40 
It’s the end of an era. Or more accurately, it’s effectively been the end of an era for a while and this is another part of it. In early 2013, Sony will stop producing its three remaining models of handheld cassette recorders, meaning first the Walkman and now its cousins are on their final march to death.
The models that are soon to be antiquated are the TCM-400, TCM-410 and TCM-450, but lucky for anyone who still uses cassettes and is still into that whole “carry a huge device on my shoulder” thing from the 90s, Sony isn’t putting a stop to boomboxes with cassette decks. Yet.
Really though, anyone who’s still relying on magentic tape (Mum?) could probably use a push into the future where we don’t have to worry about so many moving parts. Though it is sad to think someday you may stumble on a shoebox full of old recorded-off-the-radio mixtapes with nothing around to play them. Then again, maybe that’s for the best. Goodnight sweet princes. [mynavi via Engadget]
The Slow-Motion Physics of Hand-Held Slingshots
When Did Handheld Vacuums Get So Beautiful?
Cassette-Themed Moleskines Are a Lovely Obituary For a Dead Medium
I had no idea they were still making these.
Same here!
Those designs are awful. They look like something you get in one of those catalogues that comes in the daily mail …the ones with ‘onesy’ slippers and amazing cleaning devices. I love those ridiculous catalogues!
Did you just say you love something awful…? I’m lost
It was a little rambling wasn’t it! I think those designs are reminiscent of the ones you get in the catalogues for old people you get in the daily mail. Which I think are both ridiculous and entertaining and therefore I have a bit of a soft spot for them.
The walkmans are really bad design though. the first design was infinitely better:
http://listeninginstruments.com/bedlam/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/2011_11_first_walkmansony.jpg