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SanDisk Sansa Clip 2 GB MP3 Player (Red) by SanDisk
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: SanDisk Brand: SanDisk Edition: Electronics Audio: English (Original Language) Model: SDMX11R-002GR-A57 Color: Red Publisher: SanDisk Studio: SanDisk Music Label: SanDisk Product features: - Robust and portable 2 GB MP3 player
- Supports MP3, WMA, and secure WMA music file playback
- Speedy USB 2.0 connectivity
- Easy-to-read backlit screen
- Built-in voice-recording feature
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of SanDisk Sansa Clip 2 GB MP3 Player (Red)Customer Review: Great price, great player! Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this 1 month ago, mostly to listen to audio books during car commute and while doing chores. I listen to both Audible files that I buy, as well as Overdrive media files, which I digitally borrow from the local library.
I've always transferred Audible files (proprietary .aa format) to MP3 players using Audible Manager. When I first took the Sansa Clip for a test drive, my older version of Audible Manager failed to recognize it, despite using the automatic update feature of Audible's software. However, after uninstalling the older version, then installing the latest Audible Mgr, the Sansa Clip was recognized and file transfer went smoothly. Audible files are automatically transferred into the "Audiobooks" folder on the Clip. For transferring Overdrive Media files (.odm) from the library, I use Overdrive software, and have not had any problems. However, the .odm files are automatically transferred into the general "Music" folder on the player.
For audiobook junkies bookmarking is important, especially if you listen to a few books at a time. It's important to be able to bookmark and be able to switch between books without losing your place on any of them. However, the Sansa Clip does not offer a bookmarking feature on its own, so the ability to bookmark is dependent on the file format itself. Playback for Audible's .aa files is convenient because this proprietary format bookmarks itself at the place a file was paused, and will remember that place whether you switch between files or turn the player off. On the other hand, Overdrive's .odm files will only remember the last place paused if you do NOT switch to a new file. If you pause and then switch to any other file, you WILL lose your place. (This was also the case on my older MP3 player, a Sansa M250). You can, however, pause a .odm book and then turn off the device without losing your place. When you restart the Sansa Clip, it always begins on the last file played, at the last place played.
A problem I encountered on the first test drive on the Sansa Clip was with fast forwarding: it wouldn't fast forward within a file. The player would fast forward about 20 seconds into a file, then jump to the next file altogether. This happened to all file formats, both music or book. This problem was quickly fixed via a firmware update from Sandisk's website (had to install the Sandisk Sansa updater software). No more fast forward problems since.
As far as sound, it sounds great, way better than the M250 (which I used to think was pretty decent). The included earbuds are OK for books, but for music I think a nicer quality set of earbuds would definitely let you take advantage of the great sound from this player.
Although the face has the appearance of a scroll wheel, the buttons are actually hard-click buttons. For me this is a plus, but it may be too low-tech for some. The screen graphics also have a low-tech appearance, very pixel-y. Not quite Atari-looking, but definitely NOT hi-def. Unimportant to me, but if you need cool-looking graphics, look elsewhere. What IS cool-looking on this player is the red color, which is much darker than the picture shows; it 's almost metallic. I put a silicone skin on my player, so the color's obscured, but again, appearance may matter to some.
The small size is so convenient! It is 2x the length of an Ipod Shuffle, and thicker as well, BUT...it's still so small! The shuffle wasn't even an option for me because I need a screen on my player.
The Sansa Clip must be charged through a USB port using the included mini-USB cable, which can be inconvenient, and for which I took off 1 star. After all, if you're going to offer a rechargeable product, you should offer the most convenient way to do this -- through a wall outlet. It's a lot easier to take a charger on vacation than lug a laptop you have no intention of using except to recharge your MP3 player! I purchased a kit that included the silicone skin, an AC charger and a DC/car charger, to give myself more options. I haven't tested the battery all the way to empty, so I don't know the actual battery life.
I haven't had any problems with the plastic clip so far. It seems neither particularly weak nor sturdy, but I do try to be careful anyway.
Considering the price of this player -- 2GB of memory for much less $$ than a 1GB no-screen Shuffle -- it's a great deal. In fact I'm sorely tempted to pick up the 4GB Clip. Hmmm....
UPDATE Oct 2010
Alas! My beloved Clip died this past summer, after constant use and abuse over the last 2 yrs...so now I know an expected life of about 2 yrs. I've already bought a replacement, a silver 4GB Clip, with absolutely no hesitation. I still haven't found a better or more convenient MP3 player for the price!
Description of SanDisk Sansa Clip 2 GB MP3 Player (Red)D1) SANDISK CLIP MP3 - 2GB Red Product Description Sansa® Clip MP3 Player Clip it on and roll For the movers and the shakers who want to shed the baggage of a bigger MP3 player?it?;s time to get the skinny on the Sansa® Clip player. Offering five colors to choose from, this lightweight MP3 player delivers major sound for its matchbox size, and storage capacity of up to 2GB*. And with its smart design, you can clip your Sansa® Clip player to your bag, pants or sleeves, allowing you to enjoy all the perks of an MP3?hands-free. Listen Keep up to 500*** songs at the ready wherever you go. Or tune into FM radio for news and fresh music anytime. Record With the built-in microphone, you can record memos, lectures or all those unexpected, mic-worthy moments throughout your day. When you're ready, transfer your files to your PC for listening and sharing. Get together The Sansa® Clip player plays MP3, WMA, secure WMA and Audible file formats. Connect via USB cable to your computer for charging or synchronizing. Sort it out A compact MP3 player with a screen, the Sansa® Clip player makes navigation simple, so you can sort your music, FM stations and audio books ease. So what's in the box? Sansa® Clip MP3 player, Clip accessory, USB 2.0 transfer cable, earphones, promotional inserts, and quick start guide. * 1 gigabyte (GB) =1 billion bytes. Some capacity not available for data storage. ** Based on continuous playback at 128kbps; actual life and performance may vary depending upon usage and settings; battery not replaceable. *** Approximation based on 4-minute songs at 128kbps. Choose Sansa®, a smarter way to play Sansa® products are brought to you by SanDisk, the minds behind flash memory. Around the world, wherever people take pictures, listen to music, use cell phones?or do much of anything at all with digital devices?you?;ll probably find SanDisk products. Maybe that?;s why, after more than 20 years in the business, SanDisk has never stopped innovating. END
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