SanDisk Sansa e260 4 GB MP3 Player with MicroSD Expansion Slot (Black
by SanDisk
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Our Price: $259.96 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $53.00 (click here) Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of SanDisk Sansa e260 4 GB MP3 Player with MicroSD Expansion Slot (Black
Customer Review: Why I'm glad I didn't get a Nano.....
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this for my boyfriend for Christmas. I decided to put a few songs he likes along with a video or two on it before I wrapped it up for him. I was expecting it to be an alright MP3 player because of the reviews I had read, but I never expected it to hold a light to any of the Apple's creations.
I took it out of the box expecting to plug it in and need the program on the cd to add music to it... because that is how the other top mp3 players work. Well, it didn't need any program installations. I plugged it into my computer and it was simply drag and drop music from my music folder to the Sansa music folder. I was very impressed with this feature. I did, however, have to install the video converter program (which comes with it) to my computer in order to put videos or pictures on my comp.... BUT this was also a very simple program to use.
The look of the Sansa also impressed me. Though it's a little thicker than a nano, it's still very small... and I love the blue light around the turn wheel. The video has vivid color and looks GREAT~!
I'm very impressed with the FM radio and the voice recorder that it came with as well because I know my boyfriend ALWAYS likes to listen to the Kentucky basketball games and he's not always around a radio (I didn't try either out-- I'm just impressed it has them)... the iPod doesn't have a radio or voice recorder.
I've owned three different music players: the 30gb Ipod Video, the 4gb first gen Ipod Nano, and *currently* the Pioneer Inno which is also an XM player. I never thought I'd say I like an MP3 player better than either of my Ipods. I never thought I'd experience one that could hold a light to either of my ipods but this one does. &for the price... I believe it may actually surpass the new Nanos (though I've not tried out a 3rd gen one).
I hate for this to be a compare/contrast review... but I know what sort of reviews I was looking for whenever I was in the market to buy an MP3 player. In my opinion I think the Sansa is easier to use than the Ipod, has just as good color with the video as the iPod, runs/loads things a little faster than my iPod did, and has more features than the Ipod. I'd love to be able to compare it to the Zune (because that's another one I was considering), but I've never experienced one of those. In comparison with the Ipod... I believe this one should win-- hands down.
The only negative I can see-- so far-- is it's lack of accessories on the market. We all know the Ipod has tons of items we can buy to use with it. Though I did buy an FM modulator for the Sansa... which is really the only accessory I ever use with any MP3 player (and I figure the only one my b/f will ever use). I don't know. I love this little thing and now I kinda wish I would have asked for one of these instead of a new Nano for Christmas...
Customer Review: iPod vs. Sandisk
Summary: 5 Stars
I've bought 2 ipods already, once four years ago and again 2 years ago. The first stopped working, I mailed it back to Apple, and they told me it was no longer covered by the warranty, because of external damaging to the casing (which, incidentally, happened at the beginning of our torrential but short relationship, and had minimal reference outside of this...) they had the audicity to ask me that, for it to be repaired, it would cost more than I initially bought it for. It was a 15 gig model they were no longer making. We lasted 7 months before my heart was broken.
(Yes, my life is 13-17% better having direct and constant access to music)
Now the second iPod I bought was a Mini, used. It was great, a complete conveniency, but once again it stopped working. This time the warranty was voided because I was not the original owner. And yes, I am nitpicking, Apple is technically (contractually) is their right, and this I grant them. But I am an individual, this was my experience with Apple was that they were providing a fix, like drugging their customers to get them hooked, let 'em keep coming back for more. They came upon and then cornered a market in the neccessary progression aurally (like the first makers of CDs or DVDs while everyone else is tapes and VHS) and, as far as customer service, and their side of the transaction, they did a screw job.
Now to SanDisk. This is a quality item I would endorse over the iPod according to its merit...
1) Possible to upgrade with the expansion slot
2) If the battery drops out on you (which it will, this is how consumerism is, a la cars and making a lesser quality product so the consumer will have to spend more, blahblah sick cycle) one can replace it
3) For me it really comes down to having bought 2 iPods and being treated like a number, a profit margin or a training telemarketing and phone centers to refer to section 13 sanction g) when dealing with an irrate consumer, er, customers complaints, be repetitive and condescending till they hang up; or SanDisk, which in 4 months has been no problem, CHEAPER, and better than the iPod, like an improvement, just read other reviews and you will see that this experience resembles a lot of other frustrations over this, and the bottomline is that other companies have to bend over to try and solict customers who are eating up the Apple (yeah, I know, terrible reference with the Apple, so what...).
Apple + thumbs down to the power of screwjob = go ahead and be a sucker if you want to 'consume'
SanDisk with a variable of whether or not I need to vent in 8 months because SanDisk did not cook my eggs right (overhard on Wednesdays) I change this review denouncing them, too, but right now I'm satisfied, eating eggs.
Customer Review: Sansa - a great mp3 player, excellent value
Summary: 5 Stars
I've owned the 4gb version for nearly 1-year now and I love it! The fact that this does not use "touch buttons" (like ipod and creative's devices) is a huge advantage in my mind. That means you do not have to press the hold button every time you place the player in your pocket and again when you want to change something. Not being forced to use itunes or any other music software is also a key factor for me. I've never used the video feature as I have no desire to watch video on a 2" screen. In my opinion, Sandisk's Sansa is the only other real competitor in the flash memory mp3 space. Hey Mr. Softy - why not just buy SNDK (only $12B) and stop throwing away $$$ on your very poor internal attempts?
Positives:
* Works extremely well with Media Player 10 - simply click and drag. But you don't have to use any particular software, no need to feel stuck with MP or itunes.
* Actual buttons - no touch wheels. You do not have to use the "hold" button when it is in your pocket.
* Solid music organization software. Sandisk constantly provides updates which you are alerted to when you connect to your computer.
* FM player
* Great battery life (also battery is replaceable, I bought a cheap back-up just in case)
* Relatively cheap
* SD micro memory expansion
* Not an ipod! I personally hate having the same thing as everyone else, plus apple has always annoyed me with their proprietary/closed systems
* Nice and small, but yet not fragile feeling. The metal backside gives it a solid feel (I've dropped mine numerous occasions with no issues).
Negatives:
* You need to remove 4 small screws to get to the battery. I have had my Sansa freeze up maybe 7-10 times over the past 10 months. To reset the player, you need to remove the battery, so it can be a bit annoying to have to use a small screw driver (would be better if you could access the battery as easy as on a cell phone). But given the infrequency of this issue, it has not proved to be the end of the world.
* I really don't like the record button on the side. This gets accidentally pressed somewhat often (maybe 2-3 time a month), which can be annoying. If I could, I would disable this button. Who wants to record the radio or a conversation with their mp3 player anyway? Maybe some people do, but I personally will never ever (intentionally) use this feature.
* Not a ton of add-on products. This seems to be gradually changing, but I have not seen a nice car player built specifically for the Sansa. Not a big deal for me, since I find an old school tape player adapter to sound way better than generic FM transmitters in my car (which has a high end Bose stock system) and I have bought a really cheap AC charger from a 3rd party.
Customer Review: Reliable, Affordable, Solid Features
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had my Sansa e260 for about four months, now. I'm very pleased with this product. The Sansa is very easy to use, its features work perfectly, and it looks and feels really nice.
You can sync the Sansa either with a software service (I've been successful with Rhapsody, Windows Media Player, and Napster), or using a simple windows folder interface. Each works perfectly, and all the music files will be usable inside the Sansa interface. The transfers are quite fast, and judging by the amount of space I've used, this model has room for several hundreds songs. I've also downloaded podcasts and loaded them up using the folder interface. They play fine, and simply show up on the master music list under their file name. There's also a media converter for photos and video, but I have not used those features.
The screen is very sharp and aids usability with a well-designed interface. The wheel and buttons on the front did take some getting used to, but now that I've been using it for a while, it seems second nature. The Sansa comes with some simple ear buds, which I can't stand. The third party earphones I purchased sound fantastic. The unit also has an FM radio integrated into it; you can switch to this by rotating the command dial to find the FM Radio menu item. I don't use it much, but it picks up a variety of radio stations near my home and work very clearly. There's a voice recorder (a "memo thingy") in the unit, but I can't imagine when I'd use that...
The overall unit is light, and small, but not too small to handle if you have fat fingers like me. Best of all, this unit has worked 100% perfectly for me. I haven't had a single hitch, burp or failure with my Sansa.
The unit comes with a USB cord that serves double duty as a charger and file transfer medium. The first charge took a long time, but subsequent use hasn't run down the battery very fast, so charge time isn't a big deal for me. However, if you intend to use an mp3 player a LOT, then the USB charge cord might become bothersome for you. It doesn't come with a very useful case, but I bought a very nice case for about ten bucks. Be careful not to buy a case that interferes with the use of the command dial or buttons. I also picked up an aftermarket retractable USB travel cord, which works fine.
I looked at several different players, including Apple, before deciding on the Sansa. I'm convinced I made the right call, and I couldn't be happier with the performance of this unit. I'd recommend it unconditionally to anyone who wants a reliable unit with good features and a reasonable price.
Customer Review: Great mp3 player
Summary: 5 Stars
I really like my Sansa e260. I purchased it to test it out while the e270 was on backorder and I have been pretty impressed what it can do.
What I like about my Sansa e260:
-Audio/photo/video playback is excellent
-Small in size but thicker than the iPod Nano (the Nano in my opinion is a tad too thin)
-Large screen and good photo/video quality for something its size. It's not top of the line, but my coworkers and I have been impressed with the screen quality. I've watched videos on it with no problem
-Nifty blue glowing dial
-Ease of use. Most of it was self explanatory though a "quick guide" was included in the box
-Battery life. Even playing videos, I was able to get 10+ hours before the battery was too low.
-Expandable memory (micro SD card, which I will soon purchase)
-Comes with conversion software for photos and video
Things I don't like about my Sansa e260:
-Lack of accessories. I did have to hunt down my player but if you walk into any store you can see that it is an iPod dominated market. I was only able to find a silicon case for it but hopefully this will change over the next few weeks
-Lack of AC charger. Only a USB changer was available as is in the iPod, however I have been unable to locate a OEM or aftermarket AC charger. Hopefully this will change but until then I use a USB/AC adapter
-Expandable memory slot will play mp3s only, not photos or video
-Attracts finger prints like crazy. Somehow the oils on your finger tips show up on both the black and metal parts of the player. I expected it on the front but not on the liquid metal.
-Radio works but doesn't get the best reception on all stations
-Conversion software will split large video files into smaller shorter clips (~10 min clips) which results in short pauses as it goes to the next file
Is it the iPod Nano killer?
Yes and no. I think it's a wonderful flash player with many features the Nano lacks (but some can be added on) for a comparable price. If you are an avid iPod fan you may not like the tactile wheel. I love the photo and video playback and am impressed with the screen, which is larger than the Nano's. I would suggest finding a vender and testing it out before you purchase it. Although it is thicker than the Nano, it has an impressive battery life even with video playback and the battery is user replacable. I am satified with my Sansa e260 and think it's worth checking out if you're looking for a flash player with many features.