Design
Ever since Apple abandoned the design feature with the release of the second-generation iPod Shuffle, MP3 players with built-in USB seemed to have gone out of fashion. It's a bit of a shame, as this type of device is quite handy for some users. So it's nice to see SanDisk reintroducing the feature with the 1GB Sansa Express, a compact flash player with an array of desirable features and a palatable price tag of AU$110.
The Sansa Express is a simple USB stick of an MP3 player, shaped like a small pack of gum with a cap covering the USB plug at one end. The back of the player is standard brushed silver -- nothing too exciting there -- but the front is decked out in a shiny, mirror-like inlay, reflective enough for lipstick touch-ups. A small, dual-colour OLED screen sits front and centre, and displays a crisp orange and blue font on a black background. To the right of the display is a square control pad like that of the Sansa c250, with a center "select" key surrounded by track shuttle buttons, a play/pause key, and a contextual menu button. Dedicated volume controls sit on the bottom edge of the player, while the top edge houses a hold switch and a power/main menu key. On the left side, you get a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, a built-in mic for voice recording, and a microSD card expansion slot for adding more memory.
Features
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 auto scan, 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-like step-down interface structure. Menus are basic, but the top level 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).
Performance
During testing, the Sansa Express held up quite well within its class. The FM radio reception was very good inside our office 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.
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Marion
10/05/2008, 01:18 AM
rating
9/10
what a simple user friendly little unit.... I am not a gadget person and have only just gone too digital... fly around AUS a lot and this little beuty is a life saver.. ever listen to the music on the plane???
Pros: VERY EASY to upoad ....
Cons: don not know what you all mean by 'freeze' ..something that I will not doubt come across, and will refer to the manual etc...
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1r0nf15t
29/01/2008, 04:24 PM
rating
7/10
Good little mp3 player that is just about perfect for commuting. Really beats the hell out of any iPood that I have seen in the same category. The only disappointment was the sound power I get through a pair of large sennheisers is lacking and a bit weak on the bass freq. Considering buying a portable mini amp
Pros: Small and lightweight, stylish, never frozen on me, low cost, expandable memory, radio, no cable needed, fairly uncomplicated, speedy sync, no BS iTunes, fully windows compatible(including accurate battery meter on PC) and good features such as shuffle/play genre.
Cons: Requires full power usb port, not enough battery, low sound power even on max. volume, lacking bassand the drivers are a bit buggy (had to reinstall a few times now...no big dealeo)
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M Tee
11/10/2007, 02:53 AM
rating
4/10
Freezes too much.
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aussie_cat87
13/09/2007, 07:59 PM
rating
8/10
This is a great little MP3 player. Its cute but packs a huge punch.
I love the Micro SD slot which I have filled with a SanDisk 2GB card, which cost a little over $40, thats 3GB total for just over $130AU.
It works well with Microsoft Media player 10 and 11. I mean whats not to love.
Pros: Small stylish design, direct USB connection, radio is perfect... pretty much everything
Cons: Has frozen once since I got it a few months a go.
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monomach
26/07/2007, 07:58 PM
rating
10/10
For the person who said it froze for no reason...Read your instruction manual. It gives instructions on resetting. Resetting takes about 3 seconds. That said, I've had to do it once since I bought this in April.
It's a true Shuffle-killer. A week after buying it, I listed my iPod Shuffle on ebay. It was a piece of crap compared to this little beauty.
Also- Yes, you can view your music by folders. You have to use the complicated button labelled "menu" to get to the option.
Tough stuff, I know. Very complicated. Only a true computer genius could figure that one out...
As for the official review...How could they compare it with the iRiver Clix? Not the same type of digital music player. It's like me reviewing the iClix and saying it's a piece of garbage because the sound quality pales in comparison to my Bose home system. Duh? They cost different amounts for a reason.
10/10
Pros: Everything
Cons: Can't see the screen in direct sunlight, because it's covered with a one-way mirror.
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Disappointed
22/07/2007, 01:22 PM
rating
2/10
I certainly would hate for anyone to buy this product and see it freeze for no apparent reason, just like i had to
Save your money and buy something a bit higher spec.
I might sound like Im complaining far too much but wait until i happens to you half an hour into using it
Pros: Size, weight, Radio, voice recording etc
Cons: Freezes for no apparent reason
Not "drag and drop" as advertised, goes into a weird sorting system ie. not by folders
Fingerprint magnet
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