The SanDisk Sansa Fuze is a tiny little MP3/MP4 player that is being sold in 2,4, and 8GB models and features a number of exciting features. While bound to suffer lots of comparison to the iPod Nano and other small MP3 players, it really is cute and inexpensive enough to stand on its own.
The design team working on the Fuze have done really well, although they probably wont get any prizes for interface innovation any time soon. There is a rotating front dial that most people I’m sure are quite familiar with, and four navigation buttons along with a central button for selection. If all this seems a little like deja-vu – well, it is. But with units starting out from only $70, who are we to complain.
The screen features a nice looking display, with a resolution of 220 x 176 that is large enough for video while you are on the go. While I certainly couldn’t see myself grabbing the popcorn and sitting down to watch a full-length movie on one, it does look sharp and colourful. Sound quality is fairly good, although audiophiles will be disappointed – as they often are – and the included headphones will definitely need to be upgraded at some stage.
Why the SanDisk Fuze is receiving some attention is due to its feature set more than anything else, which even manages to surpass the iPod in some ways. There is a built in microphone, an FM radio, and a microSD slot, alongside an ability to drag and drop files without the need for propriety software. All of these features are not only well thought out, but well executed and very useful in a device of this size and in this price range.
It is not all good however, as it rarely is, with a couple of notable if not deal-breaking omissions. There is no standard USB connection, and no way to bookmark audio books (which is probably when you need this feature the most). All together though, the SanDisk Sansa Fuze is a cute and cool piece of kit, at a price point that almost anyone can afford that puts many of its competitors to shame.
