CNET Editor's rating: 7.5 out of 10
Reviewed by
Jasmine France
Review date: 10/08/07
Release date: 10/09/07
The good: The SanDisk Sansa Clip offers impressive sound quality; an ultracompact, gym-friendly design with a removable belt clip; and useful features such as an FM radio and Rhapsody DNA integration. All of this comes at an incredible value, since the player is very inexpensive and easy to use.
The bad: FM radio reception isn't great and connection of the Clip with Rhapsody was problematic.
The bottom line: The SanDisk Sansa Clip is an incredible value that's set to edge out the competition with a user-friendly interface, gym-worthy design, and great sound quality.
Thanks to its position as a memory chip manufacturer, SanDisk is a master at cost competing in the portable audio space, and although companies such as Creative Labs are now tagging at about the same level, SanDisk's initial aggressiveness earned it the No. 2 spot in sales (behind Apple, natch)--and a reputation for producing cheap MP3 players. The company's latest device, an ultracompact model dubbed the Sansa Clip, is no exception: The 1GB model comes in at a mere $40, while the 2GB is on offer for a no less reasonable $70. But don't let the price fool you: The Clip offers a respectable 92dB signal-to-noise ratio. This player is out to prove that "cheap" doesn't have to mean subpar sound quality.
Simple and small
At 2.2 inches by 1.4 inches by 0.5 inch (without the belt clip attached), the Sansa Clip isn't quite "smaller than a matchbox," but it is about the same size as one. It's one of the most compact players we've come across in recent times, though it is slightly larger than its closest competitor, the Creative Zen Stone Plus. However, the Clip's rectangular, 1-inch screen makes for better navigation than the Stone's itty bitty circular display. Also, the Clip lets you navigate music by artist, album, and so on, whereas the Stone offers very little track organization. Like the Stone, the Clip comes in a variety of colors: sleek black, candy apple red, hot pink, and ice blue. The black version is available in both capacities, while the colors come in 2GB only. As the name suggests, the Clip also comes with a removable belt clip in a color to match the player. This feature and its ultracompact size make it ideal for the gym.
The controls on the Sansa Clip are also similar to those of its competitor: Below the screen is a circular, four-way control pad surrounding a center select button. While you're within the menus, up/down cycles through options on the current screen, while right/left steps deeper into the highlighted option (or backs out). Once on the playback screen, pressing up plays or pauses the track, down pulls up a contextual menu, and right/left shuttles through tracks. Beneath the four-line, dual-color OLED screen, is one other key: a home button that cycles between the main menu and the playback screen. There's also a dedicated volume rocker on the right spine of the device, something that we are happy--and surprised--to see on such a small player. A standard 3.5mm headphone jack sits above the rocker, while the left side of the Clip houses a power/hold switch and a standard mini USB port. All these ports and controls may seem like a lot for such a small device, but everything is well laid out and the main control pad is large enough for comfortable navigation, so it's really quite ergonomic and easy to use overall.
Not small on features
Don't let the size of the Sansa Clip betray you: The player offers several desirable features. Of course, with the very tiny and simple screen, photo and video playback are notably absent--but that's really to be expected in a device at this price point. What you do get is support for MP3, WMA (unprotected/protected), and Audible files. The player has even integrated Rhapsody DNA, meaning you can transfer Rhapsody Channels (dynamically updating radio stations/playlists). Sadly, our review unit had an error that prevented it from becoming licensed within the Rhapsody interface, so we haven't yet had a chance to fully test the integration. (Bear with us until we get a replacement player and update this review.)
The Sansa Clip also comes with a built-in mic for making voice recordings (WAV output only) and an FM tuner, from which you can record, as well. The radio offers up to 40 presets; the autoscan function is somewhat buried in the "view all presets" menu, but it's a handy feature and worth using. As with any decent MP3 player, you get shuffle and repeat playback modes and an equalizer--we like that there's an adjustable five-band setting. More plusses: You can add songs to an on-the-go playlist, rate and delete songs on the device, and mark subscription tracks for purchase at next sync. Finally, there's the autoresume function, which picks up where you left off in a track, even if you paused before shutdown. This is particularly handy for those who listen to long, spoken-word tracks, such as podcasts and audiobooks.
Sounds like a performer
Although most SanDisk devices sound passable, we've never been blown away by the sound quality of Sansa players. The Clip is actually a bit of an exception: This player sounds great. It's not quite as stellar as the Sony NWZ-A810, but it can certainly compete with the Zen Stone Plus. In our tests (using the Shure SE530s), music sounded rich and clear, with a present bass brought out more by tinkering with the custom EQ. Fiona Apple's soft pop track "The First Taste" was encompassing, with buttery mids, sparkly highs, and subtle bass. Mellow electronic music (e.g. Hot Chip's "The Warning") was similarly pleasing, but even the Deftones' "Bored"--a heavy and riffy rock track--offered impressive clarity. All in all, we could find very little to complain about in the audio quality department--unless, of course, you decide to use the included headphones, which are not so hot.
In other performance areas, the Clip was passable. Voice recordings were a little muffled sounding, and FM reception was about average. A couple of our regular stations wouldn't come through completely. The battery life of 14.1 hours is nothing to write home about, but it's plenty decent for a player of this size.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Performs great, cheap price, simple to operate
I have a 30 gig Zune for the car, but wanted something small for the gym. I can play mp3'...
I have a 30 gig Zune for the car, but wanted something small for the gym. I can play mp3's on my phone, but don't like to carry that when I'm lifting weights or doing cardio. Saw this unit at Best Buy (black) and bought the 2 gig for $60 bucks. No addl software is needed... the device drivers are automatically installed and then Windows Media player recognizes it and can be used to sync or create play lists. The quality is great and it's very easy to operate. The headphones included are not the best, but it's that way with any MP3 player. I have a ton of better earbuds lying around so that wasn't a problem. The interface is easy to operate and the sound is great, but one of the things I love is being able to clip it onto my shirt or shorts without buying another $20 case. It's only .9 ounces so it doesn't feel like there is anything weighing me down. My wife doesn't like complicated technology and loved mine so much we picked one up yesterday for her (the red one). It took about 10 minutes to plug the usb sync cable to the laptop and select the music to sync and it was ready to use. Also as a small bonus it came with a partial charge. I'd recommend this whole heartedly. The only thing I think could be better is if it could have more memory, but for what I'm using it for it's already got plenty of room to spare.
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by surprisetask (see profile) -
October 22, 2007
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Tiny player, big sound
After losing my iPod nano a few months ago I'd been in the search of a replacement, but had ...
After losing my iPod nano a few months ago I'd been in the search of a replacement, but had not found a worthy replacement (I don't like the new nano). When I saw it in a store, the Sansa Clip immediately caught my attention. It looks great, it's small enough to take it with you to the gym, the sound is great and it's very easy to use. The design is very user friendly. Something that I didn't like at first is the headphones jack on the side, but after connecting my Shure earphones I realized that it actually works better given my earphone's L shaped plug (that way the cord doesn't bend)
I'm suscribed to Rhapsody and this player was very easy to set up with the service (pretty much plug and play) which for me is another big plus. I started transferring music immediately without any problems.
FM reception is a little poor, but it's very easy to setup (I wish my car stereo was that easy) and FM and voice recording are just icing on the cake.
Using the player is very easy. It's menus are well organized. The screen is very bright, even during the day.
My only beef is that it only comes with 2MB. I wish they made a 4 or 8MB version, even if it was a little more expensive.
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by federicogarza (see profile) -
December 18, 2007
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular This one is a winner
This is a very good MP3 player and the low cost makes it a great value too. I mated this ...
This is a very good MP3 player and the low cost makes it a great value too. I mated this to a pair of V-Moda headphones for a great sounding system.
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by CDRKEV (see profile) -
February 16, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
7 out of 10 - Very good hit and miss
We have several sansa's in the house. First experanince with mp3 player 2 gig 250 series battery great and ...
We have several sansa's in the house. First experanince with mp3 player 2 gig 250 series battery great and after a year still working well. Son swiped it so i bumped up to this player a 2 gig sansa clip new from sansa store. This unit would not hold a charge and within a few weeks freezing. After talking with customer support downloading firm ware went back as returned. Next i went with a 2 gig expandable slot. This one as well had issues went back. At this point using my 1 gig sansa which is still working well. If i tried again i would go with 2 gig battery one and not worry about charging it up. I haven't tried other brands simply because use to this one. My consern is quality controll seems to be a hit and a miss. I just couldn't imagine paying more then 50 + for the hit and miss we experainced with this brand.But when it is working as intended it is wonderful
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by Evayy (see profile) -
February 2, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect Absolutely super device.
The sound is exceptional. I continue to amazed by the audiophile sound quality for a device that was purchased for ...
The sound is exceptional. I continue to amazed by the audiophile sound quality for a device that was purchased for around $50. To me it is remarkable given the size. It powers my Grado SR60's beyond any reasonable expectation. Also have the Sennheiser HD600 headphones, and again was amazed by the sound that was reproduced i.e., clarity, imaging, air around the instruments, etc. This is truely a sonic gem!! Should also note, it has a great battery life.
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by Greg Shafer (see profile) -
January 29, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Very good, light (and cheap) alternative to iPod Shuffle
I bought the Sansa 2GB Clip to use primarily at the gym because it had an FM tuner I could ...
I bought the Sansa 2GB Clip to use primarily at the gym because it had an FM tuner I could use to get TV audio. Bought at Best Buy for $35 on sale which was a steal. Sound is impressive (can't tell much difference from my iPod) and it's a luxury to have a display on a player this small. It's flash-based so dragging and dropping files is a little more cumbersome than using iTunes, but it hasn't bothered me much. At 2GB I think it's excellent value.
While on vacation, I accidentally had the player in the pocket of my swim trunks in the pool for about 5 minutes before realizing what I'd done. I let it dry for a few days, and it was totally unresponsive, but then I plugged it in to my computer to see if the memory was fried (this was probably stupid) and it fired right up as though nothing ever happened. I was shocked but ecstatic. Probably would have bought another one, even at $60.
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by hoyalux (see profile) -
January 10, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Cheap but Great
I bought three Sansa Clips (Blue, Black, and Red) at Best Buy last Black Friday. I only got it for $...
I bought three Sansa Clips (Blue, Black, and Red) at Best Buy last Black Friday. I only got it for $35 so it was a good deal. But I wasn't really expecting much from the player. I loaded the player with .wma files (@96 kbps). Then I tried it, using the earbuds that came with the package, and was unimpressed. But the sound was still decent enough. However, I was blown away by the sound when I used a different earbud (a Skullcandy Smokin'Buds). It's also very easy to use. Even my parents, who aren't tech savvy, were using it after I taught them how just once.
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by Skron (see profile) -
December 26, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Perfect for at the gym or on the go.
First thing you'll notice of course is the small size and "cute" look - if a couple big Sansas ...
First thing you'll notice of course is the small size and "cute" look - if a couple big Sansas had a baby, this is probably what it would look like.
The weight is nice and light. Disappears into a pocket for running or gym. The built-in belt clip is a nice option if you don't have (or want to use) a pants or shirt pocket.
The standard USB mini-B connector is nice - so you can use the same cable as your digicam, etc. Everybody's got at least a few of them around the house these days.
When first connecting, my pc had trouble to recognize it. An easy, free call to SanDisk support quickly identified the problem of not having an updated Windows Media Player.
Usability is pretty good. The 5 buttons ("select" in the middle, and 4 directions on the circular pad) are pretty good, but not as nice as the Sansa e260. The volume rocker on the side isn't bad, but that's one of the best features that I miss from the wheel (you learn to nudge the wheel to adjust the volume, without looking, no matter what orientation of your e260. I haven't tried the radio or recording or Rhapsody.
Sound quality is great - clear and very low noise. Definitely a step above the e260. The 5-band custom equalizer is very useful - not quite as handy as the 7-band on the "e", but still allows a fine level of adjustment. This alone blows away anything from Apple! Enjoy!
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by valleydesign (see profile) -
December 3, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent For $60 it was exactly what I was looking for.
I've had the Sansa Clip for a few weeks now. I bought it because of the review on this ...
I've had the Sansa Clip for a few weeks now. I bought it because of the review on this site and it was spot on. The sound is great, holds almost 1000 songs if you use 64kbps WMA, and seems pretty durable. I like that I can use my phone charger to charge the player since they both use miniusb. I use it everyday at work and when I go running it stays in place. Radio kinda sucks but if I wanted to listen to the radio, I would not have bought an MP3 player. Anyone looking for a cheap but solid MP3 player should seriously look into buying this, I like it even more than my ipod Shuffle.
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by jjcarmonajr (see profile) -
November 17, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
2 out of 10 - Terrible worked well for about 5 days
My sansa clip started acting funny after only 5 days. It suddenly started duplicating every FM radio recording. Then it ...
My sansa clip started acting funny after only 5 days. It suddenly started duplicating every FM radio recording. Then it wouldn't turn on and off sometimes. I had another sandisk sansa, which I paid about $150 for, and that one also stopped working properly. Although my old sandisk sansa lasted for about 1.5 years, I still see this brand as being very cheap and unreliable.
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by animaluver41490 (see profile) -
December 9, 2007
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