The music library filters are pretty standard on the Sansa e200, with Play All tracks at the top, along with Artists, Album, Songs, Genres, My Top Rated, Recordings and Playlists as options. On the playback screen, there's thumbnail album art, track info and a time-elapsed meter. Pressing the select button takes you to a neat graphic-level meter, full-size album art and the next song.
The e200 package includes the player, earbuds (better than the typical e100- or m200-series headphones), a black slip-on case reminiscent of the iPod case, a USB cable and a software CD.
FeaturesThe SanDisk Sansa e200 includes many features that truly distinguish it from the nano. It plays MP3, WMA DRM 10 (subscription) and WAV files. Audible support may be coming soon, but that has yet to be confirmed. Also, the device includes a voice recorder and the ability to display photos and play back video. Missing in action is a line-in recorder, as well as USB on-the-go capability, which is best suited for digital photo enthusiasts. We can live without these two extra features.
When you're dealing with video and photos, you won't get the streamlined experience you do with the iPod and iTunes. Although Windows Media Player is the primary audio-transfer application for the Sansa e200, you'll need to use the included SanDisk Media Converter to enable photos and video to play. The utility is simple to use, and it can convert most popular video formats (DivX, MPEG-4, WMV and so on) into the 15fps MJPEG format. Video won't look stellar, but it works well enough for casual use (as well as showing off to friends). JPEG and BMP photos are also downsized. Slide shows don't include fancy fades and wipes, but you can listen to music while viewing photos.
For those interested in the growing world of online video, the process of getting video working on your device will be time-consuming. Plus there is no iTunes-like download, transfer and play option -- conversion is your only recourse. The e200 is not a portable video player and certainly isn't a video iPod. But those who are patient will benefit greatly from having this video included in such a compact MP3 player.
The SanDisk Sansa e200 is an MTP device but can be switched into UMS mode, meaning it can be used as a hard drive, which is a good thing for Mac users and those who prefer to drag and drop tracks. The only caveat here is that the expansion slot will not work when the unit is in MTP mode. Other observations: as mentioned, you can create a single on-the-go playlist with the e200. Unfortunately, voice recordings are made in WAV -- MP3 would have been a better space-saving option.
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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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