The Sansa e280 probably isn't going to be an iPod (nano) killer. That being said, it does offer many features for the money and hopefully in future generations the hardware/software problems will be worked out.
I'll go ahead and list the hardware problems here
- The volume/navigation wheel feels about as cheap as a Scottsman's roll of toilet paper
- The confirmation button in the middle of the wheel is loose and wobbly
- The other navigation buttons around the wheel aren't raised as high as the wheel and are hard to press
These shortcomings have been mentioned in most other reviews but they are worth mentioning. Are they deal breakers? No. Are they annoying? Yes. The wheel especially doesn't seem to work right. It turns in predefined "clicks" instead of a smooth and fluid fashion. Sometimes it seems as if the increments are randomly inflated or deflated but it's more than likely due to the fact that your thumb slips off of the wheel more times than not. They tried to solve this problem by adding raised notches on the wheel for traction but this really doesn't help at all and just makes the wheel feel even cheaper. In my opinion, a rubber no-slip top to the wheel would have worked and felt better. Sandisk may not have chosen this option due to the fact that the wheel glows blue when turned or the device is powered on and a true grip would diminish that effect.
On the positive side, the screen is large and clear. The brightness can be controlled and it is arguably better not to turn up the brightness all the way b/c it gets bright. REALLY bright. Included is a soft velvety sleeve that holds the player snugly (hopefully I'll have a real sleeve for it soon). There's a hold switch, much like the iPod, that works well and it comes with a synch/charge cord. The back is coated with a metal "no scratch" backing that does it's job well. I almost wish the whole thing was made of the same material. One of the best features is a user replaceable battery. There are two small philips head screws on the back that can easily be taken out and the battery replaced. The battery is specific for the Sansa player but is only $20 on the Sandisk site.
Next post I'll cover the software/firmware side of things. Just so anyone reading this knows: I am actually really happy with this player...right now. That may change the more I use it. There's always that disconnect between how you feel about a product when you first get it and how you feel about it after you've dealt with it's quirks for a few months.
technorati tags:sansa, sandisk, mp3, e200, e280
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