SanDisk Delays Sansa View Until 2008, I Cry Out in Anguish

[Jason Dunn]

<img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/SansaViewfrontright.jpg" /><br /><br />It's no secret that I've been really looking forward to SanDisk's Sansa View Pocket Player: a big-screened, thin, light, flash memory-based media player that looked perfect for taking with me on trips. I <a href="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,11847">interviewed one of the product managers</a>, and have been holding my breath waiting for this thing to come out. The <a href="http://destops.engadget.com/2007/01/08/hands-on-with-the-sansa-view/">hands-on pictures looked good</a>, even if the non-final UI didn't, and it seemed like this was going to be a solid product. Alas, SanDisk put the brakes on it.<br /><br />The official word from their PR person: "...late last week it was official that the Sansa View is being re-scoped. This means it will come to market sometime in 2008. Reasoning here is that since we originally scoped the product, the market has evolved very quickly - there are now many news things you can do in the PMP space. So rather than bring the wrong product to market we're going back to the drawing boards to re-create a product that meets today's market."<br /><br />Damn. I really wanted this thing as it was. For me, I only needed something slender, decent battery life, decent screen, and good codec support. Sure, it would be cool it had other features, but as a v1 product I think the Sansa View was ready to rumble. I think SanDisk made the wrong call here: they should have put it out in the market, learned what users wanted moving forward. At any rate, it looks like we'll be waiting a while longer, and I have no good mobile video player. Maybe by the end of this year the Zune will have some decent codec support and I'll have a workable solution...

[brianchris]

So I'm in the market for two (identical) portable media players. I hadn't even heard of this one, but now that I have, I wish it wasn't delayed! Assuming I can't wait until 2008, what's the next runner up?

[Jason Dunn]

So I'm in the market for two (identical) portable media players. I hadn't even heard of this one, but now that I have, I wish it wasn't delayed! Assuming I can't wait until 2008, what's the next runner up?

Well, what are your requirements? Do you need something with a large screen like this one? Are you primarily watching videos on it, or is it more for music, or photos?

[brianchris]

Its primarily for watching videos, and primarily for my two kids (although my wife and I may hijack it now and then).

I like this screen size, and am zeroing in on the Archos 604. I'd like to liquor these units up with each of my kids favorite movies (via ripping) and never have to worry about packing DVD's for a trip again.

Thanks!

[Jason Dunn]

I like this screen size, and am zeroing in on the Archos 604. I'd like to liquor these units up with each of my kids favorite movies (via ripping) and never have to worry about packing DVD's for a trip again.

Yeah, the Archos units are about the only real option - but I personally find the user interface on them to be pretty hard to use. I don't know what else to suggest though, unless you think you could get by with the 3" screen on the Zune.

[brianchris]

I like this screen size, and am zeroing in on the Archos 604. I'd like to liquor these units up with each of my kids favorite movies (via ripping) and never have to worry about packing DVD's for a trip again.

Yeah, the Archos units are about the only real option - but I personally find the user interface on them to be pretty hard to use. I don't know what else to suggest though, unless you think you could get by with the 3" screen on the Zune.

Any thoughts on the Creative Vision W?

[Jason Dunn]

Any thoughts on the Creative Vision W?

Oh yeah, I forgot about that one because I had one and didn't like it all that much (mostly because of the size). It would work - but I don't know if the size would be a problem for you.

Here's why I sent mine back:
http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11658

[brianchris]

Thanks for your thoughts (and links)!. One of those links was your opinions of the Vision W vs. the Archos 604!

I just purchased two 604's....believe it or not, that kickstand feature is *huge*!

Again, I would have waited a little while for this Sansa unit, especially since the flash storage would hold up against my kids better, but I just couldn't wait until 2008. So I bought two extended warranties as well ;)

Thanks again for your insights!!

[Felix Torres]

If you're feeling adventurous, these can be found on Ebay among other places:
http://uk.gizmodo.com/2006/05/31/toshiba_gigabeat_v30t_pmp_with.html