So you want an mp3 player, but you don’t want an Apple for whatever reason. Might i suggest the Sansa line of mp3 players.
For the most part the Sansa line of products, by Sandisk (the flash drive guys), are competitively priced, or cheaper than the comparable Apple player. They usually have more options to boot!
Lets take the big 3:
- Sansa Clip. This does battle with either the Apple Shuffle, or Nano. It comes in 1,2, or 4 GB sizes and includes a FM tuner, small screen, and plays mp3 and wma files.
- Sansa Fuze. This does battle with either the Apple Nano, or Ipod classic. It comes in 2,4, or 8 GB flavors. The Fuze has a very nice 1.9″ color screen. The Fuze also includes a FM tuner, but also comes with a voice recorder and the ability to view photos. The Fuze even allows for expansion via a microSD card slot! The Fuze plays mp3, wma, and mpeg4.
- Sansa View. This goes head to head with the apple ipod. it comes in 8,16, or 32 GB sizes. It has all the features of the fuze, with a larger 2.4″ screen. it also plays mp3, wma, wmv, h264, and non-drm AAC.
A bonus for the kids: The Sansa Shaker: A simple mp3 player that you shake to change songs. no screen, but it has 2 headphone jacks for shareing and a built in speaker.
All the Sansa players play Audible files, and are easily sync’ed with most major music subscription services. It has to be pointed out though that they will not sync with itunes, nor will they play apple-drm protected files. It is nice to have an option besides the apple ipod line of mp3 players. the Sansa line is usually cheaper or the same price as the apple products, with more features. If you don’t have too many apple itunes downloads, look into the Sansa line.
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Should i start a twitter for this blog?
I bought a Sansa last year while in the US, just a 1 or 2GB one (can’t remember) that I use for jogging. It’s fine, does the basic stuff quite well and has a radio.
I think it’s tragic that good players like these as well as my personal favourites, Creative, are virtually ignored by the media. You got to admire Apple for the way they have marketed that thing.
I’m holding out for the Creative 64GB flash player…
Cheers
Graham
I love the creatives personally too! My first mp3 player was the 64mb Creative Nomad. Still have it allthough i don’t use it due to size. My daughter has the Creative Zen and loves it.