Sansa View video enabled MP3 player from SanDisk

It's been a week for small format, video enabled MP3 players with the release of the new iPod nano and now the announcement of a new device from SanDisk that offers a range of features including full-motion video support, long battery life and slim line design.

The Sansa View combines current MP3 player attributes with full-motion video support typically found in larger portable media players (PMPs). A larger screen, long battery life and up to 24GB capacity are available in the slim line design. “The Sansa View is a new video MP3 player that combines all of the great characteristics of an MP3 player with the video capabilities of a PMP, and packs it into a pocketable device,” said Eric Bone, vice president of marketing for SanDisk’s Sansa audio/video product line.

A smooth, backlit scroll wheel and vibrant 2.4” widescreen display make it easy to navigate to: a music library; video collection; digital photos; digital FM radio with 20 pre-sets; an integrated microphone and voice recording, and audio books. The TFT colour screen offers 320x240 resolution. In addition to holding thousands of songs, the Sansa View includes added features to enhance the listening and viewing experience including smooth video playback at 30 frames per second (fps) and photo viewing up to 16 megapixels. It supports most audio formats and has video compatibility with MPEG4, WMV, H.264 and DivX.

Taking a big leap forward from previous product releases from SanDisk, the Sansa View features music, photos, FM radio and audio books in addition to video transfer and memory capabilities of up to 24GB (by using an optional 8GB microSD/microSDHC). The 8GB player can hold up to 2000 songs, 4000 photos or 24 hours of video whilst the 16GB model has room for 4000 songs, 8000 photos or up to 24 hours of movie viewing.

Expected for release in October this year, the Sansa View will cost around US$210 for the 16GB flash-based player and US$160 for the 8GB. The new iPod Nano with similar functionality retails at US$199 for an 8GB player.