sony bean does not play mp3\\\'s natively. you can not just copy an mp3 to the device (using the handy built in usb connecotr). you have to use sonys ultra slow software to convert your mp3\\\'s to drm enabled propitary sony format. then when you plug the device into another pc the files are unplayable. It changes them from mp3 to oma files and renames them and buils its own little database.

again no way to play a standard mp3 file on any sony walkman. always propietary, all 3 kinds they sell, disc, bean and stick are that way....

the bean also calls home to sony to get permission to transfer files to the bean...

jon

sorry for the hard to read format but this review system does not accept acronyms or anythign else in uppercase letters. i had to remove all upper case to get it to pass