SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 Player (Silver)
by SanDisk
List Price:
Our Price: $76.95
You Save: $18.04 (19%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $29.97 (click here)
Category: Network Media Player
See more product details
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SanDiskBrand: SanDisk
Edition: Electronics
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: SDMX14R-008GS-A57
Color: Silver
Publisher: SanDisk
Studio: SanDisk
Music Label: SanDisk
Product features:
- Listen, watch, and play all day with 24 hours of battery life and room for up to 2,000 songs
- Watch your favorite video clips or share your photos on the 1.9-inch color screen
- Digital FM radio with 40 preset stations
- Voice recording with built-in microphone
- Expand your existing 8 GB memory with the microSD/microSDHC slot
- Diamond MSP100B Mini Rockers Mobile Speakers (Black)
- Diamond MSP100W Mini Rockers Mobile Speakers (White)
- Altec Lansing iML237USB ORBIT Ultra Portable USB-Powered Speaker
- Diamond MSP100R Mini Rockers Mobile Speakers (Red)
- Macally USB AC Charger for SanDisk Sansa MP3 Players (Black)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 Player (Silver)
Customer Review: A solid upgrade from the E260R or companion to iPod Nano
Summary: 4 Stars
I use Rhapsody subscription music; my Sansa e260R is frustrating - too heavy, confusing controls, sluggish UI, no support for audiobooks or podcasts - so I use it less often than I thought I would. I use my iPod Nano heavily, but iTunes doesn't support music subscriptions, so I've been looking for a decent replacement for the Sansa. I bought a Sansa Fuze (4Gb) for my wife last month, and liked what I saw, so I took the plunge with the silver 8Gb model.
I've been pleased with the Sansa Fuze so far. It retains the e260R's strengths - FM play/record, voice record, subscription music support, expandability via microSD/SDHC - while improving or completely fixing my issues with the older device.
Here are my personal pros and cons of the device. (I don't mention battery life, proprietary connectors, etc., because they aren't issues to me. Battery life is fine, and I'm glad the connector is the same as the E260.)
PROS:
* The software is much more responsive than the E200. Most actions are immediate.
* The physical controls are vastly simplified and more iPod-like. The front controls have been trimmed to an iPod-like click and scroll wheel, and a separate Home button. The power control has moved to the side of the device, merged with the Hold control - a good improvement.
* Support for subscription music, Rhapsody Channels, Audible (format 4), Protected WMA, WMA, MP3 and WAV files, and new support (with the October 2008 update) for OGG Vorbis and lossless FLAC.
* the October firmware update has some other bug fixes and eye candy (startup/shutdown animations) that are less useful than an indication that Sansa is very committed to this device. (The View has some expanded functionality including a larger video screen, but the Fuze seems to be their flagship.)
* The form factor of the Fuze echoes, and improves on, the iPod Nano 3G. Taller, thinner, deeper, softer curves, more (but not too much) heft. It can be one-hand controlled like the Nano, but feels better in the hand than the 3G.
* Retains the E200 series extras like FM play (20 presets), FM record, and voice record/playback that the iPod Nano lacks. (note: 4G Nano does support voice record, but it requires an optional headphone cable.)
* Support for micro SD (up to 2Gb) and micro SDHC (up to 8Gb, for now) expansion cards. (note: the expansion cards seriously drain battery life. given the choice between a 4Gb Fuze with a 4Gb expansion, and an 8Gb Fuze, get the latter.)
* The headphone jack has been moved to the bottom-right of the device, as on the Nano. I prefer this location to the top-right jack location on the E200.
* a unique addition is the ability to delete files (songs, podcasts, etc.) directly from the device. I REALLY like this feature. (you can also format the Fuze without a computer. Given the number of times I had to reformat the E200, I can see why they added that.)
* the Fuze appears to be popular enough to have a good selection of accessories, such as protective cases, armbands, etc. Why should the iPod get all the attention?
CONS:
* software limit of around 4000 songs. That may be fixed in firmware update eventually.
* integration of device content and expansion card content is not seamless. Results can be unpredictable, especially with Audible content.
* Bookmarked podcast/audiobook fails to resume after playing other music content.
* No support for (un)protected AAC files; people who used iTunes defaults for ripping/converting music will have to reconvert back to MP3 or WMA. Also, some podcasts and iTunes-friendly audiobooks are in AAC format, and cannot be played on the Fuze.
* Unlike the iPod and the Sansa E200 series, there is no "scan through song" option. This is especially aggravating for audiobooks, podcasts, and lengthy FM/voice recordings, but I even use it on songs on the iPod.
* also a step back from the E200 series, no dedicated side "record" button. And the microphone has been moved from the top to the left side, by the SD slot. my voice recordings aren't as sharp as on the E200.
* The Fuze apparently doesn't have a user-replaceable battery. This may matter more to others than to me. I've never been away from a recharge for so long that I've run out of juice.
* The screen is easily scratched. Get a screen protector or case ASAP. (the rest of the device has been less susceptible to scratching)
* the scroll wheel is a moving part, which has caused some users problems. So far, my wife's Fuze has held up fine.
* the physical wheel sticks out a little, and even minor jostling in a pocket can trigger a command. The Hold button is more needed than it was on the E200. A clear case that recesses the wheel should help.
* Audible content must be managed through Audible Manager, rather than the integrated method offered by iTunes. And with the new firmware, support for older formats (2 and 3) are being dropped, so you'll need to redownload your books in the highest quality (and largest) format. I prefer format 4, so this isn't a problem for me, but it took me a while to update my collection of 200 titles.
* The bright silver device in the picture isn't what I got. It's more of a gray titanium color. I actually prefer the color, but if you like the bright shiny silver device in the picture, be warned.
* podcasts are separated by show, but each episode within a show is treated like a song (next track begins automatically) rather than an episode (returns to menu after episode completes). The iPod Nano 3G has been inconsistent in this respect, so perhaps there's a setting that could address this on the Fuze.
* audiobooks and podcasts can be set to play at normal speed, or faster or slower. This is good, but unlike the iPod which skips past "white space" and plays voices at normal pitch, the fast/slow modes alter the voice to a distracting degree (Chipmunk mode, or Concussion Mode)
* screen size is the same as the Nano 3G/4G, but the resolution is lower. This is noticeable on videos.
* most of the videos I've tried have had to be converted. For episode-length content, this is a pain. I'd love direct support for XVID, DIVX, AVI, WMV, H.264, MP4. Granted, I won't watch a lot of video on the thing (I have watched enough video on the Nano 3G to far prefer the iPod Touch) but since it's there, it should be simpler.
Despite my laundry list of Cons, I really like this device. It's not going to replace my iPod Nano, but it's a solid complement. I'm using it more often than the E260R, so in that sense alone it's worth the upgrade to me. I confess that if Apple ever offers subscription music on iTunes/iPod, I'll likely move to 100% iPod, but until/unless that happens, the Sansa is a valuable companion.
I don't think anyone except Microsoft is likely to compete with Apple on the video side of things, where Sansa doesn't seem interested in competing; they're a device company, whereas Apple and Microsoft have their own content stores. If Sansa were getting a cut of video sales, they might give more thought to their players' video capabilities. For now, the Sansa focus is on music, and they do that very well.
Description of SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 Player (Silver)
With the SanDisk Sansa Fuze, you can fuse your portable entertainment, featuring 8 GB of storage. You can listen, watch, and play all day with 24 hours of battery life and room for up to 2,000 songs. Sansa Fuze has a 1.9-inch color screen. It measures just 0.3 inches thin.The Sansa Fuze marks the next wave of music and video players.Amazon.com Product Description With the SanDisk Sansa Fuze, you can fuse your portable entertainment, featuring 8 GB of storage. Listen, watch, and play all day with 24 hours of battery life and room for up to 2,000 songs**. Watch your favorite video clips on the Sansa Fuze's 1.9-inch color screen. Measuring just 0.3 inches thin, the Sansa Fuze marks the next wave of music and video players.
 Your portable music machine with 8 GB of storage. (Click image to view larger.) |
 The MicroSD/SDHC memory card slot means storage possibilities are essentially unlimited. (Click image to view larger.) |
 Smaller than a credit card and as thin as a pencil, the new Sansa Fuze MP3 player looks great--and has the brains to match. (Black player shown here; click image to view larger.) |
Smaller than a credit card and as thin as a pencil, the new Sansa Fuze MP3 player looks great--and has the brains to match. With room for up to 2,000 songs**, you can listen all day long. Jam to FM radio with 40 preset stations, play with the built-in voice recorder, and listen to your favorite audiobooks wherever you go. And with 24 hours of battery life, you're free to listen, watch, and play all day--literally.
Watch Your Favorite Videos
The Sansa Fuze comes with 8 GB of built-in memory enough to store 5 hours of video playback. Watch your favorite TV video clips from wherever you are. To ensure speedy file transfers, the unit features a USB 2.0 connection. Simply connect the player to a PC, and start dragging files from your Windows Media Player 10 or 11 applications.
Expanded Capacity
With an option to extend the capacity, its MicroSD/SDHC memory card slot means storage possibilities are essentially unlimited. Expand your music collection, show albums of photos up to 4000 images*, and watch your favorite videos on those long trips.
Compatible Formats
The player supports MPEG4 video files and audio files saved in MP3, secure and unsecured WMA, WAV, Audible, and Overdrive file formats.
FM Radio
If you're feeling like a break from your own tunes, or want to dial in the TV frequency at the gym, use the digital FM tuner. Save your favorites on the 40 user presets.
Voice Recorder
Use the voice recorder with built-in microphone to take memos, record meetings or lectures, or capture whatever else you might feel inclined to point a microphone at. When you're ready, transfer your files for listening on your PC.
What's in the Box
SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB MP3 player (silver), earphones, USB 2.0 cable, quick start guide
* 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes; some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions; thus, it is not available for data storage
** Based on continuous audio playback at 128 kpbs MP3; video playback at 512 kbps/ MPEG 4; photos based on 1.7 MB average file size; battery life and performance might vary depending upon usage and settings; battery not replaceable.
Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
Similar Digital Cameras & Photo Products
Black Soft Skin Cover w/ Armband for SanDisk Sansa Fuzeeforcity; iShoppingdeals; eforcity; Electronics; Network Media Player
Best price: $0.01
Durable Flexible Soft Pink Silicone Skin Case with Belt Clip and Armband for Sandisk Sansa FuzeBargaincell; Durable; Bargaincell; Electronics; Network Media Player
Best price: $0.01
Durable Flexible Soft Black Silicone Skin Case with Belt Clip and Armband for Sandisk Sansa FuzeBargaincell; Durable; Bargaincell; Electronics; Network Media Player
Best price: $0.01
Transparent Clear Crystal Snap On Hard Case + Durable Clear Reusable LCD Screen Protector for SanDisk Sansa FuzeBargaincell; Bargaincell; Bargaincell; Electronics; Network Media Player
Best price: $0.01
Durable Flexible Soft Clear Silicone Skin Case with Belt Clip and Armband + USB Car + USB Home Travel Charger + USB Data Cable for Sandisk Sansa FuzeBargaincell; Bargaincell; Bargaincell; Electronics; Network Media Player
Best price: $4.49
Transparent Clear Crystal Snap On Hard Case for SanDisk Sansa FuzeBargaincell; Bargaincell; Bargaincell; Electronics; Network Media Player
Best price: $0.01
SanDisk Sansa Fuze Charging Combo and (Clear) Protective Crystal Cover Case, USB 2in1 Sync Data Cable,Car & Wall / Travel Charger, Crystal Clear Covering Case, 3.5mm MP3 Jack, and Screen GuardGizmoDorks; CE
Best price: $5.22
SanDiskŪ microSDHCTM 8GB Memory CardSanDisk; CE
Best price: $1.49
Price in other shops:
Durable Flexible Soft Black Silicone Skin Case with Belt Clip and Armband + USB Car + USB Home Travel Charger + USB Data Cable for Sandisk Sansa FuzeBargaincell; Bargaincell; Bargaincell; Electronics; Network Media Player
Best price: $2.33
SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)SanDisk; SanDisk; SanDisk; Electronics; Windows; Network Media Player
Best price: $84.95
Price in other shops: