Sandisk's Sansa e200 Player

SanDisk made quite a splash at the CES 2006 last month when they introduced the Sansa e200. While some don't realize it, at various points last year memory maker SanDisk was the number two manufacturer of flash based MP3 players. Not content to rest on its laurels, they have an iPod Nano fighter planned for release in early spring of this year.

CNET took a look at the device recently.

There are a number of standout features that lead me to believe that this player may solidly establish SanDisk in the music player business (rival Lexar appears to have pulled out for now). The 2, 4, and 6 GB capacities allows the player to match iPod Nano offerings, and exceed them. The color screen will also allow for photo, and video playback. One of the shortcomings of Apple's Nano is the durability in terms of easily being scratched. The Sansa e200 uses a back based on LiquidMetal technology. More than just another buzz phrase, it is quite durable and lightweight. If you want to see the technology today, it is used in SanDisk's Titanium Cruzer USB flash drive. A player made of this will be very durable, and if the screen doesn't scratch they should be on their way to a player with more longevity.

In my mind, the future success of the Sansa e200 comes down to pricing. They are shooting to match Nano prices. The 2 GB will sell for $200, the 4 GB for $250, and the 6 GB (which Apple has no counterpart) for $300. I doubt many will fork over the admission price for a 30 GB Video iPod for the 6 GB model, but very active folks who want the durability of a flash device over a hard drive may. On the other hand, Apple discounts are almost nonexistent on the iPod line. If SanDisk can shave a few dollars off their price tag, and undercut Apple, I think they could have a runaway success on their hands.

--Jonas