SanDisk's Sansa Base Station dock with remote for Sansa players

If you're one of the non-conforming, iDon't conformers then you'd best get with the program son. SanDisk just hit us with their Sansa Base Station which, for all the hyperbole about it transforming your Sansa MP3 into a home audio jukebox, is just a run-o-the-mill dock and remote for you Sansa player. As such, it includes a USB 2.0 and RCA jack, remote control, and of course, a "universal connector" which slots into the bottom of your e200 or C200 series players for some hot DAP-on-dock charging action. Thing is, for all their marketing audacity, the only bit we find surprising is the fact that this "must-have" accessory didn't already exist. Yours for $70 bills by October in the both the US and Europe, you choose.

[skype_fan @ Sep 4th 2006 8:08AM]

All their MP3 players have been removed from the IFA Display by local authorities. Seems they are not clean with some patent rights ;-)

[Allan @ Sep 4th 2006 8:19AM]

If I get one of these wouldn't I effectively be conforming to the non-conformists? meh... lame marketing.

[Scott @ Sep 4th 2006 8:32AM]

I would like some Sansabelt slacks instead.

[Intrepid @ Sep 4th 2006 8:50AM]

Well I for one don't. Yes, iDon't.
Go Sandisk (and other iPod enemies), crush the beast!

[Silver R. Wolfe @ Sep 4th 2006 8:54AM]

Personally, the Sansa e200 series is great. A solid design and great functionality at a much lower comparable price point. Especially with the release of the new larger capacity models.

I'm waiting for the c200 line to come out myself, it's lookin' pretty spiffy. I don't need video playback, I have my PSP for that, so here's hoping it turns out to be a solid performer!

[czekers @ Sep 4th 2006 9:27AM]

This is really cool!

[Oddmanout @ Sep 4th 2006 10:49AM]

What they need to come out with is a head unit for your car that has a slot for these players, preferably with CD or Tape as well, and line-in up in front. AFAIK, there is no such iPod accessory...nor such for any other MP3 player.

If they can produce the Dock in this post, they can do that. And they'll be the only ones doing it. They do that and they've got a chance at becoming a real competitor. They my not topple the iPod hegemony, but they will probably secure their own position in a highly volitile market.

Partnership with auto dealers and/or manufacturers would be a good move as well...

[Aaron @ Sep 4th 2006 10:59AM]

I like the way the player looks, if nothing else. I'm all for a flashy interface; the iPod UI is really dull. Thing is, I'd probably never buy one of these. Flash memory just doesn't hold enough (yet).

[dave95 @ Sep 4th 2006 11:03AM]

I also like the "flashy" UI, but what I found this player lookes better in photos than it does in person. Feels cheaper also.

[Alex @ Sep 4th 2006 12:59PM]

I still love the way this thing looks, even in person. Shame I don't need a small-capacity flash player.

[barnaby @ Sep 4th 2006 1:40PM]

Gives the ipod SANSA-ENVY lol

[3rdsun @ Sep 4th 2006 2:32PM]

I got the e260 last week, I like the build the interface is nice but i cant get my playlist to sync on the damn thing. makes me wanna sell it now. Anybody know how to get playlist to sync without using the damn Go List option. Is the Rockbox firmware available for this player.

[Deezee @ Sep 4th 2006 4:43PM]

I luv my Sansa. With the new firmware its the only Dap I use. Solid.

@ 3rdsun, I sync my playlists with WMP11 with NO problems. After dragging your play lists to the player in WMP you have to re-start the Sansa for the playlists to show up in the list.

If you have more problems, you should visit the forums at anythingbutipod.com .

[ROD FLYNN @ Jan 4th 2007 11:05PM]

HI,
I HAVE A SANSA 4 GIG.THE MACHINE IS INCREDIBLE.
IT STORES TONS OF MUSIC,PICTURES THAT ARE CRYSTAL CLEAR,AND VIDEO,S INCLUDING MOVIES.GREAT IF YOUR SITTING IN A WAITING ROOM.IT ALSO HAS A VERY GOOD VOICE RECORDER[MEMO,S].IT IS REALY SURPRIZING HOW MUCH IT CAN STORE.CAN'T BE BEAT .[YET]
ROD FLYNN.

[maildiggs @ Jan 12th 2007 3:47PM]

This is not worth the cash.

Just received the Sansa Base Station today via Dell. I don't think its worth more than $30 US.

Yes, audio sounds good and it appears to have a built in amp.

Worst problem:

NO MENU/CURSOR controls on the remote! There's no way to change albums or artist from the remote. You have to go to the player and set up each playlist at the player. The remote allows you to power on/off, volume up and down, and fastforward/rewind (also functions as the next/previous track) buttons.

Here's the scenario - you are listening to a podcast. When it ends, the player goes back to the music screen. What do you want to listen to? Doesn't matter. None of the remote buttons will allow you to play a new song because you are stuck on the menu screen with command over nada! There is no way to browse your tracks. Any song or album that finishes will bump you back to a menu that you cannot control with the remote.

Its possible the engineers thought the screen on the player is too small to see. But across a normal living room, I can see the menu fine and I would have no problem choosing a new album to play from the couch (yes - its healthier to get up but if Sandisk is asking $69 US for the base station - don't you want the choice?). This is idiotic design.

Lesser but annoying problems - No video out. Its possible the Sansa E series has no video out capability. Its not clear from the base station ad. If the remote had any navigation functions, it would be great to see the Sansa menu on the TV. Many people would not want to watch heavily compressed video with the base station but it would again be nice to have the choice.

Guide on the base station will not accept the player with a skin/case on it - including the one that Sandisk sells as part of its travel kit.

But the lack of functions on the REMOTE is stupid, stupid, stupid...

You basically can get the same functionality by getting a 1/8th (headphone) to RCA audio adapter from Radioshack. It will set you back about $4 US. Save yourself nearly $70.