Tech blogs are abuzz about Sony's new version of the humble Walkman. Except it's not humble and costs $1,599. It features 128GB of built-in storage (expandable via microSD card), and support for most high-quality and lossless audio formats. (Oh, sorry, were you expecting to slot in your Depeche Mode cassette?)

It's a bit heftier than your average iPod, but still designed to feel good in your hand. But the focus here is audiophile-quality playback. It's got high-quality and high-purity components to reduce any potential interference and deliver a clean, pristine sound. Pair it with an optional portable headphone amp (we had Google image search it, too) and you'll have to take a bliss-related MC.

Are we excited about it? In theory. But in practice, $1,600 is way more than even any iPhone off contract. So unless you're such a nut for audio performance that you'll pay for it and actually carry another device on you (in addition to your phone, your tablet, your laptop and whatever else), just smile at the photo and move on.

But if someone else is paying for it, the Sony Walkman NW-Z2 will be availabe at all Sony Stores and Sony Centres on Feb 13, just in time for Valentine's Day. You can pre-order one until Feb 8. $1,599. Sony Store, #02-28 313@somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., 6634-9497.