I really haven't found much info on either model. Anyone know what the main differences between the two models are? Also... how does the 101/102 series fare against the older cassette-case sized 10/10ii/30 models?

Hi, welcome to the forum.
The 101 and 102 are the same with just slighly different colour schemes and graphics. They compare very well to the earlier players in build quality and sound, the only real issue with these apart from belts is the capstan flywheels are very close the the back cover and only kept apart by little pads on the circuit board, over time these can deteriorate causing rubbing, but can be replaced. Similary if they have been crushed at all it can take some to get covers back to correct shape to prevent the same issue as the pads cause.
These are hard to find in mint condition complete with case and both battery holders, and often sell for a high price.

Here's some of my best examples:



WM-101, WM-102, WM-R202 (Recording version) and a WM-F100II







And to answer a question from your other post any colours other than Black and Silver are rarely seen outside Japan, and when do turn up on Ebay they often sell for silly money.

Thanks for the quick response mrp32Dave! I'm so envious of your collection! Well since it seems I won't have much luck finding the 101/102, do you have a better suggestion for a sony cassette-size walkman? I'm planning to go walking with it, so I want something that's lightweight but not too fragile. I have a sports wm-f45 but man that thing is so huge that it basically pants me when I'm walking, hence why I'm more attracted to a smaller walkman. Plus these brushed metal walkmans are sooo beautiful! I'm seriously lusting after one! If you or anyone else has a suggestion, I would really appreciate the input!

quote:

Originally posted by BirdlandBabeSH:
I really haven't found much info on either model. Anyone know what the main differences between the two models are? Also... how does the 101/102 series fare against the older cassette-case sized 10/10ii/30 models?

I'm so glad that i have that PINK WM-30 in mint condition and my 8 year daughter looks after that very well.

that is a harder question than it may seem. i have several of both so let me think about this a second. on the 100-103 series it is more difficult to get a nice balanced sound when replacing the belt. i don't know why,,,but that's what happens to me. the wm-10-30 always seem smoother after replacing the belt. what i'm saying is less wobble on the wm-10-30. the window is prone to coming loose on the wm-10-30 also. it would be a good idea to carry some double sided tape. you can break off part of the wm-100 plastic front but not usually the whole thing. i did "though" manage to break the whole part off a wm-100ii. right now if i were able to go on a long hike or outing i would go with the wm-10-30. after alot of experience,,they just seem the more reliable of the 2 types. i hope i made at least some sense out of this little synopsis.

That's really helpful! Thank you! I think you may have persuaded me to get a wm 10-30 instead. It'll be easier to come across one, for one thing and I might even find a really nice one with all the included equipment. Thanks, rerooted.