SanDisk Sansa Clip+ Digital Audio Player

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SanDisk to date may have failed to turn the DAP world on its side with its slotMusic concept – SanDisk’s slotMusic being an ‘innovative’ new physical music format which basically boils down to loading microSD cards with music – but that’s seemingly not going to see them dropping the format any time soon thanks to the release of their new digital audio player known as the SanDisk Sansa Clip+ which touts both SanDisk’s slotMusic and slotRadio functionality.

Apart from offering up a microSD card slot allowing end users to insert slotMusic and slotRadio cards Sandisk’s new Sansa Series DAP which happens to be the first Windows 7 certified MP3 player is, according to their own press, aimed specifically at ‘budget and time-conscious music fans looking for the best MP3 player for the money’ which in turn means that as well as being competitively priced you’ll find yourself reeling in your expectations somewhat – which is just as well as the Clip+ hardly excites in terms of features and specifications though it’s by no means overtly humdrum.

The Sansa Clip+, which is set to become available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacity variants, comes with a 1″ single color (blue) OLED display which SanDisk interestingly tout as being ‘large’ (we suspect they mean proportionately) whilst in terms of audio file format support you’re looking at MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and Audible being duly accounted for (and its nice to see Ogg represented, as always). On top of that you can factor in an equalizer, onboard FM radio tuner and, yes, there’s even an integrated microphone allowing you to capture voice memos, lectures, etc.

“We made a great product – the Sansa Clip – even better,” said Eric Bone, vice president, retail product marketing, SanDisk, who introduced the Clip+. “This small player packs big features, including a new microSD memory card slot that gives music lovers the ability to listen to thousands of additional songs in seconds. It’s the perfect player for travelers, busy moms, fitness buffs or anyone looking to enjoy music without the hassle of loading songs from their computer or updating playlists.”

Though hardly likely to cut into Apple’s market share or profit margins the Clip+ may not be an absolute revelation when seen in terms of its predecessor but, on paper at least, it appears to be a competent compact DAP that’ll suit those looking for a cheap, chirpy digital player that (dare we say this) you won’t mind loosing and, all said and done, there’s nothing wrong with that.

In terms of pricing the SanDisk Sansa Clip+ comes in at just shy of $40, $50 and $70 for the 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacity models which have hit Best Buy today and which will become available form other retailers from September 13^th.