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Replace Sansa Fuze with?
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by
Marnie
(new)
Nov 11, 2012 06:35PM
My mom has a Sansa Fuze for audio books and she loves it. It is the older model and not the Fuze+ that is now the current model. Anyway, it has a short in the electronics and it's time for a new one. In reading posts, it sounds like a Clip is the way to go. Any comments? The Fuze+ operates differently than the one she has. But the clip has a small screen...
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The Sansa Fuze+ is a nightmare. The Clip is great but it's screen is very small. I tried both when my Sansa Fuze broke but found neither to be quite as good as the original Fuze, which I eventually just tracked down and bought again.
I'm a fan of the Sansa Clip Zip. I have a Fuze, a Clip+ and now a Clip Zip. Zip screen is larger than the Clip.
Standard micro-USB instead of the odd one Fuze needs.
Bookmarks books or podcast.
Sleep timer.
Clock showing minutes of chapter/minutes remaining.
Can be had for $40 for an 8gb at Costco. I paid more because I need a bright "findable" color.
I have several Fuzes and several Clip+'s. I load up the Clip+ with tons of books (I put a card in for extra storage) and generally, still use a Fuze for radio, as the Clip gets spotty reception. I never watch anything on them, so the screen size is not material to me.My only complaint with the Clip+ is that the time counts up--i.e., it tells you how much you've listened to, rather than how much is left.
I like the Sansa Clip + very much. I loaded it with Rockbox (which also works with many other MP3 players). Rockbox makes it very versatile--complicated maybe, but loaded with an avalanche of options. Two capabilities stand out in my mind; you can have a separate bookmark for each audiobook, and you have the ability to speed up/slow down without changing the pitch (the Donald Duck effect). So, if a narrator speaks too slowly or too fast, you can adjust however you like. You can choose among dozens of "themes", to display in the style you want. Almost all of the themes display time listened and total time in a track. A few of the themes also show how much time is remaining in a track.
I thought Rockbox disables the ability to listen to protected WMA's (library books)?
John wrote: "I thought Rockbox disables the ability to listen to protected WMA's (library books)?"Right--Rockbox does not play WMA files with DRM. So, I convert WMA files to MP3 using Tunebite.
Is a Clip+ the same as the Clip Zip that someone mentioned? I ask because the poster said "Zip screen is larger than the Clip." Maybe the + model is a larger screen than Clip regular? Thanks.Alright, I see now that Clip+ is different than Clip Zip. Any thoughts on which one is the better one specifically for audiobooks? I've started reading the reviews. It would great to hear from someone who has used both.
I was the "Zip screen is larger than the Clip" poster. I think it's the Clip+ that I have (can't really tell if the Clip differs from the Clip+ much).
I use the Clip Zip almost exclusively for audiobooks and podcasts. The larger screen makes a big difference for me. Also, you can customize the settings so, in my case, I only have to scroll through Settings + Books. I have chosen not to show Music + Radio + Voice (it can record) + Card (holds microSD expansion card) + Sport.
I couldn't tell you about radio quality so if that is a feature you use, maybe someone else can weigh in.
My mom won't use the music feature, so as long as the Clip Zip is the best for audiobooks, she will be happy. Thanks.
I use the Clip+ for audiobooks (mp3) only and am totally in love with it.... The screen may be small but it is very clear and easy to read.However Ali-ef's comment about customising the settings on the Zip is very interesting, and sounds like it might suit me. I would like to access only Audiobooks and Sleep Settings. Perfect!
Just to clarify, Aprilla, she will still have to scroll a bit. She can have only Audiobooks + Settings show at the top level. Then, once she selects Settings, she'll have to scroll to System Settings and then to sleep.
I saw a Zip Clip at RadioShack today and I think it will work. Black Friday ads show that model on sale at Radio Shack, too. We'll see if I can get one.
Thanks Ali-ef, I get that :)Changing gadgets is a pest but I hope your mom loves her Sansa Marnie! I'm sure she'll appreciate your efforts.
I have been using one of the original Sansa Clips since - oh wow - maybe '06 or '07. I have never had any problems with it. I listen to mp3 audiobooks, podcasts, and the radio as I work. Being a machinist and running loud machinery all day this works great. The small screen isn't a problem because I just hit the play button and let it run in my ears. If this thing ever dies I would consider the newer version with the enhanced storage.
During this week I broke the clip on my Clip+I hadn't realised how important this little bit was to me! I had a new Clip+ spare but didn't think I'd need to use it as the broken one still functioned perfectly but after 3 days I've taken out the new Clip+ and have the broken Clip+ put away as a spare *yikes!*
I need to do a serious eenie-meenie between the + and Zip soon. While I love the idea of customising the menu there's a nice difference in cost yet... I'll hold off as long as possible but get a bit panic-y without a backup (sign of addiction?? nah lol) and it seems I need the clip bit!
I've never used the clip itself; the device always goes in a pocket.
aprilla wrote: "During this week I broke the clip on my Clip+I hadn't realised how important this little bit was to me! I had a new Clip+ spare but didn't think I'd need to use it as the broken one still function..."
It was a broken clip on my Clip+ that had me initially buy the Clip Zip. Check out Costco and Amazon as well as Radio Shack and Best Buy. I always see them for around $40.
For today, November 26, it's worth it to check out Sansa Clip + and Zip Clip on Cyber sales. On Amazon.com, for example, they over these products for 40 to 50% off...quite a savings!
When my Sansa Fuze started having problems with the navigation wheel, I first tried the Sansa Fuze+. As others have pointed out, it was a piece of junk. The "touch screen" navigation just plain didn't work.Then I tried the Sansa Clip+, which has worked very well for me until now (see below). It's not quite as easy to navigate since it's so much smaller than the Fuze. However until I started running into problems with battery life, it's been very reliable.
RE battery life: as a retirement newbie, I've started listening to audiobooks almost all day long. This is where the Clip+ is no longer doing the job for me. Over time the battery life has diminished to about 3 hours, which is just plain inadequate for the kind of workout I give it.
Granted I'm using the Clip+ beyond its capabilities in terms of battery life, I'm still disappointed. And yes, I've been trying all the tricks: running the battery all the way down before recharging (hell, I do this all the time!), reducing screen brightness and backlighting, etc.
A new Clip+ is rated for 15 hours, but I never got that even when it was new. 5-6 hours was more typical.
So now I'm doing some shopping around too. Can anyone recommend an MP3 player with a longer battery life than the Clip+?
BTW the "clip" on the Clip+ broke soon after I bought it. However as John pointed out, the Clip+ is so small it's easy just to slip it into a shirt pocket and listen that way.
Happy Listening,
Alan Mintaka
I assume you adjusted your screen brightness and backlight time, etc, to help with battery life? Have you reset it to the original factory settings recently? 3 hours is WAY low battery life!
Alana wrote: "I assume you adjusted your screen brightness and backlight time, etc, to help with battery life? Have you reset it to the original factory settings recently? 3 hours is WAY low battery life!"Yes, I edited my first message to elaborate on what I did with screen brightness and backlighting. Of course you're right, a 3 hour battery life is too short.
I haven't tried resetting to factory defaults yet. I'll give that a shot to see what happens.
I've always had this problem with rechargeable battery technology. Over time, battery life degrades no matter how carefully I conserve usage and recharge according to the usual rule of thumb: run the battery all the way down before rechargins. In that sense the Clip+ is not unsual.
I just looked at the specs for the Clip Zip and see that it's rated for 10 hours, actually less than the Clip+ by 5 hours. Still, a new MP3 player of either model will have a new battery, and thus a longer life than what I'm getting now.
Maybe I should just get another Clip+.
The battery on my Sansa Clip lasts a long time.
My Clip+ battery lasts longer than three hours, and I use it fairly regularly. I recharge it when the battery indicator shows roughly half left.
I had been told that the old rule to run the battery down all the way before recharging did not really apply anymore to these newer devices/ newer batteries. Is that not so?
I haven't paid attention to the whole "let the battery run down" thing in years, except the first time I power up and use the device, because I've heard that still applies. No idea, but since it's one time, why not try not to mess it up first thing, lol?I mentioned resetting it because I had a lot of issues with my Clip recently (not with battery, but freezing, etc) and once I completely reset and reformatted it, it now works like a charm. I think it's because I was switching between a PC and a Mac on a regular basis and it just started confusing itself. I'm am solely on the PC now.
How long have you had it? I know things break down over many years, but that seems awful fast since I'm not sure how long the Sansa has been around. I never looked for one myself until the last couple years when I really got into audiobooks but didn't want to pay four times as much for an Apple device.
My previous Clip+ gave me way more battery life than 3 hours. I can't say how long but would guess I've used it for 8 - 10 hours without recharging at some stage(s). I had it about three years when the clip broke lately and noticed no loss in battery during that time.I did read that running the battery down would make no difference with the Clip+ so I take the route of having it plugged in when convenient. At night it's plugged in (listening or not) and during the day where I sit to work I have a charger and generally remember to have it plugged in to this.
In this way I can usually be sure I have maximum charge for when I use it on the move. I think I only ever once ran out of juice, and now I have a car charger too LOL
Alan, could there be something amiss with yours, can you return it maybe?
I'm never able to listen to mine while it's charging, whether on a charger or the PC and I'm not sure why. But usually it charges very quickly and when I'm on the computer I'm paying attention to something where I can't be listening anyway. Would like to charge and listen at the same time when I'm going to bed, though.If it's older and has so short battery life, you're right, it probably does need replaced. I know it would be worth the money to me not to have to stop in the middle of a story every couple of hours! That would drive me crazy!
Last week I thought my Sansa Fuze had died, so I came to this page and read all the comments about people's experiences with different devices. I ordered a Sansa Clip Zip, as it sounded like most people have been fairly satisfied with it. I have loved my Fuze, and use it several hours a day; just after I ordered the clip zip, the fuze started working again, and so far is working again just fine. But I think I will be glad to have a back up, and am anxious for the new device to arrive.
Janice wrote: "Last week I thought my Sansa Fuze had died, so I came to this page and read all the comments about people's experiences with different devices. I ordered a Sansa Clip Zip, as it sounded like most ..."My Clip+(s) have all done this. It's weird.
The first time I was lucky I hadn't thrown it away, after only a couple of days it was 'dead' no play no charge, nothing. I'd bought two so was able to use the second while I was trying to figure what to do with the 'broken' one ... three days later it was working fine though I'd done nothing but read a bit about it look at it sideways and scratch my head... go figure.
It's a pest and seems to happen with any of them, Fuse, Clip, Clip+ and Zip, yet knowing it will 'probably' come back still leaves me feeling the need for a back-up.
Hope you love your new Zip!
Alana wrote: "I'm never able to listen to mine while it's charging, whether on a charger or the PC and I'm not sure why. But usually it charges very quickly and when I'm on the computer I'm paying attention to s..."I can't listen to mine when it's plugged in to a computer (PC). I have a USB plug that you stick a USB cable into at work and it charges the Clip+ while I listen, and for night I have a one-piece USB plug (cable is attached) and I can charge and listen with this also.
The only set up I do with my Clip+ is make it USB Mode = MSC so I can drag & drop.
aprilla wrote: "Janice wrote: "Last week I thought my Sansa Fuze had died, so I came to this page and read all the comments about people's experiences with different devices. I ordered a Sansa Clip Zip, as it sou..."I also bought a memory card and a card reader; I don't want to lose all the books I have loaded onto the Fuze, so I am hoping I have time to at least get all that backed up before the Fuze dies for good.
I also purchased an "accessory" package, which includes a wall charger for the zip, something I have never had with the fuze.
Thanks, Aprilla!
I find that the AC charger is slower than USB via the computer, but I generally charge overnight, so that's not as important.
I don't know that I've noticed either way, because usually when I plug it up to charge, it's when I don't need it for at least a couple of hours and that's usually well more than enough to charge it. I just wish I could listen while it's plugged in to the wall charger. I think maybe it won't let me because it's not the same brand? The only one that fits is the wall charger for my Samsung phone, and it's whichever tip is the really skinny one that doesn't match anything standard. (I know, really technical terms there).
I've encountered the opposite problem, where the device automatically comes on when I connect the AC charger, having to check to see that it's turned off so the current book won't be playing!
Mine's always on and paused when I plug it in, so I'm not sure I've noticed. It always automatically comes up with the menu when it's plugged in, tho, so I don't think it would do that. But it might have and I just happened to catch it in time, who knows, I'm so scatterbrained! :)
John, your experience of charging speed is just the opposite of mine with my plain Clips. I charge via wall charger (extension cord, adapter & USB) and listen while I'm knitting; it seems as though it takes only 5-10 minutes to fully charge the Clip this way, much faster than the computer. I agree about needing to be sure the book is paused before plugging in the Clip; sometimes when I've had the player on Sleep mode the night before, it isn't really paused.
My 32GB Zune HD decided to take a bath with my daughter about 10 days ago (SADDEST DAY EVER!!), so I just picked up a 4GB purple Zip Clip ($30 at Radioshack) and a 32GB microSD card ($20 on Amazon) this weekend. Waiting for them to get here still, but I'm kind of excited. I'll miss playing solitaire while I listen, but I'll probably live! ;)
32GB is A LOT of books! My Clip+ has 4 internal and 8 on card and I've got lots of room leftover with a dozen or so books on it. $20 for a 32GB card is a great deal though.
Yeah, I'm pretty indecisive, so I like to have a lot of options of what to listen to next... some new stuff, some old standbys. And some music, in case the mood strikes. Plus, I've been listening to the Outlander series, and it takes quite a bit of memory to have even one of those books on your player, let alone three! On this ancient Sansa I've been using (only 2GB internal), I had to break the second book in half to fit in on! :PAnd YES! I was surprised to get one that cheap! I think I paid $20 for my first 128 MB flash drive back in the day ('02 or '03?). We've come a long way in the last 10 years! Glad zip discs didn't stick around!
Sara ♥ wrote: "I'll miss playing solitaire while I listen, but I'll probably live! ;) ..."Try it, you will likely be able to play while you listen. I can also recommend Freecell, if you are on a Windows computer, or the jigsaws at puzzlehouse.com LOLOL
I have a 4 GB and a card but I'm finding if I have too many on mine I get indecisive (that or too picky maybe) so seldom use the card. I'm preferring to limit what I have to around three titles until I've listened to them. But the card is great for travelling or holidays, when I need a bigger choice.
Great deal! Hope you get them soon :)
Try Jigsaw dot com puzzles, too. At least on my monitor, the picture is sharper than puzzlehouse.
CatBookMom wrote: "Try Jigsaw dot com puzzles, too. At least on my monitor, the picture is sharper than puzzlehouse."I tried "jigsaw dot com" and got a service for business contacts - nothing at all to do with jigsaw puzzles.
The way you've written it (in code for some reason - why not just give the actual link?), reads
jigsaw.com
Are you sure that's the address you meant?
I noticed that if I moved "puzzles" in your code to the left of the "dot com", I got
jigsawpuzzles.com
This link is redirected to
http://jigsawpuzzlers.blogspot.com/
For whatever reason, this blog has a banner that reads
"jigsaws.com"
That's still not the same as what you wrote ("jigsaw" was singular in yours), but it does resolve to the same blog website.
aprilla wrote: "Sara ♥ wrote: "I'll miss playing solitaire while I listen, but I'll probably live! ;) ..."Try it, you will likely be able to play while you listen. I can also recommend Freecell, if you are on a ..."
OH! It didn't even occur to me to sit on my computer and play! I had solitaire on my Zune, so I'd lay in bed and listen and play solitaire. I always get so distracted by other stuff when I'm on the computer, though.. I'd probably end up checking facebook or something, and not paying attention to my book!
I think I'm going to have to replace my Sansa soon since the "volume down button" randomly ceased working :(I hate to replace it for such a random, small thing!
Alana wrote: "I think I'm going to have to replace my Sansa soon since the "volume down button" randomly ceased working :(I hate to replace it for such a random, small thing!"
Weird problem! Never heard of it before :)
I bought a Sansa Zip but haven't used it yet, hard to insult my one working Clip+ as I bought it as a stand-by...
I wonder if a set of headphones/buds with a volume slider would do? I've had these (as cheapies) and liked them.
It might, I haven't tried that. It's set at a volume that I like during the day, so it's fine most of the time, but it's just too loud when I'm listening to it while I'm falling asleep. It's like the button is stuck and won't come up all the way. I can turn it up (though obviously I've tried not to) but can't engage the button to go back down. It clicks a little, but not the same way the up button does. Sorry, hard to describe.
Obviously, the contact on that side is broken (worn out); a headset with its own volume control sounds like a good work around.
