It's a subdued farewell for a product that's sold about 220 million units over its lifespan. And it played a key role in giving Sony a global reputation for creativity and innovation.

But in today's digital age, competition is brutal. The digital market advances everyday, with once cutting-edge CD and MP3 technology now mainstream. When the first iPod hit the market in 2001, it took over from the Walkman as the must-have music player.

Most consumer electronics products disappear from the market with barely a whimper. But for so many consumers and music-lovers around the world, the phasing out of the Walkman is truly the end of an era.