SanDisk Sansa Clip user reviews (2GB, candy apple red)

Pros Good sound, controls, and features in a small package

Cons Not many compared to others in niche, I'd like a cover for the mini-USB port

Summary There are masses of MP3 players and even a lot in the tiny, on-the-go, rolling-stone (wouldn't that be a great name for a little one), workout, gym-friendly niche. It would be silly to compare this to the latest Archos, for example. So I'll use the undisputed standard in MP3 players, the Apple iPod-series (in this case the iShuffle, which I initially considered and demoed, BTW), as point of reference.

Sound quality - much better
Sansa Clip just sounds better than the iShuffle and most others in this niche.

Features and controls - much better
The iShuffle shuffles and thats about it. You can play Sansa Clip in about any mode that you might expect from a MP3 player using its small and very functional screen. Plus it has voice recorder and FM Radio. Its quick and easy to download tracks from PC, though Rhapsody could be better (but that's another story).

Capacity - much greater
This version of the Sansa Clip has 2Gb compared to 1Gb of iShuffle. I originally wanted the 1Gb version of the Sansa Clip and ordered it, but it was on backorder. I walked into a big box store, saw this one and immediately got it.

Size, clip, battery - about same
Light as a feather, about the size of a stick-match box, has clip, and the controls are easy to use while you're in motion. Battery life is rated at 15hrs, which seems about right as I used mine for about 12hrs before recharging last time and it had a little left.

Price - less
This version of Sansa Clip was $60 (1Gb version - $40 online); iShuffle was $80, none of these will break the bank.

The Sansa Clip really is a great little MP3 player. I got this one for workout sessions, but it makes me want to upgrade my old DJ to an iPod or Zune (somebody needs to get on the ball and develop a 'Sling' function between AudioVideo Player and 'Media Center').

Pros Very light, small, good display & controls

Cons FM tuner is basically worthless

Summary As a Mac user and owner of both a 30GB video IPOD and 2nd generation Nano, I was looking for something really tiny to use only for working out at the gym.

I tried my brothers latest generation Shuffle and liked it tremendously. The only thing that I wanted to add was an FM tuner so that on those days where something worth watching was showing on the TV screens at the gym, I could hear that instead.

After doing a little research, I decided that a Sansa Clip would be a good choice. While I was thinking of that, lo and behold Costco had the silver 4GB Clip for $69.99 so I bought it.

First the good. This unit is VERY small and weighs almost nothing. The display is excellent and easy to use as is the menu system. The headphone jack has a very positive connection so it will not come out accidently. Also, it has a clip like the Shuffle so it is very easy to attach to yourself.

I have not tried the included headphones, just used the V-Moda in-ear ones I normally use. The sound quality is of the Clip is excellent.

As far as getting music onto the Clip, it shows up on the desktop as a drive, like a flash drive, and I just drag the music over form my iTunes's folders. The one problem you have to be aware of is that music you purchased from iTunes is in the protected m4p format. You have to burn those protected tracks to a CD and then rip them back as mp3's in order to get them into your Clip.

Most of my music is ripped from my own CD's or I purchased in mp3 format from other sources. I only have about 45 tracks that I purchased directly from iTunes so this is not a big issue from me. If you have tons of tracks that you have purchased directly from iTunes, you may need to research a better way to get the music out of iTunes.

The only drawback for me was that the FM tuner is useless. As I stated, I bought this specifically over the Shuffle for this one feature. Regardless of where I am at the club, I cannot get the tuner to tune in any of the screens that are being shown. Oh well.....

Overall, I think this is an excellent unit and really shows that there are some great alternatives to iPods out there. Having said that, for me personally, and ipod shuffle would have been a better choice. Easier integration with iTunes and the FM tuner not being there wouldn't have mattered since the FM tuner in the clip can't pull anything in anyway. When I'm working out, I simple start the device and have it randomly play the songs. I usually don't touch it again till I'm done working out so again the shulffle would have been fine. Of course for the price of the 2GB Shuffle I have a 4GB Clip, so in that regard, it is a great value. But again, I have about 50-60 tracks on the clip at any one time, and have barely reached 3% capacity, so again even 2GB would have been fine for this application.

If you don't use iTunes to purchase music, or like to have a display to play around with, I definitely recommend the Clip. Great sound, great features, very inexpensive.

Pros EXCELLENT sound quality, easy 2 use, convenient size, plenty of features

Cons Minor software glitch with Custom EQ

Summary This is a great, super compact player with excellent sound quality, FM radio, and voice recorder. The review said it's the best sounding Sansa MP3 product I completely agree (Had an e200 & tried 2 other models). Sound clarity is high, bass is responsive, etc. Wouldn't expect it from a product at this price point ($58 for 2GB at Best Buy).

Navigation has a low learning curve and the screen is clear and easy to use. Had a shuffle before, but it's more expensive and does not have: file sorting capability, (e.g., playlists, genre, artists), FM radio, voice recorder, or customizable EQ settings.

Did have minor issues with the EQ. When I used the customized EQ, it randomly affected the volume by about 30%. Very odd. When I put the EQ back to Normal or other default setting, the volume would go back to full sound. This was resolved with a call to Sansa and a firmware update for the unit.

Again, GREAT unit!

Pros Tiny, Standard USB, Great sound, Screen, Functionality

Cons No SD slot for upgrading memory

Summary Bottom line, this player rocks. Better than the Nano, and barely any bigger.

As for me, I wanted this for working out and running. The fact that it has 2G on-board is awesome, and helps me overlook the fact that it has not SD slot for memory upgrade.

I love the small screen, and the functionality of the player itself. You can do play lists, play by album, artist, genre, etc... You can even delete songs from the player on the fly. (good for paring down your workout songs)

I also really like that it has a standard USB (usb 2.0) connection. This means that youcan use it anywhere, and not have to worry about a proprietary cable for charging and transfers, like you do with the Nano.

the sound is awesome and I have not had any problems with the volume level.

I just love this player! Two thumbs up!