a pain in itself even if the software were stable.

The software, i actaully dont have any problems with, its straightfoward and fast

This involved using the sony clunky software to get a playlist,

This thing is awesome, though the software it comes with is a pain in the backside

The software is not the easiest to operate but Sony makes great products so don't let that stop you from buying this.

My software got ruined several years ago, so I'm wanting to download

Like everyone else who has bought an MD player, I too hate the Open MG software with a passion

The software, while not the best, once learned is actually good

NetMD debuted in 2001, and the software should be more refined than this by now.

Sony has a long history of making innovative, easy to use, well designed, compact, and durable consumer electronics that come with some of the worst, least usable software you'll ever see.

the bad part is that the software is cumbersome to use and very very slow....if you are looking for a mp3 player buy one...not one of these

Having your computer online is a definite plus since the software checks the CDDB online and burns the title and track names on the MD for you!!

Sony has a long history of making innovative, easy to use, well designed, compact, and durable consumer electronics that come with some of the worst, least usable software you'll ever see.

Can't because of the bad Sony software that comes with it.

but the software is just as unpredictable on the earlier systems

The software, while not the best, once learned is actually good

The software it comes with is bad because you have to deal with checking in and checking out songs.

Although the software is a bit clunky and confusing for those who arent highly computer literate, I expect with some use most anyone can master the art of making a recording from Mp3 files.

and I've dealt with the terrible OpenMG software that comes with it, but I discovered two additional technical problems that lurk in the background of

I have used the OpenMG software everybody complains about to punch up an audio signal from one cd, and it worked great

Frankly I don't give a whoop about Sony losing a dime from piracy and think they have ruined what is a great hardware product with absolutely terrible software.

The OpemMG software is annoying because you are forced into atrac conversions, but besides that, this thing's durable and has lasted without ANY flaws with the player.

Sony has made great improvements on it software (2004 edition is very stable).

If the software hadn't been so questionable I'd have a lot more to listen to.

The software that comes with the player not very user friendly but gets the job done

My previous Sony MD player is over 3 years old and still sounds as wonderful as when I first bought it