SanDisk Sansa e260 (4 GB) MP3 Player

Sandisk must have been brave. They introduced a MP3 player right in the middle of the iPod Nano hype, with similar dimensions, and similar market targets. In reality, the Sansa is exactly the same size as the Nano, being only 3mm thicker, and a bit rounder than the iPod rival. And what do you get for that extra 3mm? Well, a whole lot really.

For starters, you get a much larger screen, that not only displays your normal MP3 functions, but is also for playing your videos. Yes. Load up the Sandisk-bundled CD, and you have a 3rd-party program that converts all your favorite videos into a format readable by the Sansa. Mind you, the screen really isn't cut for a movie flick, but it's more than enough to show your friends what you caught on YouTube last night. Besides that, the brightness is also adjustable, rather than a simple on/off. Make it brighter in morning for legibility, turn it down at night to save power.

Sound wise, the player is great. As you know, Apple players just aren't cut for the bass sounds. With a expensive set of Shures, Sure, but then anything will sound powerful with the Shures. Even with the good quality earbuds that Apple supplied (which works well with the Sansa) the bass still manages to sound closer to flactuance. With the Sansa e200, it's a different story. Pretty much any buds will sound great with the player, including its own. The EQ works rather well too, it doesn't seem to consume any more power and it gives me my bass. Rather than saying "Sounds are rich", I'll just cut the crap and say the Bass is great, vocals are good and the treble is awesome. You can't go wrong with that.

Using the Sansa e is like using an iPod, but change all the white backgrounds in the screen into pictures and a whole ton of settings for you to personalize your music experience. Same story with the controls, except you get mechanical components rather than a touchpad. Touch is cool, but sometimes it lacks feel. And if it's for looks, the translucent ring wheel on the Sansa glows deep blue while you use it. Looks good to me.

The ease of use is one of my favorite things about the player. Rather than being ONLY compatible with iTunes, Sandisk made it easy so you just drag and drop. You CAN use Rhapsody, Windows Media and Napster, but you can also just open the music folder and dump everything into the player with a simple click and a drag. The player also works the moment you plug it into the computer. Drivers are not needed for windows XP and above.

The fact that you can expand the memory is a nice touch. With a MicroSD/TransFlash slot on the side, you CAN buy small now, and expand it later on when you run into more money for the memory.

Lastly, none of that extra thickness was really used for achieving any of the above. The extra thickness was only for the better; it helps enlarge the battery compartment, which is home to a very juicy rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that just doesnt seem to run out of power. And the better news is, you don't need to pay Apple hundreds of dollars to replace it. Loosen the screws on the metal backing, and you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost.

And with all of that, you pay... less than the Nano.

So, if you've missed the iPod bandwagon, it's ok, because it's an expensive ride.

Really, the price just doesn't justify the functions that Sandisk managed to stuff into this thing.

It's small, black, and comes in sizes of 2, 4, 6 or 8Gb's.

I have owned several different mp3 players in the past but none of them really seemed to fit me and have all the features I want in a good MP3 player. Until I bought my Sansa E250 that is. The only other pleyer that even came close to the Sansa was the Creative Zen V plus. As Both players are able to play videos I find the Sansa player more durable and user friendly not even to mention the amasing design and easy to use turn click wheel. But overall My favorite part of the sansa is its software. In the past I was sucked into buying one of those "MP4" players and let me tell you it was the most slow, hard to use, and time waisting devices I have ever owned not to mention I didnt even have it a week before it quit working. I would never go with the Ipod nor would I buy any product from apple. The Ipods are not near as good as they sound and they are way overpriced.
The sansa player also comes in 4 different sizes, 2gb (E250), 4gb (e260), 6gb (e270), and 8gb (e280).
When I went to buy a mp3 player, Sansa was the clear choice for me.
I have now had it for almost a year and still works like new.

Pros:
1- Great turn click wheel.
2- Nice shiny smooth design.
3- Very easy to use and very user friendly.
4- Fast processor and you do not need to wait for songs to load.
5- Plays clear smooth videos.
6- Very nice screen that is good for viewing photos and movies.
7- Nice metal back that makes it very durable.
8- easy to setup and sync with the computer.
9- Good computer software for converting videos.
10- small, it fits nicely in your pocket.
11- battery lasts long.

Cons:
1- Weighs more than some players because of the metal back.
2- Not the best charger port. You may need to buy another charger after a while.

Be sure to vote on the helpfulness of this review to keep me posting.
Thanks, For reading

The Sansa e260 (4GB) is a better MP3 player than the 4 GB iPod in my opinion. What's nicer about the Sansa is that while listening to the radio, you can just hit the record button and then have that recording in your library. Also, the liquid metal back on the Sansa is extremely scratch resistant, which is nice. What amazes me is that my Sansa 4 gig can play videos, but none of the iPod nanos can! Aside from everything else, the Sansa e260 (4 GB) costs around $50 less than iPod's similar 4 GB nano. Sansa's 8 GB flash player just came out (there is no 8 GB iPod nano...) and that costs as much as iPods 4 GB player (around $250). What you get with the iPod that you don't get with the Sansa e260 is tha support you get from apple (including iTunes) and the millions of accesories. I would strongly recomend purchasing a SanDisk Sansa e200 series MP3 player over any iPod.

the software is really easy to use this beats the ipod you could put videos pictures and music it also has a extra memory slot.so get the sandisk e250 mp3 player dont waist your money on the ipod

I switched to this player from my 20GB iPod Photo because I was sick and tired of itunes. I have all my music in Windows Media Player so I didnt want to take the time (probably a whole day) to switch over my playlists and update my ipod. I hardly listened to all the music on my iPod because it was so poorly organized in itunes. I'm very happy that I bought this player that can sync with WMP. The menu system in the e260 is a bit nicer than the ipod, easy to navigate and IT HAS SHUFFLE!!! The screen is nice and large with great color. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and would rather have the e260 than an iPod any day of the week.

This is a very well made MP3 player that does what it's supposed to do and then some. I baught it for light use and probably have only 1-3 hours on it each day. It always fires up as if it is new. Never had a problem with putting pictures, songs, or photos on it. The screen seems a little smaller when playing videos but the video gets rotated 90' so you're holding the player horizontaly. It helps a little but if your looking for a player specifically for videos then look elsewhere. If your looking for a player that will play music, store photos and even the ocassional radio this is the one for you. Some of the software might need to be updated and you MAY experience problems with switching back and fowrth between the "USB" modes but once you have that figured out it's smooth sailing. I had a problem when I was updating the software for it and I ended up having to delete all of my stuff (700+ songs and photos). It wasn't a biggie but it seems kinda common when you update and switch back to the normal operating "USB" mode. This is probably the only problem I came across this great player and it shouldn't discourage ANYONE from buying a great product. After about a week I decided to get another one for my sister because she wouldn't stop using mine!!! Awesome product and sansa did very well developing this awesome bang for the buck player. ++++++++

The Sandisk Sansa is very lightweight. It has a radio feature (the ipod doesn't), you need to buy an extension to the ipod to listen to radio. Also it has a movie function where you can watch anything you like (ipod also doesn't have this feature). Its screen size is 1.8 inches which is great because this is a very compact player. Its price is very cheap for such a good playerm, around 100$ - 140$. I would definitely recommend this player.

E260 has video clip recording, voice recorder, fm tuner, a bigger display than the ipod nano, the Sansa is simply the new best MP3 on the market, unlimited file transfer, Apple has exclusive rights so you pay for every download.

I love this player, with one caveat. The video playback in the OEM firmware is bad. The video converter application doesn't even work to convert videos to the player it comes with; I used Arcsoft for a little while. Even then, you have to chop the video into ten minute clips, because the video and audio get out of sync, and because FF and REW in video is slow and weak.

Rockbox resolves all that, and more.

I use WinFF (free) to convert videos to Rockbox. Rockbox supports a ton of video formats, while Sansa OEM supports only one. The hitch with Rockbox is that power management is not as efficient as in the OEM firmware. I watch a good deal of video on this device, and I'd say I get about six to eight hours before I have to recharge. Running the LCD screen uses a lot of battery regardless of what firmware you run, and since I couldn't bear to watch much video on the OEM, I don't have a comparison - but the power usage is absolutely not a dealbreaker.

Watching video on this size screen is easier than I thought it would be. I've watched plenty of movies in letterbox without much effort.

So - if you're willing to put Rockbox on it (which is both easy and reversible - http://www.rockbox.org), buy one of these. Or if you just don't care to watch video on it.

Why I bought it? Well, I asked my wife what she wanted for Christmas and she showed me an ad for a 4GB MP3 player. I of course said you have a portable CD player and a portable DVD player what do you need this for? Anyway, I told her whe needed to check on e-Bay before we bought anything. Found good deals on 2GB players and bid on 5 different ones before finally winning.

The player came and I gave it to her for Christmas. Once she started ripping songs from our CD collection I realized how cool an MP3 is. So, I got back on e-Bay and started bidding on 4GB players. I won. Gave her the new 4GB and I took the almost new 2GB.

What do we like about them? The compactness and lightness of the unit and the great price that we bought it for especially compared to an Apple Ipod.

What do we dislike? It will only hold 1000 songs. Man, you would not believe how easy it is to fill up and that is without any pictures or video. Also it had about 20 songs on it that were factory installled and we can not figure out how to get rid of them.

Worked for a total of about 6 hours, just enough time for me to download all my music and pics. Got the "blue Ring of Death" (see Sansa blogs) that is apparently common in refurbished models. I did like it during our brief time together.

The things I liked about this item is that it is exactly what I wanted when I wanted it. Thus far, the quality has been excellant. I decided to purchase this product because I needed the USB. The item was purchased as a 'Buy Now' and was shipped extremely fast. Of all the items that I have purchased with the shipping being as fast as it was, was a superb transaction. I wished that all transactions went this well. The packaging was great, there was an open line of communication with the seller as well. I am really satisfied with the entire process from the seller to the item itself.

Sincerely,
A happy eBay customer

I love it, has more features than an ipod.cheaper than an ipod
What I don't like is once it came on with a black screen after 1 month of use. I found out the ipod has this same issue but tripple the amount of times.just turn it off and restart it.
one big thing I donot like is that their is no cases that are cute or
boomboxeds you can cradle the unit

this thing costs less, has more memory, has a bigger screen, and looks twice as good as the nano! Best of all, it plays videos

First, let me say that I love Sandisk products. They are reasonably priced and they have always worked flawlessly for me.

Second, I was looking for an MP3 player to replace my 1GB e140 player (a fabulous little machine) beacuse I needed a higher storage capacity, and it would only go as high as 2GB. So I looked around and decided that I wanted another MP3 player (non-iPod because I don't like the way they work after playing with the various types that my friends own), and decided on SanDisk due to previous experiences with the brand.

What I wanted:
~easy to use
~easy to recharge
~would play all of my music
~decent battery life
~adaptable storage capacity

What I found with this device:
~very easy to use. I didn't even need the software they included - I just plug it into my computer and load the files onto the player. Easy peasy.
~easy to recharge, yet not so easy to recharge. This is only because I travel a lot, and it only comes with a USB hookup for recharging. I have a long daily commute and don't take my laptop with me, so I bought off-brand wall adaptors seperately which work perfectly for me. The USB hookup works beautifully for me... it just means I have to be near a computer. it also takes a while to recharge (my old player took AAA batteries, so I might be biased on this). The only complaint I have is that you cannot listen while it is recharging via the USB hookup - again, another reason to get the wall adaptor.
~plays the majority of my music. I do have some files that won't load, but it plays over 95% of my music, so I'm happy.
~decent battery life. So far, the only way I've run it completely flat was accidentally leaving it playing overnight. Recharging it during the day via the wall adaptor allows me to listen as it recharges.
~easy to change the storage capacity - just add a mini SD card... which I haven't needed yet, but they are in all of my local tech stores, so I know I can find one easily.

The only complaint I have overall is that there is a moving wheel (similar function to the iPod wheel) that irritates me sometimes, but not enough to stop using the device. I haven't used the earphones that came with it either - I had my own set that I prefer.

If you've had other SanDisk devices and liked how they worked, you will like this device.

Bottom line, it works well and it's less expensive than alternatives.

The Sansa e260Mp-3 player is as good IF not better than the I-pods!I purchased several I-pod Nanos for my children for Christmas 07'I thought about buying one(I-pod) for myself until I tried using it.I have a large hand and the I-pod is somewhat thin and hard to manipulate properly.I searched the net for a larger mp-3 player and found the Sansa e260 player.In checking out the reviews for said player,I found out that the Sansa is as HIGHLY RATED as the I-pod!Plus at just under half the price(I paid $150.00 apiece(Wal----) for the I-pods and just $60.00(E-Bay) for the Sansa!)it is a bargain!I have NO problem in using the Sansa's controls as the Sansa is longer and thicker and MUCH better suited to someone with larger hands.I ride motorcycles and the Sansa is fully audible while riding at 70mph(interstate speed-limit)!Plus having a lanyard(the I-pod does not come with this!) to hang it around your neck keeps it out of the way(at work or play)but accessible in a second!The sound quality is Fantastic!It has a very "user-friendly"computer interface with a simple"Drag and Drop" feature.The I-pod has an "I-Tunes"interface which I found to be a REAL"Pain in the Butt!)The Graphic Equalizer has all the regular settings(POP,Jazz,Rock,Classical,etc...)and really does enhance the music quality.The 1.8"view screen is not as large as the I-pod's but is fully visible in day or night time.One feature I do like is the Sansa has a lock key slider that keeps the settings you have decided on from being accidentally changed by contact with external sources(i.e.;Body contact,etc...)The video and pictures are top notch and look great on the screen!The FM tuner is powerful and able to pick-up(clearly) my favorite radio station(located 65 miles away)on a rainy day!The voice recorder function is handy for memos and "Don't forget to"remainders.All in all,the Sansa e260 Mp-3 player is a VERY capable and versatile player,recorder,tuner,video/photo viewer!And the price is much less than the I-Pods,and let's be honest here.The Apple brand name is what consumers are paying for anyway,so why not invest your hard-earned dollar(s)in a player that is as good,IF not better as the I-pod for Half the price??????

I love this MP3 player! I works great, sounds great, and feels great.
I prefer it over iPod fpr a few reasons:

1. You don't need to use any program for syncronizing, just drag and drop. Musch faster.

2. Controls- For me, ipod's best feature is a weakness. It's touch sensitive control is inconvianr when I ride my bike, skateboard, or run. Sansa is just right.

3. Plus, not everyone and their dog has one. You don't look like a poser that way.

CON-
My only complaint is that when you bust the screen- you're screwed. There are no replacements offfered.

I purchased this item (Sansa e260 4 gb) for my wife as a gift for and excelent price.
I purchased the Sansa e280e 8 Gig for myself several months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of this product.

I have been wanting to get an MP3 player for a while, but thought the price of Ipod were inflated for the functions it performed. The Sansa has several features that Ipod did not.

It has a built in FM reciever, a Digital voice recorder, Video player, Digital photo player, Upgradeable SD memory card and several personal settings to customize the player to your preference( Back light brightness control, Graffic equalizer, Music options, Radio options, Photo slideshow and more......

I have over 1200 songs, several video clips and tons of photo's ( on my e280 8gb)and Im not even close to filling up the memory capacity.

The Sansa e280 8gb was my first MP3 player and is so user friendly I started using it before I read any instructions. Cant say enough about the quality of this product and a much lower price than Apple products with more features.
I would highly recomend this product to anyone with or without previous MP3 experience.

This product has no downside that I have found and I have used it a lot. I love it""" Finally I can all my music everywhere I go.

How cool is that?

Keith (Kdougyd)

Quick service! Product in great condition!!! The product is brand new just as the seller had advertised. I would recommend the seller to any buyer. The mp3 player is in excellent condition. Everything is in the box and a whole lot cheaper then purchasing from a store.

I waited until now to purchase an MP3 player. I did my research and tested the Rhapsody system for about a month. I knew this was the way I wanted to go and just hoped the equipment would work well. I purchased the Sansa e260 player a few weeks ago. After receiving it I plugged it into my computer. With ease, I was able to figure it out right away. With the free three month Rhapsody trial it made it even sweeter. Since I received my "lil monsta", the nickname of this player, my life is way more fun. I have never had this much fun with music listening, and I am an avid music fan. Thanks to Sandisk, Best Buy and Real for putting together the most fun, easy and inexpensive way to enjoy music both on your computer and on the go.

I purchased the e260 for the memory, but soon found out that the 260 was more than memory. The ease of use as well as the outstanding sound prove that it will hold it's on with the bigger names. It does need seperate bass and treble or an equalizer. Overall rating A+ the 260 does what the bigger name models do at a less costly price!!!
Marty

Great price for an MP3 audio, photo, video player, FM radio, and voice/FM recorder!! Very easy to use; it handles WMA as well as MP3 audio files - also synch's with Windows Media playlists, if you like, on your computer. The voice recorder is very good also. So, I bought one (the new ones have Rhapsody feature also) for my wife. We use it in the car, camp trailer, (get a seperate FM transmitter, e.g. Beldin makes one), background music through the PA when we are setting up music gigs, and just to carry along for the ear buds use. We keep grand kids pix on it and camp pix too. Fine device, especially for the price!!!

This is the second one I've bought. I got the first one for my daughter and I liked it so much I had to get one. I haven't had any problems with either one. I also bought a transmitter for it, so I could use it in the car. It's easy to use and easy to transfer music on. I've used some of the other, more expensive players and I like this one the best.