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SanDisk Sansa Fuze hands-on
So we've had a SanDisk Sansa Fuze hanging around the office for a few days and already we can tell you that fans of the Sansa line will find it a welcome addition to the line. The interface feels pretty snappy and it's got some of the geeky things you're after (FM radio, microSDHC), a solid 1.9-inch display, and a price $70 cheaper than the nano at the 8GB level. Plus, we know it sounds old school, but we're really into the tactile click wheel, and the Fuze has the best one we've used in a long time. Check out the photos below, including a couple side by sides with a you-know-what.%Gallery-19018%
SanDisk launches Sansa Sessions -- music distribution by microSD, what else
SanDisk just dipped its toe into the digital content distribution waters with the launch of Sansa Sessions. Of course, this isn't an on-line storefront, it's flash-based naturally in support of SanDisk's core business. As such, the US-based program relies upon microSD cards to distribute DRM-free tracks of unspecified quality from more than 50 "emerging artists" on more than 30 labels. At the moment, the featured artists include All Time Low, Ladytron, Magnet, Nada Surf, Of Montreal and The Coup. SanDisk has tied a free, 55 track microSD "sampler" card (of el cheapo 512MB capacity, presumably) to the purchase of its 8GB Sansa Fuze MP3 player. While the $0 cost and DRM-free aspects of Sansa Sessions are certainly appealing to us, this seems best fitted as a record / artist promotional tool than it does a replacement for web-based or over-the-air music distribution.
FUZE minimizes its latest media PC system
FUZE Media Systems is back, this time shrinking its "whole-home" media PC system to a more "whole-apartment" media PC system. Dubbed the Mini Edition, its brings together the FuzeBox HTPC and is setup for two video and four audio zones, specifically configured for residences with 2-3 TVs. Upgradable to a full FUZE Media System, the server includes 4GB of memory, 750GB HDD storage and a 2.2GHz processor. Of course, like its big brother this is meant to be sold through a network of installers, but they'll be able to get a look at EHX starting tomorrow (hopefully this time at a system that's been turned on), with systems available some time in the second quarter.
SanDisk's Sansa Fuze gets more details, shipping date
Remember that Sansa Fuze from yesterday? Well, we've gotten some sweet PR on it with a few more details we didn't hear about yesterday. The device will come in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB configurations, feature playback of MP3, WAV, Audible, WMA, MPEG-4, and JPEG files, and will be compatible with subscription services like Rhapsody To Go, Napster, and eMusic. As we mentioned in the previous post, the 4GB model will be available in black, red, pink, or blue, while the 2GB version only comes in black, and the 8GB is only available in silver. The models are priced at $79.99, $99.99, and $129.99, and will be available sometime in April.
SanDisk's Sansa Fuze gets official, priced
Check it -- HandStands isn't just making kit for items not yet conceived. Oh no, SanDisk's Sansa Fuze is indeed more than a figment of someone's clever imagination. Judging by a product listing at Amazon, this media player is set to ship "within one to three months" and features a 1.9-inch display, FM tuner, built-in microphone for voice recording, a battery good for 24 hours (audio) / 5 hours (video) and a microSD / microSDHC expansion slot for good measure. As of now, we know that the 4GB unit in red, pink or black will sell for $99.99, but there's no word on whether more (or less, for that matter) capacious / colorful models will eventually emerge.[Via DAPreview, thanks Nick]
FUZE Media Systems' CEDIA booth tour
Looks like that elusive FUZE whole-home media system is veiled no more, as our early-bird trip to CEDIA 2007 landed us smack dab in front of FUZE's booth. Of course, the whole shebang wasn't powered on just yet, and there were no representatives there to talk us through it, but that's why pictures are worth a thousand words, right? We kept it short and sweet, but on display was the FuzeTunes Controller, FuzeBox HTPC (built by Velocity Micro), a couple of FuzeMini thin clients, and a pair of FuzeTouch touchscreens to boot. Check out the gallery below for more.%Gallery-6968%
FUZE unveils whole-home media system
If you thought HTIBs were convenient, the FUZE Media System should have you grinning from ear to ear. Similar to the uber-pricey ConnectedLife.Home in a box, this all-in-one solution brings together a FuzeBox HTPC with "multiple CableCARD tuners," FuzeMini HD Media Clients, the Fuze Whole-Home remote, a four-inch wall-mountable touchscreen interface, and a number of on-wall control switches to deliver complete multimedia integration throughout your domicile. According to FUZE, you'll find "all the necessary components for media storage and distribution: a primary media server, video clients, audio clients, and multiple interface options." Interestingly, it even notes that "DRM-friendly whole-home HD video" won't be a problem with this here equipment, and while the firm has yet to talk dollars and dates, we'll hopefully be getting a much closer look at what's involved when it sets up shop at CEDIA.
