SanDisk and Real have partnered up to offer a tweaked version of the Sansa e200 series of MP3 players. The Sansa e200R Rhapsody, available in 2GB, 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB capacities, boasts an enhanced GUI as well as a special player-to-software relationship with Rhapsody.
The Rhapsody version of the Sansa e200 looks nearly identical to the original. Notice the Micro SD slot on the right spine. As evidenced by the new Rhapsody Channels option, the GUI has changed a bit.
The left side of the Sansa e200R features a Record button, which activates the voice recorder by default. A menu option allows you to set it to ask before recording.
The sturdy SanDisk Sansa e200R measures 3.5 by 1.7 by 0.5 inches, weighs 2.6 ounces, and has a maximum capacity of 8GB (about 2,000 songs). Stick a 2GB Micro SD card (about $100) in the expansion slot, and you have a maximum of 10GB.
The thin, circular dial (smaller than the Nano's smooth Click Wheel) with raised bumps and grooves gives the wheel a tactile quality that makes navigating the e200 precise, if not a pleasure. Rather than a smooth motion, there is a bit of resistance that gives the right amount of feedback.
Rhapsody and SanDisk have partnered up to try to provide iPod/iTunes-like ease of use. For the most part, the combo delivers in both ease of use and extra features.
