Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.3 - 1982: SONY WALKMAN WM-5

 

Introduced in 1982, the WM-5 followed the WM-2 with nearly identical mechanics. Its pressed metal casing replaced plastic, making it smaller and more durable. The metal shell forced the volume control inside, with a small window added to show the setting.

Walkman: A História Ilustrada (1979–2004) A timeline of Sony’s cassette Walkman models from 1979 to 2004 - EP.2 - 1981: SONY WALKMAN WM-2, ou Walkman II

 

Released in 1981, the WM-2, or Walkman II, was the smallest stereo cassette player of its time. Its size came from concrete changes: the tape head moved into the lid and a new cassette insertion system replaced the earlier layout.

The cassette window flipped, placing the mechanism on the front and establishing the template for later Walkmans. It supported metal tapes but lacked Dolby B. Power came from AA or D cells, delivering up to 70 hours with the external case, and included dual headphone jacks and a tone switch.