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Thank-you Sony Walkman
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Thank-you Sony Walkman

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Retroist
Dec 10, 2007
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Thank-you Sony Walkman
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Ah, the companionship of my video iPod, a trusty device that rarely leaves my side, accompanying me through almost 12 hours of my day. I've found myself completely addicted to its screen, indulging in old TV shows during the most mundane moments – waiting for the train, ordering a bagel, enduring a work meeting, even standing in line to collect unemployment benefits. In many ways, my iPod has become the modern-day Sony Walkman, an emblem of our times.

Now, for those unfamiliar with the Sony Walkman, let me transport you back a few years. Back in July of 1979, this ingenious invention hit the market, although it took a little while for its influence to reach my corner of the world. When it finally did, I was astounded. Picture this: kids at my school, especially the upwardly mobile ones, started showing up with these peculiar headphones attached to a small, mysterious box. I couldn't fathom how such a compact device could produce such a wealth of music. I was utterly captivated and immediately ran home, pleading with my mother to get me one of these marvels.

Fast forward to reality, and I did get my hands on a Walkman, albeit eight years later when the world had shifted its attention to these newfangled gadgets called CDs. I'm still waiting to get my hands on a CD player, though, fingers crossed for my birthday next year.

In hindsight, the Walkman may seem quaint, especially considering my iPod can store the equivalent of over a thousand Walkmans effortlessly. However, I firmly believe that without the Walkman paving the way, the iPod might never have graced our lives. It's a reminder of the journey we've taken in portable entertainment, marking a pivotal moment that led to the sleek, advanced gadgets we have today. So, here's a heartfelt nod to the Walkman, a true pioneer in the realm of portable music – Walkman, we salute you!

Watch this 1981 commercial for the Sony Walkman


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