Previously ‘unknown’ firm now No. 2 in flash-memory industry
Jim Jamieson
Province
What is it? Sansa Clip MP3 player
Price: $40 US (one GB) and $60 US (two GB)
Rating 4 of 5
Why you need it: You love listening to your tunes at the gym, but want a wearable player with a readable screen at the right price.
Why you don’t: You’re happy with your current player and size doesn’t matter to you.
Our rating: Four mice.
Flash memory maker SanDisk has been making life miserable for most of its competitors in the MP3 player market since entering the space with no prior experience a couple of years ago.
After all, SanDisk invented flash storage cards and is the world’s largest supplier of those products.
So it was natural to use its expertise in flash memory and pick up the audio technology that combines with it to make the most common MP3 players these days.
It’s no surprise that within 18 months, SanDisk went from an unknown in the flash-memory-player world to No. 2 behind
market dominator Apple.
Now, with the introduction of the Sansa Clip, SanDisk is really going after Apple and its iPod Shuffle, both in functionality and price point.
Designed for the fitness buff or traveller, the compact Clip — which comes with a clip to make it wearable — features an FM radio with ample presets and recorder, microphone and a bright OLED screen for easy navigation of tunes.
And the aforementioned price point doesn’t hurt, either, considering the Shuffle is $79 for one GB.
SanDisk says the rechargeable battery will supply up to 15 hours of life which, if you’re keeping track, trumps the Shuffle’s 12 hours.
Available at electronics retailers in Canada next month.
© The Vancouver Province 2007