( 1 reviews )
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( 4 of 4 found this review helpful ) Posted: 12-03-2008
The SanDisk 4GB Sansa Clip MP3 Player is still one of my favorite MP3 designs. More color and size options are now available, and I continue to buy them to give as gifts and to upgrade capacity for myself. Some I use for music and some primarily for the voice recording feature. In addition to the silver SanDisk Sansa Clip 4 GB MP3 Player, they now offer this black version. While the product picture makes this black version look the same as the 1 GB black players, it is actually shinier akin to the silver version. The Sansa Clip hasn't come down in price as much as I would like, but it's still a great value at any capacity. The 4GB model has four times the capacity as the iPod Shuffle for about 50% less. It also has a screen, FM Tuner, voice recording and more. You can also get the Sansa Clip 1 GB or SanDisk Sansa Clip 2 GB which are still sold. But with sizes for MP3 players growing, buying the largest size you can is probably the best option. Pros - + Good combination of features, design and value + Decent sound quality for a small MP3 player + Nice capacity for a decent price + Very light-weight + FM tuner with 40 presets!!! + Voice recording + Nice design and color options + Nice format compatibility (MP3, DRM WMA, WMA, Audible) + USB 1.1 and 2.0 connectivity + Can be used as a USB drive / mass storage + Can sync music with drag & drop or via software + 15 hours battery life is better than Creative Zen Stone Plus or iPod Shuffle Cons - Larger body than the 2nd and 3rd generation iPod shuffles - Some durability questions linger, though these black units have definitely been updated - Some reports of defective units, so check yours within the return period - More low cost options and competing feature rich players make it less of a slam dunk The new Sandisk Sansa Clip may not be as durable as the iPod shuffle, but it still has the advantages of the iPod shuffle with some of the features and benefits of other MP3 player brands. Unlike the Sansa Express, which you can plug in directly into your USB port, the clip uses a standard USB B cable. The Clip is definitely a little bigger than the iPod shuffle, but not by much. It has a great feel and a nicer clip. It is also priced right. It fills the market for a starter MP3, workout unit, or gift. The rechargable battery seems better than the Creative Zen Stone Plus and gives you a respectable 15 hours. The sound is nice. The earbuds are passable for beginners but most people will replace them. As for durability, only time will tell; so far my units are holding up nicely. I definitely recommend the larger sizes, whether 2GB or 4GB. For those needing more space, you will have to explore the CreativeZen, Sandisk Sansa, Sansa View or new iPod Nano. All of those units have higher price tags. SanDisk Sansa View 8 GB MP3 Player SanDisk Sansa View 16 GB MP3 Player Creative Zen 8 GB (Black) Creative Zen 16 GB (Black) SanDisk SDMX4-8192 Sansa e280 8 GB MP3 Player (Black) Apple 8 GB iPod nano AAC/MP3 Player Black (3rd Generation) Overall, this is still a great starter unit for yourself or to give as a gift. Hopefully the new batches have improved durability. The same great features are all here that will keep this design around for a while. Enjoy.
