I actually bought a refurbished Sansa Connect recently from eCost at $29.99 shipped which I received a few days ago. I bought it as a backup for the refurbished 4GB Sansa Fuze that I already had. I also have added a 16GB micro SDHC card to the Fuze. When I bought the Connect I was thinking that I would get essentially a slightly larger Fuze. I should have done my homework ahead of time and then I would not have been so disappointed. I really like that the Fuze can be charged from the USB port, and it charges in a reasonable time (usually @ 1 to 2 hours unless it is almost completely drained.) The battery life is about 24 hours. The Connect on the other hand has a max battery life (listening to music or audio books only) of about 12 hours. Also after having it connected to the USB port for about 2-1/2 hours, it barely registered a slight battery charge. After some further on-line research, I found that Sansa recommends only using the AC charger to charge the Connect, so charging via the USB port is really a waste of time. For the Fuze, I can copy files either directly to the micro sd card or in the Fuze fairly quickly. However, when I tried to copy files to the micro sd card while in the Connect, the transfer rate seemed ridiculously slow in comparison.

That being said I couldn't resist the deal on this "new" Sansa Fuze, and I can add in the 16GB micro SD card that I picked up from Frys for $27.99 after MIR (plus tax on the original amount since I live in GA), so the Fuze becomes an 18GB player. I listen to lots of audio books in MP3 format, so the Fuze is ideal for my needs. If I had it to do all over again, I definitely would have passed on the Sansa Connect deal.

It says the item is "New - Bulk Packaged". What does "Bulk Packaged" mean here? Does it mean it doesn't come sealed in a retail box and/or doesn't include certain accesories or documentation?

conjett said:How easy it it to replace the battery in the Fuse?
as someone has said, it can be done. you can find instructions and info at a couple forums. you have to disassemble the player and perhaps do some soldering. plus you have to track down a compatible battery, as Sandisk doesn't sell them. so its very much a DIY effort
kbedwardz said:Obviously you guys have done your research! Any opinion on whether the sound quality on either the Clip or this Fuze would be better than my existing Sansa e250? Just wondering if it would be worth my while to upgrade...always in search of better sound quality! Btw I am running a ver of Rockbox on mine, if that makes a difference in sound quality over normal firmware, I don't know.

thanks
i think its worth it. i have an e200 series player, Clip, and Fuze. both the Fuze and E200 are "rockbox'd" and i can hear the difference. music is louder, clearer, and has better sound separation or w/e its called on the Fuze. it has noticeably better sound dynamics. Clip is the same, although i notice v.2 Clip has fuller, richer bass at default audio settings then my v.1 Fuze and Clip

either that or i'm just hearing things!

budster said:It says the item is "New - Bulk Packaged". What does "Bulk Packaged" mean here? Does it mean it doesn't come sealed in a retail box and/or doesn't include certain accesories or documentation?
most commonly it means no retail package and most likely no instructions / literature. it should come with the data / charge cable and earbuds. i have ordered "bulk package" stuff b4 and everything essential is included just as it would be in a retail box

the instructions are "quick start" with Sansa players, anyway. if you purchase you may want to d/l the complete owners manual online. its easy to find with google

This Sansa Fuze will be more than 2x the cost I paid buying the 2 GB Sansa Clip from the deal from OD a month ago. However the price compares show that it is the best deal for a new unit. Also the expandibility to possibly 16 GB makes this deal very intriguing. I'm tempted -- might just spring for one.

BTW I'm very pleased with my Sansa Clip.

Update: OK I'm in for one. My deal was $28.47 + $6.95 shipping = $35.42 shipped. Got in with about 1 hr to spare.

Please note item moved to yesterdays shnoop
yesterdays shnoop

Deal is dead. Very nice for those who got in. Any good deals on 16GB microSDHC cards?

Apparently, shnoop is actually sending out refurbished units (with a R etched into the lower right back of the unit). That's what I got. Not sure how to deal with this. Can't believe they blatently send out refurbished units when they were advertised as new.

Received mine today -- bubble mailer 1st class postage. Color = Black. Bulk packed & includes the earbuds & the "proprietary" USB cable. No "R" etched into the back of mine. Looks to be brand new to me. Pristine condition.

My battery charge was 52% or 57% right out of the package -- so I played the FM stereo radio for awhile. Reception & sound was good -- maybe even better than my Sansa Clip.

Mine came with Firmware version 1.01.15 Ran the Sansa Updater -- latest firmaware update is 1.02.26 --- got it & installing it.

I like it & plan to keep it. Can DL user manual via link from Sansa Forum. Thanks again OP.

OMG! I thought I had a NEW unit because I didn't see the "R" etched on to the back. Lo & behold --- I just looked closer & now I do see the "R" etched faintly on the back. I may just keep it anyway. But this PO's me. The order confirm clearly says a NEW unit -- therfore this is fraudulent business practice. I e-mailed them like some of you guys did.

Same here. I see the "R" etched faintly on the back, also.