SanDisk isn't a name that jumps to mind when thinking of portable audio players, but it is a world leader in solid-state storage technology. As such, it's thrown its hefty expertise into developing its own range of portable audio players using its high-capacity memory technology. The result is the Sansa e200 series, with capacities up to 6 GB in a form factor reminiscent of the iPod nano.

The Sansa is not short of features, supporting the usual audio formats as well as pictures and video. In response to some of the bad press received by Apple over its inaccessible batteries, the Sansa also allows you to remove and replace its battery should it ever run out of mojo. It also has voice recording and an FM radio tuner and can be used as a conventional portable storage device.

The interface is via a scroll wheel, which has a solid feel but isn't quite as smooth and effortless as the iPod's click wheel.

Given SanDisk's pedigree as a memory company, it's done an impressive job with the Sansa e200 series. However, for the price, you might consider spending another few bucks for a bigger, and higher capacity, hard drive unit.