Reviews Written by Derrick

Sandisk m230

Pros: Affordability, Equalizer, FM Radio, Sound Quality, Stopwatch, Firmware Updates, Backlit Screen (nice blue), Uses non-proprietary batteries, etc...

Cons: Back light stops working when battery is 3/4 empty, but really not a big deal

I did a lot of research on this product before purchasing. I have several Sandisk Compact Flash Cards that work great, so I knew the quality was good from the company already, so I gave them a try.

Bottom Line about the M230 (M200 series):

The unit is very user friendly and works great. Some positive notes about it are: Affordability, Equalizer, FM Radio (20 Pre-sets), Sound Quality, Firmware Updates, Backlit Screen (nice blue), Uses non-proprietary batteries (big plus in my book), comes with a protective case and arm strap that works. Others have stated the arm band is not any good, but I disaggree totally. I use my unit at the gym several times a week and running on the tread machine, it stays put and never skips a beat (literally). I've never used the recorder, but it is good to have as a memo option if needed on the go. Being I go to the gym regularly, the stopwatch is very handy to have also. The equalizer settings (Rock, Jazz, Classical and Pop) are good right out the box. The unit also gives you the option to manually set the sound which is what I use and improves on the already great sound that the preset equalizer gives. One of the things that really sold me on this unit was that you aren't limited to just one computer to load and delete songs with the unit. I can use any computer with a USB plug (1.1 and 2.0) and add new songs and then instantly play them unlike Apple products which must have the same computer to be able to play them. Another key feature is that it uses a single AAA battery and not a proprietary type or worse an internal type which can't be replaced easily or cheaply. When your internal or proprietary battery runs out of power, that's it. You can't run to the local drugstore and buy some AAA batteries to continue use. The proprietary type must be recharged before reused. I use 900 mA rechargeable AAA batteries. The battery life is about 24-30 hours of continuous operation which is great. A regular Akaline battery in this unily last for 15-19 hours.

The only minor issue is that the back light stops operating when the battery reaches 3/4 empty which is really understandable being it takes a lot of power to run a backlit screen. The IPOD Shuffle doesn't even have a screen nor many other features the M230 has. This was a great buy. ...