For a small and inexpensive player, the Sansa Express offers an impressive array of features. As noted above, there is voice recording and memory expansion. The Express also has an FM tuner with autoscan, recording, and up to 20 presets. It supports MP3, WAV, WMA (including subscription), and Audible files as well as playlists. You can even create an on-the-go playlist on the device. Alternatively, use Windows Media Player or drag and drop to transfer those and other files. Music is arranged handily into the Creative step-down interface structure. Menus are basic, but the top one is icon-driven--a nice touch. You do not get album art or photo viewing with the Express, nor is the player technically compatible with Macs, but we were able to transfer an MP3 from a MacBook Pro (the player did not dismount properly, though).
During testing, the Sansa Express held up quite well in its class. The FM radio reception was very good in the building, picking up all the local stations we expected, and the voice recorder works well. Music sounded fine through the included headphones, and the Express offers a variety of EQ settings (normal, pop, rock, jazz, classical, and custom) so that you can fine-tune the sound to your tastes. Still, it's always a good idea to swap out the stock set for a better pair. We used the Shure SE310s, which helped to bring out the low end. Still, bass addicts will probably not be satisfied with the Express. In general, music was clear and detailed, but wasn't quite as rich and full as players in the top sound quality spots, such as the iRiver Clix. The rated battery life of 15 hours is decent, though not awe-inspiring; check back soon for CNET Labs test results.
