Features: "Jacket Size" MD Walkmans, world's smallest size and weight for a recording portable (as of Aug 24 1999), longest recording and playback times (as of Aug 24 1999), smaller size achieved through redesign of the optical pickup mechanism (MZ-R90/91's pickup is 50% smaller in frontal area than that of previous model MZ-R55), "One Touch Eject" feature, "Name Bank" function (allows you to store up to 600 characters worth of commonly used words in the unit for easy MD titling), "Smart Stick Controller" with titling and editing functions, "Joint Text" feature records the titles from a CD while recording (not achievable with all CD players), digital recording level control, 40 second shock memory, Synchro Recording from digital source. Headphone and line out are combined into a single plug (switchable between the two functions with a jog lever). No microphone sensitivity setting. MZ-R90 only uses high stiffness magnesium alloy for top of case.

Mis-features: Longish start from power-off state (ca. ~9 seconds) and track seek times (ca. ~2-5 seconds) due to slow [power saving] drive motor spin-up gives unit a sluggish feeling response to user input.

Links:

• Sony's Japanese release announcement for this unit.
• Sony's MZ-R90 Japanese page and MZ-R91 Japanese page.
• Sony's Tourist model page for the MZ-R90.
• Sony's Tourist model page for the MZ-R91.
• Sony's Japanese release announcement translated into English.
• Sony Europe's MZ-R90 announcement, claiming the unit is due out at the end of November 1999 in Germany.
• Japan-Direct posts several MZ-R90 snapshots.
• Minidisco has a rotatable 3-D spinning image of this unit.
• ZDNet mentions the Sony MZ-R90's February arrival in the US (near the middle of the page).
• Superfi (UK) offers the Sony MZ-R90 with a local price matching guarantee.
• Superfi posts zoomable, rotatable scans of the MZ-R91.
• According to this ARM web page, there are parts of the MZ-R90 that utilized their chip technology.
• David McGahn has some advice for MZ-R90 owners suffering from a damaged battery compartment door.

Reviews:

• Brian Youn's exquisitely detailed comparison of the Sony MZ-R90 and Sharp MD-MT831.
• Robert Nguyen also contributes a detailed comparison of the Sony MZ-R90 and Sharp MD-MT831 portables.
• Robert posts a detailed Sony MZ-R90 review to his site.
• Marc Wielage made a careful review of the MZ-R90.
• Ian McFarlane writes an MZ-R90 review.
• Glen Wintringham describes his fondness for the Sony MZ-R91.
• MiniDiscussion has collected user reviews for this unit.
• Simon Wilson has made a handsome comparison report of the Aiwa AM-F70 and Sony MZ-R90.
• Ferdinan Wirawan reviews the Sony MZ-R90 and wonders if the MZ-R50 isn't a better unit.
• HiFi Choice magazine (UK) has a review.

Specs: Sampling rate converter converts to 44.1kHz from 48kHz/44.1kHz/ 32kHz sources, frequency response: 20-20,000Hz +/-3dB, max output level: 5mW+5mW, AC100V.

User Manual: MZ-R90

Service Manuals: R90, R91, MZ-R90