▸SJ-MJ7 80th

112　｜　Panasonic　｜　'98

SPECIAL EDITION

不太特別的記念版

'98是松下電器創社80周年，Panasonic為此推出了80周年記念版MD隨身聽，在此加註"80th"區別。

不若他廠記念機型有著獨家規格圖樣，直接以'97年登場的一般版本SJ-MJ7套用並給予華麗的絨布盒包裝展現。

松下電器號稱"集結了全社的技術力"開發的MJ7，機面採用比鋁硬度高出2.4倍的鎂合金(可能僅上蓋)，銀白機身上畫龍點眼的小巧視窗 X 映射出碟片色彩，特別的是MJ7S細緻的同心圓髮絲紋加工呼應光碟的科技意象，此為高精度的Circular加工技術，以µm單位在機身上蓋施加螺旋狀光澤，由於鎂合金與空氣接觸會氧化變色*，官方聲稱為了實現此精緻的設計花了約一年於新素材加工與表面處理的研發，最終融合出科技與素材的極致科感。

毫不遜色於機身的Upward Remote Control，極前衛的抬頭式角度背光液晶，無論外出 / 居家使用無需再翻轉顯示確認的人性化設計，操控上讓人聯想到彷若是置於掌中的迷你控制中心，大膽先進的近未來感相當符合Panasonic一貫的產品意象，只是防震效果卻是顯得低科技的落漆的10秒...。

"新快裝著耳機"，採用新形振膜和圓頂耳機筐體，官方強調擁有薄型和配戴的舒適，還能兼具高~低音全方位高音質。

在'98年顯得尷尬的充電池6小時併用達到15小時續航。

或許對Panasonic來說MJ7本就是為大眾打造的"不限量"記念機型(至少機身上加個80周年字樣與市售版區別不是更好嗎~)

*Sony的高階隨身聽也常使用鎂合金+髮絲紋路加工處理，歷年來經常發生機身氧化變色的材質瑕疵問題(MZ-E900、MZ-N10等)，但Sony從未有具體對策

A Not-So-Special Edition

In '98, Panasonic celebrated its 80th anniversary by launching the "80th Anniversary Edition" of its MD Walkman.

Unlike other brands' special editions that featured exclusive designs or specifications, Panasonic repackaging the standard SJ-MJ7 model released in '97, packaging it in a luxurious velvet box to signify the special occasion.

The SJ-MJ7, touted by Panasonic as a product developed with the "combined technological expertise of the entire company," featured a magnesium alloy casing (likely only the top cover) that boasts 2.4 times the hardness of aluminum. The silver-white body was accentuated by a small viewing window reflecting the colors of the disc. A standout feature was the MJ7S's finely crafted concentric brushed finish, symbolizing the technological essence of optical discs. This high-precision circular finishing, done at the micrometer level, gave the magnesium alloy cover a spiral luster. However, since magnesium oxidizes and discolors when exposed to air, Panasonic claimed it took about a year of R&D to perfect the new material processing and surface treatment, achieving a fusion of advanced technology and premium materials.*

Equally impressive was the Upward Remote Control, featuring an ultra-modern, angled, backlit LCD. This user-friendly design allowed for easy viewing without flipping the display, whether at home or outdoors. The control unit, reminiscent of a miniature command center in the palm of your hand, exuded a bold, futuristic vibe, aligning with Panasonic’s innovative product image. However, the anti-shock performance disappointingly falls short, offering a low-tech and underwhelming 10secs...

The included "New Quick Fit Earphones" featured a new diaphragm design and a dome-shaped casing. Panasonic emphasized their thin profile and comfort while delivering high-quality sound across both high and low frequencies.

Battery life was a mixed bag for '98: a rechargeable battery provided 6hrs ,both 15hrs of playback.

It’s possible that Panasonic intended the MJ7 to be a mass-market, "non-limited" commemorative edition. (At the very least, adding "80th Anniversary" to the device itself for distinction might have been a better idea!)

*Sony's high-end portable players also frequently use magnesium alloy combined with hairline texture processing. Over the years, material defects such as body oxidation and discoloration have often occurred (e.g., MZ-E900, MZ-N10), but Sony has never implemented a concrete solution.

MD-SS33