Milpitas (CA) - Sandisk has unveiled its latest digital playback device with an FM radio, voice recorder, 1.9-inch screen and video/music functionality, for around the same price as an iPod Shuffle.

Sandisk's history as an iPod competitor has been really interesting.  The company is best known for its position in the flash media market, one of the more boring sides of the consumer electronics industry.  Yet is also managed to make it to second place in MP3 player sales, behind Apple.

The Sansa line is about as diverse as the iPod collection, although it has really made inroads in the sub-$100 market.  The Fuze will carry a retail price of around $80 for 2 GB of internal memory.  There will also be 4 GB and 8 GB models, priced at around $100 and $120, respectively.



In addition to that, it has a microSD card slot for added media capacity.  The models will be available in pink, red, blue, black and silver.

The Fuze can playback MP3, WAV, and Windows Meida Audio.  Additionally, it supports Audible files for digital audiobooks and functions with subscription services like Rhapsody To Go, Napster, and Emusic.  

It is scheduled for release in the early part of next month.

Any player is better than iPod...

Mar 11, 2008 15:35     

Apple screwed the MP3 market up. Turns out most players sound better than the over-price iPod anyway. Sandisk is exceptional for ease and sound quality though lacks in software. Which is not a problem if you prefer the much more simple file copy method.
Narg report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Will make apple better

Mar 11, 2008 21:19     

This player seems a lot better the the nano, im hoping this will prompt apple to lower their prices.
Brett report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Sandisk's High-End "View" Line is Disposable

Mar 12, 2008 01:53     

Sandisk's new high-end "View" line is actually a disposable player. The user and also Sandisk CANNOT replace the battery. Once the battery fails after about 3 years, you can't do anything except use your expensive Sandisk View as a very fancy paperweight (or donate it to the Smithsonian). Until this changes, you really shouldn't buy this product line. When I buy an electronic product, I expect it to (hopefully) last through its MTBF rating. I actually have a 4 speaker CD boombox player which I bought in 1987 and STILL works.

Cypherdude report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

another ipod clone

Mar 12, 2008 11:12     

yet another ipod clone with a not-so "steve job" price tag. it's nice that it's cheaper but user are now looking for web serving function...not just plain old ipod classic. and also if the interface is not like that of apple...that means no using apple accessories. so I am not sure if that's the case.
yo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Helps bring prices down

Mar 12, 2008 15:02     

Now MP3 players are becoming a commodity. Throw away disposables like Bic Lighters. What's Apple going to do now? I certainly will not buy any Apple Device ever. Too proprietary. Screw them. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine came over borrow my XP disc so he could install it with Boot Camp. I wouldn't lend it to him for that.
J. Doe report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0