Rating: - Mixed Results
I purchased this case for my NWZ-A818 around three months ago now. When the case arrived, it was missing the "free screen protector" but I wasn't miffed by that.

The case is of safe structural design, and has withstood many scrapes and bashes, as it should. The case has a small notch cut out for the hold switch on the back, and I haven't come across any issues with the hold button changing positions either inserting the Walkman or with it inside the case its self.

The main reason I have given this product two stars on the other hand, is based on two events. The push button that secures the screen flap has caused indents to the actual Walkman's back plate. Every time you 'Pop' the button into place, pressure is exerted on your Walkman, over time this will damage your back plate. Secondly, the actually button has fallen off due to the nature of how you un-fasten the button. After three months, the two sections of the knobby button because loose, and eventually came apart rendering the case un-lockable.

In retrospect, if this happened earlier, it would have prevented the Walkman from becoming damages.

Good product, with some major flaws.

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Rating: - quality product
contrary to what i had read the case slid easily over the mp3 player without catching the hold button and due to what is probably a re-style it is possible to use all the buttons including hold with the case on.nice case does not add too much extra bulk to the player excellent delivery time too(ordered sunday got it tuesday morning)

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Rating: - Excellent product
Just to confirm that the manufacturers have clearly read the feedback from Dec 2007 - April 2008 and have cut away one of the corners in order to provide access to the Hold button on the back.

This results in a neat black leather case which you will not need to take the Sony Walkman out of, once it has been installed. Combined with the slim Walkman itself, the player + case sits easily into a shirt or trouser pocket.

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Rating: - better than reviews
I read the mostly possitve reviews and I have to say, this item is better than expected. the point about the case moving the hold slidder have obviously been tasken on board and a redesign has produced a cut away over allowing me to put my NWZA818 on or off hold whenever I want.

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Rating: - Well made, pity about the Hold button
This is a well made and attractive case, a good mid-way between flimsey versus too heavy. It will protect against abrasion etc well, but it isn't a hard case and won't protect against heavy crushing etc. The leather is good quality, though initially smells strongly (as good leather does).
As other reviewers point out, the HOLD button on the back of the player gets triggered, when you slide the player into the case. This is a real nuisance and the reason for only 4 stars. You can work around this with care, but you can't acces the HOLD button when the player is in the case.
Despite this annoying problem, I am pleased with this product.