With the dimension of 528 x 275 x 139 mm, ZS-M7 is probably one of the thinnest minidisc systems in the market. This small volume makes this system very adaptable to the room, whether it's clean or dirty as a pig sty.

The most notable feature of this system is definitely the vertical CD loader. The cover of this futuristic loader rotates with a push of a button. Very, very cool. Another cool feature is an LCD display; this slightly dim, but animated display helps make ZS-M7 irresistable for those looking for ultimate coolness.

Although you can't compare surround sound of dolby pro-logic to ZS-M7's stereo sound, this system still delivers crisp sound. You can control bass and treble settings; surround sound would've been nice though.

This personal system is probably targeted for ones who already own a portable minidisc player because of its ease of transfering tracks from CD. With the jog dial, user can label the tracks with extreme ease. Other functions such as move, insert, connect, and delete functions makes editing process a piece of cake.

One note: the tuner does not provide clear reception, so additional antenna is highly recommended.

In U.S. the only place you would find this system is Crutchfield.com reviewopen('Kay Malone','kaymalone@...','ZS-M7','150','100') I had the good fortune of browsing through the internet one day and finding that the Sony "boombox" personal MD system ZS-M7 was on sale through buy.com for the super low price of $278.00. Knowing that a few weeks ago it was priced for $599.00 at a fancy stereo store, I didn't waste any time in ordering it. That was 9 months ago, and I have not been disappointed.

The machine is more like furniture than a boombox. Its vertical design is perfect for small places like my computer top, and its unique eject system for the CD impresses anyone who sees it. It has worked perfectly for me. The controls are easy to work, and the speakers provides volume well beyond what I need. I am a mini-disc nut, with 4 portables and three components, so I have a lot of knowledge on this subject. It is too bad that the sale through buy.com lasted only a few weeks. I should have bought several. Many of my friends would have loved to buy one (especially at that price), but when I look around the web, it seems as if this unit no longer exist. It seems like I was lucky in getting one at all. It's a shame that this unit is either not available, or sales for such an inflated price. It is truly a beautiful, functional, and worthy addition to anyone who enjoys the mini disc concept.