I only use a standalone MP3 player for working out. I’ve had an iPod Nano for some time. Nothing particularly wrong with except it is Apple and if you know me, well…
One minor annoyance is I have to keep the Nano in my pocket as the clip just doesn’t seem to do well, especially on thick edges of clothing (sweatpants and shorts). Don’t get me wrong. As much as I hate to admit it this Nano has been good to me. Especially when you factor in I got it for free. I think this was Apples best MP3 player.
I have a 6th generation iPod Nano. It was a freebie replacement for a long dead 1st generation Nano that was recalled.
So I’m midway through a hard back workout, arms shaking, trying to dig the Nano out of my pocket. That’s when I decided to look for something else.
After due consideration I decided on a SanDisk Clip Sport 8GB. I paid $37 for it on sale last week.
As a reference. The 6th gen Nano can still be had with prices ranging from $22 to a whopping $180, all used or refurb.
First issue, right off the bat.
The SanDeisk Sport has expandable storage via a micro SD card. That being the case I figured I would throw some flac files on it since space was no longer a concern. The files stuttered during playback. SanDisk forums says use a slower card (class 4 or less) or different file format. I’m already using a class 2 sd card so that ain’t it. Guess I’m not using flac either. I’m using headphones, in a gym, so not like it is a big deal but still. So with just MP3’s on internal storage I soldier on.
FYI
– My headphones are the Yurbuds Focus 400.
– I use MediaMonkey to manage both.
Alright, pictures are below. I’m just gonna do a little list here.
Sound quality – Very slight edge to the Nano.
Screen quality – The Nano has excellent screen quality. The SanDisk has absolutely HORRIBLE screen quality.
Expandable storage – Only the SanDisk has it via micro SD card.
Touch screen – Only the Nano has it.
Feel – Nano is metal and sturdy. SanDisk is plastic and feels cheap.
Other features – The Nano has a fitness app and radio. The SanDisk has a radio.
Audio formats:
SanDisk – MP3, WMA (NO DRM), AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, FLAC, and Audible (DRM only)
Nano – AAC, MP3, Audible, Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV.
My Opinion
The clip on the SanDisk is better than the Nano’s but I don’t think much of the SanDisk Clip Sport. If I could find the fracking box it came in and receipt I would return it.
Pic from my phone:
Retail pics because my pics suck:
matt says
Sorry to hear that you are having trouble with your SanDisk. I bought my daughter a Clip this summer, and it definitely does not seem to have the same build quality of my 5 or 7 year old model which has no problems with the external storage (I do not remember if it is capable of playing FLAC files or not. Everything I listen to is MP3).
Maybe somebody someday will build a decent player again. Until then, fingers crossed, mine will keep soldiering on.