SanDisk Cruzer Micro MP3 Player

Let's get the OBVIOUS out of the way first: the SanDisk Micro Cruzer Companion MP3 Player (Companion Player) is not "sexy" nor "hip" as the iPod or any other dozen brand name MP3 players - no Bus-Stop posters, no City-wide Billboards, no pricey TV commercials with trendy kids dancin in da street.

I could care less

Basically, the selling points for me are DEPENDABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY and COST. I've actually bought 11 units on eBay as gifts for family/friends, besides the two I keep (one in my car with dedicated cassette attachment so I can listen on the car stereo; and one in my backback for wherever else I trek).

DEPENDABILITY

I am still using the first one I bought a year ago. And as Micro Cruzer flash drives have increased in memory, storage capacity of MP3s thus also increases.

Limitations?

* Takes a single AAA battery lasting anywhere btw 9-15 hours of play (depending on your volume level needs). No AC charging option, but if you already USE rechargeable AAA batteries, you already got it made).
* You NEED a Micro Cruzer flash drive (make sure it is a MICRO, not a MINI).

ACCESSIBILITY

Don't you GET SICK of company's locking you into proprietary technology and/or proprietary software? Preventing you from downloading your ripped mp3s that the proprietary unit doesn't consider "valid" on it's system, that perhaps you didn't PAY a buck for through their online provider? Or once you have their MP3s, the inability to make backups or transfer to hard drives (should you lose your unit and want to mirror in your replacement), or to your friends' DIFFERENT BRAND players, etc.?

The cool thing about the Companion Player its not pretentious: no proprietary software or hardware to prevent you from using MP3s you already have in your music folders, whether you ripped them from your CDs on Windows Media Player or WINAMP, or you "Napstered" them as free downloads wayyyyy back before it was a paysite, or you got AOL music service.

They are ALL ACCESSIBLE to listen to when downloaded on a SanDisk Micro Cruzer flash drive, whether one of the earlier versions with only 128 MB capacity (20-25 songs worth) or the one I have with a 2 GB capacity (Download ALBUMS, but basically an 400-500 tracks worth). And whatever your need (gym, driving, work, etc.), micro-cruzers are interchangeable with the player.

The Companion Player uses the micro cruzer as its CPU: it just reads and plays MP3s in the same alpha-numeric sequence. So consequently, because the Companion Player is both SIMPLE and SIMPLISTIC (when compared to an iPOD), it requires much more organizational skills on YOUR PART in intially setting up your music folders and MP3s on your computer hard-drive BEFORE transfer. You are basically copying over your music folder onto the micro cruzer.

But it is an easy process, and since the micro cruzer is also a flash drive, it ALLOWS you to store OTHER important or necessary files (.jpgs, .docs, .xls, .mpegs, etc.) you need or want easily transported with you. Even an iPOD can't multi-task like that.

COST

Inexpensive! I got 11 Companion Players on eBAY through Bid-auctions or the BUY IT NOW button, in a range averaging between $20 (lucky bids) to $35 (which with $5-$8 shipping costs still beats retail averages of $59-$79 (plus tax) - if you can FIND a retailer still selling). Even cheaper when you compare threshold costs for various iPODs between $100 to $300.


Assess your need, do the math.

This is the best little MP3 player out there.
Easy to use:
Uploading music is easy as copy and paste. Works with any computer that has a USB port. Songs can be organized in folders.
Durable:
I have dropped it a couple of times and it still works great.
Flexibility:
I like having several 512MB flash drive each with a different type of music on it. In addition, you can store data on the flash drive and the player just ignores it.

This item is great. Use the 512mb jump / flash drive, the ones that flash BLUE!!!. You will not have a problem with the unit. Even though this item is no longer made by SanDisk, SanDisk still warrantys this item. Even when purchased off of ebay. The best part of the warranty is that they will send you a replacement that is the NEW model with the memory built into the player. WHAT MORE CAN A PERSON ASK FOR??????

I like the idea of using a flash drive wich i already had, love that i could hook it up to my home theater system (thru AV Tape), dislike that it freezes i have 1gb of music stored in flash drive don't know if thats the cause? But overall it's ok for the price.

This player is great, it used USB thumb drives for storage, so it's unlimited capacity. It uses AAA batteries so you never run out of power.

Product is ok, it's the seller that you better watch out for. This guy has ripped off many people. My personal experience is that I used the "buy it now" option, paid immediately by paypal, and he shipped me an empty box.
When I tried to get a refund, he was obnoxious and abusive, and refused. After being contacted by paypal he offered a partial refund, keeping $28 for himself. I refused, and this is still ongoing, so BEWARE, THIS IS THE WORST KIND OF SCAM ARTIST!

Works well, easy to use, very flexable. The ability to change storage devices rapidly is very valuable. I believe the product is no longer made

This little companion is great! Instead of having to buy a new MP3 player, or remove ALL your favorite songs, all you have to do is buy more micro flash drives! Which is probably the exact reason you can't buy them anymore except on Ebay. It is a "never full" MP3 player.