SanDisk Sansa MP3 Player

SanDisk Sansa e280 MP3 Player
Manufacturer: SanDisk
MSRP: $149.99

Please note that some of the specs may be specific to this particular unit but most Sansa units have similar options. The major difference between individual units is the on-board memory
the player has.

Specs/Features:

• 8 Gig flash memory for file storage
  
• 1.8” TFT color screen
  
• Durable metal alloy casing in the back
  
• MicroSD slot for additional space with cards
  
• FM Tuner
  
• Allows you to record FM broadcasts and voice recordings
  

To start, the Sansa allows you to listen to MP3 (audio) and video clips which is limited only by the amount of memory. The Sansa was one of the first MP3 players to feature the video option which was later added to newer iPod units after Sansa was released.

This particular unit was released for connectivity to RealNetworks Rhapsody service which, with a paid subscription, will allow you to put an unlimited amount of songs (again limited only by memory space) from any/all artists listed on the Rhapsody service. This can be helpful for your computer's harddrive as you do not have to have the phsysical MP3 file on your computer. The songs will be transfered directly from Rhapsody to your Sansa player. The package comes with the Rhapsody software. You can still use the Sansa without Rhapsody if you decide against using the service.

In order for your Sansa player to connect to Rhapsody properly you will need Windows XP. Since I've abandoned Windows altogether I connect my Sansa player to my PC and transfer the MP3 files directly to the player which is available whether or not you use the Rhapsody service.

You can also transfer Rhapsody channels to your Sansa player if you choose to make use of the service.

I do not use the FM option too often but I get relatively decent reception in most areas. The ability to record FM broadcasts is great should you hear a song you want to record especially if you aren't sure of the song/artist at the time you are hearing it.

The Sansa player allows you to view photos and video with its screen. One thing that can be a slight pain is that all video and image files need to be converted with software and transferred to your player with the converter program to be viewed on the player. But the process does not take too long. I do not use it all that often for video or photos but the option is there for those that would find it even more useful. It is great to have those options!

As far as the mp3 player options go it separates the files into categories by artist, album, etc and offers the option to "Play All" files and it will start with the first track and continue through all of the files you have on your player.

The sound is great! Especially if you use great headphones. The headphones that come with the player work extremely well and I find that Skull Candy Earbuds make the Sansa sound amazing!

The case itself is well made especially with the metal alloy backing. Unfortunately my player has suffered a few drops and falls but still works as well as the day that I bought it.

The lithium ion battery has a good charge lifespan. You can charge it with a wall unit or leave it connected to your computer through it's USB connector to charge the unit.

The player itself features a raised plastic flywheel somewhat similar to the iPod but I find that the texture of the wheel makes it easier for me to manipulate the iPod's although that may be debateable by other users. The front also features a play/pause, back and forward and list button surrounding the flywheel.

The player includes a mic at the top for voice recordings and a lock slider to lock the player during use which is very useful if you stow your player in a pocket while you move around. It keeps the buttons from operating the player such as accidentally skipping to the next track in the middle of a song you are listening to.

There are many peripherals you can purchase for use with the Sansa player. The intial package comes with a travel pouch to carry it in, a lanyard, stereo headphones and the Rhapsody software disc.

I've been pleased with my Sansa player from the day I bought it!

Buy it!