The dial also serves as a volume control, and while we prefer dedicated buttons, there's an easy way to return to the playback screen (more on this later). The dial also glows a cool blue when activated. You select using the big button in the centre of the wheel, which in turn is surrounded by traditional player-control buttons. The bottom of these buttons serves as a context menu. For instance, in playback mode, you can adjust playback and equaliser settings or add songs to a playlist. If there is one complaint about the layout, it's that the four surrounding buttons can feel cramped and occasionally you won't know if you actually pressed a button. The central select button can feel jiggly too.
The only other button on the face of the Sansa e200 is the power/menu button. Pressing the button always takes you back to the main menu; another press takes you back to whatever mode you were last in. This is handy, and it keeps you from navigating backwards clumsily, as one often does with an iPod. Moreover, there's no need to hold down a multifunction button for a few seconds to get to the menu, a common negative found on many fully featured flash players. This button is easily accessible if you're using it with your right hand, given its lower left corner location. Left-handed use tends to become uncomfortable.
A record button resides on the left edge of the Sansa e200. Pressing it instantly takes you to the voice-record function and starts the recording without further ado. This lightning-quick response transforms the device into a useful voice recorder in the real world.
The Sansa e200's right edge features a first: a tiny microSD slot, which can accept the latest 1GB microSD cards (these aren't widely available in the UK yet, but 512MB cards are around £35-£40). The bottom of the unit features a proprietary dock connector, where you fit the USB cable and other accessories that SanDisk claims will be hitting the market soon after launch. Thanks to SanDisk's market push (as of December 2005, the company is second in the flash market, with 14 per cent, according to NPD), third-party accessory makers may jump in and provide useful accessories. The top of the device includes a hold switch, a microphone hole and a headphone jack.
The back of the Sansa e200 is made of a strong, virtually unscratchable metal alloy. You'll notice four screws that can be undone so that users can actually replace the lithium-ion battery themselves -- without breaking the guarantee. This characteristic gives the e200 a mobile-phone-like feel. SanDisk has no price set for replacement batteries, but having this option available is a huge benefit.
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adrian helmore 16 August 2007
Good: Flash memory allows more & more music to be added inexpensively
Bad: Boot up is painfull
Comment: I've had the smaller 2GB version since last October, which saw a renaissance in my appreciation of music. I'm probably one of the older MP3 'players', but this little beauty has helped me listen to more music than I have previously in 25years. Cheap flash memory makes the unit even more flexible, as does an FM transmitter to play my own radio station in the car - great listening time and no boring dj chat!
I chose san disk as I didn't want to follow the crowd (and the fact that my son experienced problems with a 'frozen' Ipod) nor be tied to Itunes. The video/picture function, apart from allowing me family photos, is little used. I find the music quality great, but not with the headphones supplied and battery life is great. I just wish these beauties had been around 30 years ago!!
Congratulations San Disk
Lucy Mabey 3 October 2006
Good: The click wheel lights up blue
Bad: Practically everything.
Comment: I was very disappointed with this product as I was looking for a reliable alternative to the iPod and I had read good reviews for it. However this machine was not it. For a start the menus are awkward and the typeface cluttered. If you pause it for longer than about 30 seconds it automatically turns itself off, which is a nuissance as it takes about 1 minute to turn back on again. Finally the sound quality is abysmal. After 2 weeks my Sansa completely stopped working which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it meant I could get a full refund.
wfo 78 7 August 2006
Good: Build quality, features, battery life, appearance
Bad: Firmware
Comment: Has everything I wanted in an MP3 player. The only major complaint I would have is that it's difficult to make playlists (at least, without installing software on your computer to do it). But I can transfer music files without installing any software on the host computer - ideal for transferring files at work. Build quality is exceptional - doesn't feel plasticky, seems very tough. Well designed. Replaceable battery. Great LCD screen.
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