▸MZ-EP11

054   |   Sony   |   '97  07.05

Walkman的本質 II

Sony新聞稿指出，日本國內MD硬體市場由'96年起正式邁向普及期，附帶MD的家庭音響，於'96年達到總金額銷量的50%，'97年更預計將超越70%，在可預見隨身型MD Player需求的成長背景下，此次讓相同概念系列MZ-EP10、MZ-EP11登場。

以戶外用品為造型意象的MZ-EP11，大大的X造型給人軍規道具的強悍質感。

似乎向Slot In換碟一戰成名的Sharp叫陣，由Sony自行開發"Head Loading Mechanrism"抬頭式進片機構，以垂直上下向並僅需單手即可簡單效率地入 / 退片。

大加分的兼容電池機身，可直接收納AAx 1無需外接電池盒的高自由度，而整體上仍維持極佳的18.5mm厚度。也可選購外接DC變壓器、支援車用供電。繼承自MZ-E50、MZ-E30所開發的低功耗LSI，僅需少少的1.5V需求即可驅動並擁有超跑級的1小時急速滿充電。

較可惜的是並未同步導入新型Stick Controller線控，可顯示片假名、英、數文字顯示，曲目、電力等，但不具背光照明。採分離式設計讓用戶可自行購入替換，但僅限Sony Micro Plug規格耳機。

相較於主流MD在體積及電力的論長短爭厚薄，本次著重於使用者體驗的設計規劃，也許正是這樣的起點理念獲得了當年Good Design Award的青睞～

The Essence of the Walkman II

Sony's press release stated that the domestic MD hardware market in Japan officially entered the popularization phase in '96. Home audio systems with MD reached 50% of total sales by '96, and it was expected to exceed 70% by '97. Against the backdrop of growing demand for portable MD players, the MZ-EP10 and MZ-EP11 series with the same concept were introduced.

Modeled after outdoor gear, the MZ-EP11 features a prominent X-shaped design that exudes a rugged military-grade aesthetic.

The entry-level design of the MZ-EP10 seems to challenge Sharp’s famous Slot In disc exchange mechanism, featuring Sony's self-developed "Head Loading Mechanism" for vertical disc insertion and ejection. This mechanism allows easy and efficient single-handed operation.

The highly versatile body that accommodates an AA without the need for an external battery pack maintains an excellent thickness of 18.5mm. Optional accessories include an external DC adapter and car power support. The low-power LSI developed from the MZ-E50 and MZ-E30 requires only 1.5V and offers a supercar-like one-hour rapid full charge.

Unfortunately, still old style remote control which can display katakana, English, and numeric characters for track and battery information but lacks backlight illumination. It comes with basic wired remote control and uses a separate  design, allowing users to purchase replacements, but they are limited to Sony Micro Plug earphones.

Compared to mainstream MDs, which often compete on size and battery life, this model focused on user experience design. Perhaps it was this initial concept that earned it the Good Design Award that year.

MD-SS301