I received my MZ-E44 the other day in the mail. Since then, I have been listening to it constantly. The player is as everyone knows one of the smallest out there. It is so small in fact, it can literally fit in your shirt pocket. The remote has a clip on the back that can be attached to your shirt collar. I wore the unit to school the other day in this configuration. Although I walked briskly for more than a mile, it never once skipped.

I was able to get the included strap on without a problem, but I didn't leave it on since I don't think it enhanced the slick colors of the unit. I also agree with ANK that the battery attachment is not ideal. It worries me because the connection between the unit and the battery case is weak, and I am afraid it will snap off. My other complaint is that the cord from the remote to the ear bud earphones is too short. I appreciate the feature that both the remote and the unit have separate, independently controlled HOLD buttons. This means that the unit can be operated by the remote, even though the HOLD button on the main unit is engaged. This is helpful if you have the unit in your pocket with the HOLD on to prevent accidental operation while controlling the unit remotely with the remote. My final compliant is that the MZ-E44's remote is only backlit for a few seconds when a button is pressed. I would have appreciated it if SONY had included a button that would keep the backlight on.

All in all, however, the MZ-E44, is an ideal player, it is incredibly small, about the size of an actual MD, very lightweight, practically shockproof, battery efficient, feature loaded, and stylistically irresistible. This unit is HOT!