Data Discman

German *Duden* dictionary for the Data Discman, 1992

The DD-10EX on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1995

The Data Discman (Japanese: データディスクマン, Hepburn: Dēta Disikuman) is an electronic book player developed and marketed by Sony Corporation, first introduced to Western markets in late 1991 or early 1992.^[1] The device targeted U.S. college students and international travelers but achieved limited commercial success outside Japan. In Japan, it was positioned as part of Sony’s broader "Discman" brand, originally used for portable CD players such as the D-50 released in 1984.^[2]

Design and features

The Data Discman was designed for quick access to reference material stored on pre-recorded optical discs. Search terms could be entered via a small QWERTY-style keyboard, with selection performed using dedicated "Yes" and "No" buttons.^{[citation needed]}

Most models featured:

A low-resolution grayscale LCD display (256×200 pixels in early models; later versions up to 320×240 pixels, with some models in color)
An integrated CD drive (Mini CD or full-size CD, depending on the model)
A low-power onboard computer

Early versions could not play audio files but could play audio CDs, with content limited to pre-recorded encyclopedias, dictionaries, and novels, often created using the Sony Electronic Book Authoring System (SEBAS).^[3]

Models

DD-1EX

The earliest western model, the DD-1EX, was released in 1991 and only played mini-CD audio (not MP3 data files) in addition to the EBG titles and is now part of the permanent collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.^[4] The DD-1 was the earlier Japanese model in 1990. This model can use a bare Mini CD disc or one in a caddy. The disc is easily removed from the caddy. It takes 6 off AA cells in a clip on pack, or optionally a rechargeable pack.

DD-10EX

Released in 1992 or 1993, the DD-10EX added the ability to play audio files. In the United Kingdom, it shipped with two discs:

Thomson Electronic Directory (April 1992)
Pocket Interpreter – a five-language travel conversation book

A DD-10EX was featured in the The Book and Beyond: Electronic Publishing and the Art of the Book exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum from April to October 1995. The event also showcased the Library of the Future CD-ROM, designed specifically for the Data Discman and published in 1993.^[5]

DD-8

The DD-8 featured a slimmer, rectangular form factor resembling later e-book readers like the Amazon Kindle, departing from the clamshell style used by the DD-1EX and DD-10EX.

DDS-35

This was the last model, sold up to 2000.

DDS-1000

This model has colour and extended authoring.

Sega Saturn

The Sega Saturn has an EBG operator disc option. Then the Sony EBG titles (removed from caddy) can be played.

Legacy

While the Data Discman was technologically advanced for its time, high production costs, bulky form factor, and the limited availability of compatible media restricted its global adoption. It remains a notable example of early portable electronic reading technology.

References

^ Coburn, M.; Burrows, P.; Loi, D.; Wilkins, L. (2001). Cope, B.; Kalantzis, D. (eds.). "E-book readers: Directions in enabling technologies". Print and Electronic Text Convergence, Common Ground. pp. 145–182.
^ "Sony Celebrates Walkman 20th Anniversary". Sony Press Release. Retrieved 2016-12-21.
^ Keep, Christopher; McLaughlin, Tim; Parmar, Robin (2000) [1993]. "Sony Electronic Book Authoring System". The Electronic Labyrinth. Archived from the original on 2016-11-12. Retrieved 2016-11-12.
^ "Sony DD-1EX Electronic Book Player". V&A Museum. Retrieved 2016-12-20.
^ "The Book and Beyond: Electronic Publishing and the Art of the Book". 1995. Archived from the original on 2012-01-20. Retrieved 2011-12-01.