I live in the states and it has not been released yet. Does anyone know (generally or specifically) when it would be released based on previous trends in delays between countries? Thanks for your time.

Originally Posted by Duke20

I have been debating over getting the HD5 due to the whole button cracking issue. One option that is looking better is getting the 30gb (HD5H), however, I live in the states and it has not been released yet. Does anyone know (generally or specifically) when it would be released based on previous trends in delays between countries? Thanks for your time.

Nominally released in UK but are not available anywhere.

Some suppliers say that there will be a delay of 6 weeks + before they are avaiable. So implying that they are not in the country.

Sony may be delaying their second "launch" until they have overcome the well publicised faults previously reported.

What do folks think?

Anyone else have the "chrome" lid not sealed well to metal case? look at the back of your unit , is there a tiny gap between lid and case?

[HD3]

Just been reading though some other threads and it seems that the HD5 is made in Malaysia! Can anybody confirm this?

I have a HD3 and on the little sicker on the back it says "Made In Japan"

Ok, where it is contrusted shouldn't make any differece to the parts used. All i know its more expensive to make things in Japan. Making the HD5 in Malaysia seems to downgrade its quality.

I'm starting to loose my faith in Sony

[BROUGHCUT]

Indeed, there is a "Made in Malaysia" sticker adjacent to the poorly fitting battery cover (not flush on my player, to the extent that the red paint is being worn away from the side of the cover).

Agree with the comments about the top, USB cover etc. The magnesium alloy case is of good quality.

Originally Posted by doomlordis1

Anyone else have the "chrome" lid not sealed well to metal case? look at the back of your unit , is there a tiny gap between lid and case?

Yes I saw that and it totaly bugged me. between the black lid and the black unit is/was silver. it buged me so much...untill i returned it

Meh what i really needed was a microdrive player anyway...crosses fingers (NW-HD6) its proboly won't come out as soon as the past 4 models have hu?

[L11]

Oh yea forget this button cracking rubbish.. I've had my HD5HS for a month now and no cracked buttons.. it must just be that one silver version

[davebach172]

no cracked buttons for me on my black hd5, but the paint is flaking off the battery cover. great.

[IanPM]

Originally Posted by doomlordis1

Anyone else have the "chrome" lid not sealed well to metal case? look at the back of your unit , is there a tiny gap between lid and case?

I've got one, and yes, it does have a small gap. Not going to annoy me as much as the cracked buttons though, which are already starting on mine after 48 hours.