Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.25 - 1991: SONY WALKMAN WM-SX77

 

Released in 1991, the WM-SX77 took a more traditional rugged approach. A 4 mm resin body and aluminum cassette lid protected it from drops and pressure. It used a wired remote instead of wireless controls and focused on durability over convenience.

Battery life reached roughly 33 hours with alkaline cells, and an anti-shock system reduced vibration during movement. Unlike the WM-WX88’s wireless, water-focused design, the SX77 prioritized endurance and physical resilience for sustained outdoor use.

Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.24 - 1991: SONY WALKMAN WM-WX88

 

Most splashproof Walkman belonged to the bright, rugged Sports line. In 1991, Sony took a

 different approach with the WM-WX88. It added a waterproof wireless receiver and splashproof

 earphones. A wireless remote enabled hands-free use around water. Battery life was limited to

 about two hours, offset by a quick charger that restored roughly half the charge in ten minutes.

Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.23 - 1991: SONY WALKMAN WM-EX90

 

Released in 1991, the WM-EX90 was built for stationary use, aimed at study and practice rather

 than portability. Its larger body supported a section repeat function that looped selected tape

 segments with adjustable intervals. A built-in LCD displayed a digital counter, clock, and battery

 status.

A História Ilustrada do Walkman da SONY - série Sports - ep.13 - 1991: WM-F2078

 

1991 WM-F2078: The Digital Turn

The WM-F2078 brought early-90s digital logic into the Sports line. Analog tuning gave way to a digital AM/FM tuner and an integrated alarm clock. The sealed yellow shell stayed, but the cassette window disappeared, replaced by electronic feedback. With Dolby B, auto-reverse, and DC-in, it reads more like a rugged everyday personal device than a field tool.

A História Ilustrada do Walkman da SONY - série Sports - ep.12 - 1991: WM-SXF30

 

1991 WM-SXF30: The Sports Walkman Goes Global

The WM-SXF30 marks the shift from experimentation to standardization. Based on the WM-BF59, it kept auto-reverse, AM/FM radio, and water resistance, but moved production to Taiwan and adopted a more modular build. A metal internal frame improved rigidity, and pressure-relief vents showed lessons learned about sealing. Nothing here was radical, and that was the point.

Coil - Entrevista - em "Music From The Empty Quarter" #3 - Dezembro de 1991