File This Under "U" For Useless

I've been a big fan of SanDisk's mp3 players for some time now. I first used a Sansa e130, and more recently an e260. I decided to see if there was a firmware upgrade available for the e260 (I know, I know, just can't leave things alone sometimes). Anyway, when I looked on the SanDisk site, in fact there was one.

I remember the good old days when all we had to do was download the firmware upgrade. It often came as a Zip file, and a change log was included with it so we knew what the new features or bug fixes are. Well, let's just say that this is becoming a dim memory.

In order to get the firmware, first an updating program is downloaded. I played along with this "Web 2.0" approach (arguably the most overused phrase this year, hence the quotation marks as an apology...) to a firmware upgrade. This required an install to the hard drive. Then when the Sansa is connected via the USB cord, it can see if the latest firmware is installed or not. Now I was making a more serious commitment, but "in for a penny, in for a pound" was the motto of the hour. I was worried that I was gaining another tray menu icon that was about to make itself at home, but I shouldn't have panicked over it.

With the firmware updater software installed, and the Sansa connected, I was informed that my firmware was not the latest and greatest. Of course, I clicked yes on the "Do I want to install it question." After a seemingly lengthy download, a reboot of the Sansa, a check for the mass storage mode, and another reboot, I am now using the latest firmware.

I suppose I should look at the bright side. At least, it didn't crash the player, and the thing still works. Other than that, as far as I can tell, everything is the same. We're talking identical here. I am unable to find one iota of difference to what I started with.

In my mind, this is simply risk without benefit, hence the "u" for useless designation. at least if there was a change log, I could see what the supposed improvements were, and decide more appropriately if it was worth the effort. This clearly was not.

--Jonas

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audio, firmware, Sansa, web 2.0