Touch the Future Now at Staples
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 33 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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13 out of 13 people found this review helpful
4.0 stars
"A cost-to-performance dynamo"
Pros: Intuitive operation, low cost, feature-loaded
Cons: USB cover, navigation wheel
Summary: From reading other reviews and comparing to the CNET editors review, there seems to be a huge gap in reality. That gap seems to exist due to a bias towards "high end" (read: iPod or other well-branded names) vs "budget buy" players. Case in point: the editor rates the e130 at 5.7, but users rate it at 7.8; the iRiver T10, on the other hand, gets an editor rating of 7.3, while actual users rate it at 6.7. No need to get into testing methodology here, but we should wonder who's benefitting from editor reviews(?)
This little player is perfect for a much larger chunk of the MP3-buying population than the editor gives credit. For a street price getting down to $49 these days, let's call a spade a spade. Does the e130 have some drawbacks? Sure it does. But compared to my son's iRiver T10, the e130 wins in a walkoff, and it's a shame to try to draw consumers to the T10. The e130 is feature-loaded, and sound quality is acceptable. For me, I don't expect to hear tight, deep base down to 20Hz or fingers plucking on acoustic guitar strings. But the bass on the e130, while not overwhelming, is clean and strong (with an eq boost). Expecting to get "digitalitis" on the high end, I was surprised to hear a crisp, clear response on cymbals.
I'm fine with the provided earbuds. My listening environment is mostly a commuter train, so sizing the plugs (3 sizes provided) was important. I know listening devices are a highly personalized choice, and I see everything from micro-earbuds to home system headphones on the train. But for portability and everyday real life, the supplied earbuds do the job.
Like any MP3 player, there are a lot of features on the e130 that require some discovery. While some buyers might want out-of-the-package operation, I suspect many consumers of MP3 players are actually looking for the opportunity to do "feature mining". The instructions that come with the e130 require you to explore a little.
This is a strong performer that will satisfy a big niche of the MP3 consuming public. Don't be influenced by the fact that it happens to be inexpensive.
- 6 replies to this review
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THANK YOU SO MUCH. Many people say that this MP3 player is bad and all, but you made me feel like it is a good MP3 Player. I had got an excellent deal for its features. I had got the Sansa e130 for $6.99 off of Buy.com. Once again, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
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Thanks for reminding CNET and its' readership substance trumps flash.
For this same reason I have purchased Toshiba E750 and E800 PDA's and literally HUNDREDS of products generally viewed at the time at second tier, or previous Gen tech.
Prime examples.
Toyota Echo
Kawasaki Ninja 250
Kawasaki ZG-1000 Concours -
I've purchased my e130 yesterday ( I do not have it yet ) but I can't wait. Thank you for your review. I must say I'm at ease knowing that so many people are happy with the e130.
You review was very helpful.
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I actually own both this device and recently upgraded to a nano, and despite the marked difference in sound quality you'd be hardpressed to find anything that even approaches this device in terms of both price, quality, and features. It definitely is a diamond in the rough, and glad you pointed out appearance from reality.
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I think your comments are very good that the Sansa is geared to real world use.
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I'm looking for a good quality mp3 player...its very hard to decide (iRiver T10 and SanDisk e130 are current choices) because of so many different opinions...I had decided on the San disk until I read CNET's review.. Now, I'm back to the SanDisk e130 after reading your comments...Thanks again..meanjean
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