I'm starting to get a bit bored of every latest MP3 player being coined as the latest 'iPod killer'. However, Sansa has been pretty open about its intention to destroy the iPod nano since the e200 series launched and has based a lot of its marketing campaign around that idea - the idont anti-ipod website was one of its best example.

Sansa's assault begins on three fronts - the e200 series players offer more space than the nano, they are cheaper than the nano and they have more standard features than a nano. That's a pretty good start I think.

In terms of specs, the e270 offers 6GB of storage space, which is also expandable with the microSD slot on the side. The TFT display measures in at 1.8” and the battery lasts for a good 20 hours. It also has an integrated voice recorder and MPEG4 player.

More than skin deep

Most people are aware that the iPod doesn't have a whole lot going on beneath the iconic exterior - it is a digital audio player and doesn't pretend to much more; that's part of its appeal. But for someone who wants a more multifaceted gadget, the Sansa e270's extras are a pleasant addition.

But where the iPod and iTunes go hand in hand as one neat package, easy to use package, the e270 is compatible with a wide choice of music download services instead. This has a slightly negative impact on its usability and so might be a bit more problematic for less tech savvy first timers. However, it does have Microsoft's 'Plays for Sure' blessing, which definitely makes downloading and transferring files to the device a lot more straight forward than some of its other rivals. Just not quite as basic as the iPod.

A further important distinction between the e270 and its Apple nemesis is its MPEG4 abilities. Most of these small-screened MPEG4 players get a rough ride in our reviews simply because the screens are usually far too small to have any hope of serving a practical purpose. Again, 1.8” is not enough for comfortable viewing but this sharp, bright screen does a surprisingly good job. Ok, I wouldn't try and catch up on the latest episode of Lost, but brighter, simpler things like American Dad are just about watchable. In fact, with a bit of squinting, you can even read the newspaper headlines in the opening sequence.

Just a wannabe?

The iPod's Click Wheel is undoubtedly one of its greatest strengths and I assume Apple (or Creative..?) owns a patent on the technology preventing other companies using what would otherwise seem like a logical step forward in menu navigation control. In the pics you can see the glowing blue ring that is the e270's answer to the Click Wheel. Yes, it performs pretty much the same tasks as its touch sensitive alternative but unfortunately it is a merely a rotating, raised piece of plastic, which really doesn't feel very high quality. There are also a few navigation nuances that take some getting used and might be frustrating when you first start out.

The e270 is a fair bit thicker than the nano, but this disguises another good feature. The battery is removable and replaceable, and you can do it yourself with a screwdriver. Anyone who has been stung in the past by Apple's dubious batteries and warranties will find this a refreshing approach.

The accompanying earphones produce decent sound and are a lot more comfortable than many packaged sets can be. You also get a lanyard and protective case in the pack; the latter of which you may never need because the SanDisk player has a scratch resistant rear and after spending an evening rattling around in my pocket emerged in perfect condition - something that I wouldn't even dare attempt with a nano.

At a glance
The good	Wide range of features, surprisingly good video abilities, cheap, rugged
The bad	Awful scroll wheel, confusing menu navigation, Transflash expansion port seems pointless
Overall:	SanDisk has really pulled out all the stops with the Sansa e200 series and there are few other players offering so much for such a reasonable outlay. So if you don't want to follow the iPod crowd or just prefer the various iTunes alternatives, then this could well be the player for you. Perhaps it won't really spell doom for Apple's digital audio player dominance but it does show that the honeymoon could be over soon.
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