Higher Capacity MP3, SSD Bows From SanDisk
by Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 1/28/2007
LAS VEGAS — Flash-memory maker SanDisk unveiled higher-capacity Sansa MP3 players, a new 72GB solid state drive (SSD) and a new line of flash-memory cards geared toward high-definition flash-based camcorders.
SanDisk will ship higher capacity versions of its Sansa Clip and Sansa View MP3 players in February. The Clip will get a 4GB addition for a suggested $79.99, the View goes to a maximum capacity of 32GB for $349.
The Clip offers a 15-hour battery life and an OLED display. The View sports a 2.4-inch LCD with video playback and a battery life of 35 hours for audio playback and seven hours for video. The View supports MPEG-4, WMV and H.264 formats.
Both models play back MP3, WMA and WAV files; support Rhapsody To Go, Napster and other digital music services; and feature a built-in mike for voice recording and an FM tuner.
Catering to the growing number of flash-based, HD camcorders, SanDisk also announced a "Video HD" line of SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards. The cards will carry both capacity and recording time (in HD Standard mode) on the packaging.
The SanDisk Video HD card packaging offers a chart that shows the approximate number of minutes for HD High, HD Standard and HD Extended settings. According to SanDisk, the new cards will be merchandized next to digital camcorders and will include jewel cases and labels for archiving video.
The video line will ship in March. A 4GB (60 minute) SDHC and Memory Stick card will retail for a suggested $79.99. An 8GB (120 minute) SDHC card will retail for $139 while an 8GB Memory Stick will retail for $149.
The 72GB SSD is a 1.8-inch Serial ATA model "designed to be a drop-in replacement for hard disk drives," the company said. It will be available in the second quarter. Pricing was not announced.
Lastly, SanDisk said it was sampling a 12GB microSDHC card — the higher capacity announced to date. Pricing and availability were not announced.
