▸MZ-E50

037　｜　Son　｜　'96  10.21

才色兼備

"才色兼備"的旗艦機種MZ-E50，官方訴求了薄型、輕量、強韌、美麗的產品特點。

新研發的發超小型機座，比起前作MZ-E3質量-60%，厚度-15%，並採用MD初　鎂合金鑄造機身。而碟片骨架部甚至奢侈地以鈦合金強化結構。

新型超小型光學頭同樣由鎂合金鑄造，比起前作MZ-E3質量-80%，厚度-30%。

新研發的LSI同樣與MZ-E3相較下，零件數-45%，耗電性-50%以下，還是MD初　 1.5V電力即可驅動，讓MD自誕生以來耗電的束縛在此正式解放~並藉此導入更為經濟輕薄的鎳氫充電片，15分充電就有40%，60分即滿充電(4小時)的高效電力。

各種黑科技的導入，讓E50擁有極端變態纖薄的13.5mm。極致逆天輕量的76g，並創下年度最小最輕量的雙桂冠。並還保有Player罕見的W螢幕設計(主機+線控)。

也由於各式新技術使得E50製作上相對困難，在'97年的日經商業週刊專訪中甚至提及E50光學頭僅為一般1/7大小(應該是與E3相比)，以致無法如往常以機械而需仰賴純手工組裝製作，卻也註定了MZ-E50成為MD史上代表性的一頁。上市幾個月後產量依然跟不上銷售速度，而商家甚至得出售店面的展示樣機。而過往Sony低於50%的Player市占憑藉著E50的話題與技術性一舉提升至60%~

'96年恰逢Sony創立50周年，E50也順利成章地被認定是50周年紀念機種，其實只是場美麗的誤會...

Talented and Technology

The flagship model, MZ-E50, epitomizes the characteristics of slimness, lightness, durability, and beauty, as highlighted by the official statements.

The newly developed super-compact chassis of the MZ-E50 weighs 60% less and is 15% thinner compared to its predecessor, the MZ-E3. It features a magnesium alloy body—a first in MD production. Even the disc skeleton is extravagantly reinforced with a titanium alloy structure.

The new ultra-compact optical head, also crafted from a magnesium alloy, is 80% lighter and 30% thinner compared to the MZ-E3.

The newly developed LSI, with 45% fewer components and consuming less than 50% power compared to the MZ-E3, maintains MD's initial 1.5V power requirement, liberating MDs from power constraints since their inception. This innovation introduces a more economical and compact nickel-hydrogen rechargeable battery. It charges up to 40% in 15 mins and reaches a full charge (4 hrs) in 60 mins, providing efficient power.

The incorporation of various cutting-edge technologies makes the E50 an extreme and exceptionally thin device, measuring 13.5mm. It sets the record as the lightest of the year at 76g, earning it the title of the smallest and lightest player. It retains the rare W-LCD design (main unit + remote control), a unique feature among players.

The complex integration of new technologies made manufacturing the E50 relatively challenging. An interview in '97 with Nikkei Business Weekly even mentioned that the optical head of the E50 was only about 1/7 the size of the regular heads (presumably compared to the E3), requiring manual assembly instead of the usual mechanical processes. However, this destined the MZ-E50 to be a significant page in MD history. Its sales initially outpaced production, leading retailers to sell display units. Sony's player market share, previously below 50%, surged to 60% due to the buzz and technological advancements brought by the E50.

Coinciding with Sony's 50th anniversary in '96, the E50 was acknowledged as a commemorative model. Yet, in truth, it was merely a beautiful misunderstanding...

MZ-R30