Short lived simplicity in a market pushing fad junk functionality...
Battery Life: Phenomenal, provided you keep things at 128 bit, 15 sec screen off, lowest brightness, and no sound enhancements. Even with, longer than most players. BTW, the next E-series for 2012 cut this down for minimal weight and form gains, making this better than their latest model.
Features: I don't like rating systems, and this doesn't have one! In place of stars, you can bookmark songs to 5 bookmark lists, so you can have each as a separate mix list of tunes you like for various occasions.
The sense technology is interesting, but I'm not a huge fan of it as it can't determine moods by anything less than the instrumentals, but still mixes things up. Custom Wallpaper functionality is something I always like in a player with color screen.
Using their MediaGo program, you can set the player to auto-convert to 128 bit files. My issues in this is in my having issues where some cover art images do no transfer (ones manually added).
My confusion is why there is no ability to update the program on the player, or no updates in general to improve the player functions. I notice the 2012 E-series 475 now adds 2 simple games. The reduced battery life for minimal weight loss does not make me interested in a Tetris or Sudoku clone.
The cord costs $15 from them should you need a new one. They will sell you one for an iPod even cheaper. What the...?
MDR-EX083 Headphones included. They make the sound what it is. However, not good for falling asleep with the unit on. Recommend also obtaining Rock'n Buds MDR-EX10LP series (color options available) or MDR-G45LP if you hate the idea of in-ear puds. Both have served me well with this player and depending on how I feel, environment, etc I do switch between all three.
Design: It is light for the capacity and battery longevity. Not the smallest player, but you don't need to have a device thinner than this. Height could be reduced but is not needed, else the button placement becomes questioned.
The display area is easily scratched. -1 star for that. I hate being forced to buy skins or protectors. The entire market of it is a waste of resources.
If you wanted to you could buy a cellphone/usb lanyard and ware the unit. It has a spot to loop lock lanyards or cellphone stuff.
Buttons are VERY easily hit in pockets. It has a Hold feature to lock the buttons, but even it can at times snag and be undone.
Overall: Compared to other models I was seeing, and the fact that this market is seeing a lot of stupidity in designs or function -adding costs, adversely affecting simple functionality, or the price for the quality is crazy; I feel this unit is very well rounded.
Additionally: I'm a little disappointed that the NWZ-E475BLK will be replacing this, as the E465 is in no way made obsolete by the E475. However, I was also disappointed when SANDISK replaced SANSA CLIP with the CLIP+ that reduced battery for form/weight, and then decided to replace that with one featuring a color screen nobody wanted/needed on it! That's why I decided on the E465! A simple player with good batter life, decent weight/form, and GREAT CAPACITY!! The entire market is hit and miss these days, it is sad.Read full review
