Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.8 - 1983: SONY WALKMAN WM-10

 

Introduced in 1983, the WM-10 shrank the Walkman to cassette-case size. That scale came

 from aggressive miniaturization, including a flat disc motor and a bearing integrated into the

 supply spool. Despite its size, it offered Dolby B, supported normal, chrome, and metal tapes,

 and included auto-stop. The tradeoff was durability, an issue Sony later addressed in follow-up

 designs.

Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.7 - 1982: SONY WALKMAN WM-D6

 

Closing 1982, Sony released the WM-D6 as part of its Professional line. It earned a reputation

 as the era’s peak Walkman, nicknamed the “Daddy” by enthusiasts. A quartz-controlled motor

 delivered exact tape speed, a requirement for reliable recording work.

Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.6 - 1982: SONY WALKMAN WM-7

 

Introduced later in 1982, the WM-7 replaced mechanical controls with electronic logic keys and

 added remote operation. It brought auto-reverse and Dolby B, while a polished metal

 mechanism with magnetic take-up clutches improved stability. An efficient DC-DC converter

 allowed long playback from two AA batteries.