Slim Sansa View Takes on iPod Nano

Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:13AM EDT

See Comments (19)

The new Nano hasn't even been out a week yet, and already it's got some stiff new competition. SanDisk this morning unleashed the Sansa View—a svelte MP3 and video device that doubles the Nano's storage capacity for roughly the same price.

The View goes for the more traditional, long and slim MP3-player shape than the Nano's short, squat Chiclet look (which I'm still pretty so-so about), and it trumps the Nano's two-inch display with its 2.4-inch, 320 x 240-pixel LCD. The View gives you solid video playback options, including support for H.264, MPEG4, and Windows Media video files; the player may not be able to tap into the rich iTunes video store, but there's a good chance it'll work with Amazon Unbox videos (now chock full of NBC TV shows). Music is another strong point: the View plays MP3 and Windows Media music files, and it packs in support for music subscription services such as Napster, Rhapsody, and Yahoo! Music. You also get an FM radio, a voice recorder with a built-in microphone, and audiobook support.

Here's the kicker, though: you can snap up an 8GB View for $150, or about the same price as a 4GB Nano, while a 16GB View will run you just $200 (same price as the 8GB Nano). Even better, the View has a slot for microSD memory card expansion, so you can boost the player's memory by another 8GB or so.

All in all, pretty impressive—and if I had to score my "iPod vs. the Rest" post again, I'm not so sure the Nano would come out on top. (Update: I actually went ahead and updated the story; click through to see which player won.) Keep your eyes peeled for my full review.

Related:
Press release [SanDisk]

Comments on Slim Sansa View Takes on iPod Nano

Post a Comment

Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

  • 6 Posted by chshrecat on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    Mac folks can't figure out the concept of "drag-and-drop"?

  • 7 Posted by strifec1209 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    hahaha man apple fans really dont know that their ipod isnt the best thing out there. but im not to sold on a sansa mp3 player either creative makes the best mp3 players. im really surprised the new creative zen isnt on this list.

  • 8 Posted by darrkman on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:36PM EDT Report Abuse

    Post #2 is a good example of what happens when you don't look around. Apple has a bad habit of beta testing what they call new products and people snap it up and regret it later. I've owned a IRiver, Creative Zen and other and have always been happy. I had a FM radio way before anything Apple had. And to be able to listen to more formats of music (mp3, wmv etc) is a definite plus. I don't hate on Apple, they make a decent product, but how many times do you have to hear about glitches that can't be fixed without major costs before you catch on?

  • 9 Posted by beatle_fan9009 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:04PM EDT Report Abuse

    This looks fantastic. I'm looking for a new, small mp3 player, and 16 gigs is perfect! But, does anyone know if it is compatible with itunes, or will I have to use another service?

  • 10 Posted by lightmilee on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    you guys just want the ipod because you can buy it muiltcolors and because a lot of people own it. but this mp3 is awesome with quality. this company also came out with the first mp3 that had a built in radio and play videos before the i-pod. so look a little closer, people!!!

  • 11 Posted by bepatrice on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:05PM EDT Report Abuse

    To #5..Is Apple compatible with anything other than apple??? Ummm no...show me an Ipod with a choice other than I-tunes and we'll talk.

  • 12 Posted by flintdavis on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    I had a question about how the View displays video. Does it have the ability to rotate the screen (or can your turn it sideways like the iPhone) - or are you left with letter boxed video, or video that is stretched to meet the 2.4 inch screen?

  • 14 Posted by shahadatakbar on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:16PM EDT Report Abuse

    This ----- is cool, I mean the price and all. Buut, iPod is iPod! I mean if I buy a sansa, i'll always regret that why didn't i buy an iPod instead. Still cool review, it was really informing. thanks dude

  • 15 Posted by creative_distractions_studios on Thu Sep 13, 2007 11:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have something to add that I found was a huge plus for Sandisk over Apple: The capability of changing your own battery. Sandisk's players (those with rechargeable batteries), allow you to remove the four little screws on the back cover and swap out the battery, and cheap too! I have found battery kits running for around $30. And what is the price for your wonderful ipods? Much more...you have to bring them to a repair center or send them to Apple to have the battery replaced, and that spells dollars. I ALWAYS look for the "bang for the buck" deal, and I researched ipods, but you know, you can get the same music through other non-itunes stores and sync to your non-ipod, just as easy. I own one of the older sandisk E200 models, and it works great. I'll stick with the "cheaper and just as reliable" thank you very much!

  • 16 Posted by jdpenn48 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    Actually alleyishere19, it is very easy to transfer music. Just plug it up, drag and drop and it's done! I just learned that the other day and I was sooo impressed. I had been doing it another way and it would do my entire library over again, but I did the drag/drop and it did it in a snap and put the songs in the appropriate playlists. Yeah, the "I-tools" just buy it because of it's association as a status symbol. Dang, why don't ya'll just send Apple a check every month cuz they are bilking ya'll bcuz they know u'll buy their products regardless if they are inferior. Although I do love the desk/laptops. However, I can save a few hundred, build a fast PC, and voila, I still got money to eat with. Some things jus aren't debatable.

  • 17 Posted by jdpenn48 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    And another comment about the IPOD are the EXPENSIVE ACCESORIES!!!! In order for the IPOD to do the things that my Sansa does, I would have to go out and buy at least $100-$150 worth of additional accessories. That is ridiculous! It's just not economically sensible to invest in an already overpriced product, then have to buy overpriced accessories just to keep up w/ unknowingly superior alternate products. With my Sansa, all I had to buy was a $24 car FM Transmitter, now I'm bangin' the drums in my car and the sound is very clear, adding that I can do a custom equalizer on my Sansa. I'm sorry, hands down, there's not comparison between the two. Sansa: ADVANTAGE

  • 18 Posted by shmulyeng on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:20PM EDT Report Abuse

    I own the e280. I would buy an iPod for any money once I tried something else. The only advantage the iPod has is the amount of accessories available.

  • 19 Posted by red_cloud42 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:34PM EDT Report Abuse

    i guss if you want a "cool looking" product rather than one that works, that's ok, go ahead and buy an ipod, but if you just want a product that works and that is sold by a company that doesn't rip you off then buy a sandisk. seems pretty simple to me!

More Posts: First Prev 1 2 Next Last

Post a Comment

Sign In to Post a Comment

My Tech

Please enable your browser's cookies to activate the My Tech column.

Also on Yahoo! Tech

Computers Home Office Wi-Fi & Networking Phones & PDAs Cameras & Camcorders TV & Home Theater Portable Audio
 

Site Map | Tour | Subscribe to Yahoo! Tech

Question and Answer content at Yahoo! Tech is written by Yahoo! users at Yahoo! Answers. Yahoo! does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. For more information, read the Full Disclaimer.

Opinions expressed by the Advisors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Yahoo! Inc. Yahoo! receives no compensation from any manufacturer or distributor nor does it compensate any Advisor for the coverage of any product or service in any Advisor's content.