SanDisk Digital Audio Player

Reviews: Multimedia

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Mike McCormick
Kurtis
SanDisk
Oct. 30, 2005

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Taking a Closer Look

The MP3 player is constructed of a high grade plastic that appears to be able to take some abuse (it's difficult for me to beat on electronic equipment). The display is recessed to minimize scratches from everyday use and abuse. The screen shows info clearly, except for the scrolling track information, which is a bit fuzzy even when set to the slower scrolling speeds. The USB port is neatly tucked away under a secure rubber cover on one end to keep out the dirt and moisture. On the opposite end lies the built-in microphone, headphone jack and secure attachment for a lanyard. The buttons feel a bit on the cheap side; although they function well enough, they could use more of a positive click feel to them. The battery cover closes tight, but when the cover is open the hinge does appear to be fairly breakable. The battery cover protrudes from the back of the MP3 player giving the player an odd shape; I'd prefer to be able to have the player lay flat and slide more easily into a pocket, but it isn't the end of the world. The overall construction looks to be fairly good, however, I would worry if the player got near moisture.

On the front of the MP3 player is the display and the joystick-like selector switch. The selector switch is easily used with the thumb or fingers from either side and is used for most operations. On the bottom side of the player you will find the hold, A/B, record and play/stop buttons. The hold switch is the sliding style, whereas the A/B, record and play/stop buttons are regular push-buttons. On the right side of the MP3 player lies the lanyard hole, the headphone jack and microphone. On the left side of the player you will find the hidden USB port.

Though the MP3 player is not completely box shaped, it fits in the palm of my hand quite nicely. The player is so small that I can almost completely conceal it when I wrap my fingers around it. With the player being so small it is quite easy to use the various buttons with just one hand; the selection joystick can be operated with the thumb while you can operate the hold, A/B, record and play/stop buttons with your other fingers.

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Page 3 of 5

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Styling & First Impressions
Page 3: Taking a Closer Look
Page 4: Testing
Page 5: Conclusion / Update

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1 User Comment

1 - Posted by Kurtis on November 11, 2005 - 1:31 am

The article has been updated on 10-30-05 with new information about the replacement sent to Mike by SanDisk after the backlight burnt out on the first.

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