Sony returned to its Walkman roots with its MX series in 2000. Early models included an FM tuner, MiniDisc player, and built-in amplifier. The front of the PC tower also featured an LCD display with audio information. Combined with a set of speakers and a remote control, it was Sony’s fist attempt at an all-in-one media PC.
I don't ask this often about obscure formats, but is there any modern use for minidisc? It doesn't feel very retro to me, and there's nothing nostalgic about it to me. I've seen it a few times in person, and it doesn't have the same charm as laserdiscs (for instance).
JoeAwesome wrote:I don't ask this often about obscure formats, but is there any modern use for minidisc? It doesn't feel very retro to me, and there's nothing nostalgic about it to me. I've seen it a few times in person, and it doesn't have the same charm as laserdiscs (for instance).
I've looked into this. I feel like it would be neat format to play in the car. Think of something more rugged than an audio cassette with sound quality comparable to a CD. That said, I've yet to come across a car minidisc player at a reasonable price.
Minidiscs can be used to store recordable digital data, and the mechanism is hypothetically cheaper than a CD burner for a portable package, but... no. Not really. The minidisc has really outlived its usefulness as a format, sadly.
The original Playstation was supposedly a good CD player. Truth told, I'd hit Goodwill and look for some used shelf stereos or hi-fi components. The latter are usually pretty darn durable. 'Course, then you'll need an amp and speakers.
Actually, if you want to go pretty cheap without sounding too much like crap, get some cheap 2.1 computer speakers and a cheap portable CD player. Plug the player into the wall with the included AC adapter and just run the line out (not the headphone, unless they are the same) to the PC speakers. CD audio on the cheap.
