SanDisk Intros the Latest iPod Nano Competitor

SanDisk today introduced a new MP3 player it intends as competition to the iPod nano -- the new Sansa Fuze MP3 player. It's coming in April in 2, 4 and 8GB capacities for $79.99, $99.99 and $129.99 respectively.

The flash-based Sansa Fuze features a 1.9-inch color screen, and has the ability to play MP3, WMA, secure WMA, WAV, Audible and Overdrive files. It can also play MPEG-4 video and display JPEG videos (it doesn't work with protected files from the iTunes Store, however).

The device also features a built-in FM radio tuner and a slot for microSD cards, so you can add additional content on the fly. It has a voice recorder, as well. SanDisk will offer the 4GB Sansa Fuze in colors including pink, red, blue, black and silver (the 8GB comes in silver only; the 2GB comes in black only). The device incorporates an internal rechargeable battery that plays audio for up to 24 hours and plays video for up to 5 hours between charges.

The Sansa Fuze includes Windows software, and also supports the Mac and Linux computers in MSC mode, which enables the device to work as a mass storage peripheral, where you can drag and drop audio or video files.