James Delahunty
6 Jan 2006 7:47
The iPod Nano MP3 player from Apple Computer Inc. is one of the most popular digital audio players of all time because of its small size, design and decent storage capacity. The 2GB and 4GB models have earned Apple massive profits, selling out easily. Even reported problems and lawsuits surrounding the player's unique ability to gather scratches did little to reduce its popularity amongst consumers. Samsung and SanDisk are just two of Apple's long list of rivals, and both companies want to compete with the Nano - meet the Samsung YP-Z5 and the Sandisk Sansa e200.
Samsung YP-Z5
The new Samsung TP-Z5 does not look much like a Nano at first glance, but it comes in small silver and black models, 2GB and 4GB available, just like the Nano. It is also around the same size as the Nano. It has two main advantages over the Nano; firstly it has a 1.8in colour LCD screen in portrait orientation (compared to the Nano's 1.5in landscape display) and it has a 38 hour battery life (compared to the Nano's 14 hour battery life).
It supports playback of MP3 and WMA files (DRM protected WMA files are supported). It can display photos also as slideshows (JPEG). The player will be released in February according to company officials.
Sandisk Sansa e200
The Sandisk Sansa e200 is a bit more Nano-like. It is around the same size as the Nano also. It has a 1.8in colour LCD screen (compared to the Nano's 1.5in). It comes in three models, 2GB, 4GB, and 6GB. An SD card slot is also included for additional memory. Its distinctive, high-strength and lightweight back cover is made with an advanced Titanium alloy from Liquidmetal® Technologies that is stronger than steel and highly resistant to scratches and wear.
It supports playback of MP3 and WMA files (DRM protected WMA files are supported). It also supports Microsoft PlaysForSure which means users can load it with music from a subscription service. It can display photos in slideshows also and is advertised as having video playback capabilities, but I couldn't find more details on the video. It will be available in the U.S. and Europe and March according to the company.
Both products were shown at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Sources:
The Register
Samsung Press Release (Image Source)
Sandisk Press Release (Image Source)
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