I haven't bought one of these MP3 players myself, but the last time I
was shopping around for a Sansa e280, I was tempted. Here's what I spent
my time doing getting that Sansa e280:
1) First, since the Sansa e280 couldn't be purchased new any more, I
went to eBay to find one. I don't spend a lot of time on eBay, so there
was a learning curve doing this.
2) At the time, Rockbox only supported v1 of the Sansa E series
firmware, so I had to contact each Sansa e280 seller and explain to them
how to check the level of firmware and make sure I was getting one that
had the v1 level of the firmware.
3) Once I got my Sansa e280, I had to reformat the Sansa's memory since
it contained a virus. Luckily my antivirus software caught it before it
got onto my hard drive.
4) After reformating the Sansa's memory, I had to download the utility
to reload the Sansa's factory firmware.
5) I was finally ready to reinstall Rockbox, which fortunately went off
without a hitch, but I'm very careful to install Rockbox manually and
follow the instructions in the manual very carefully.
6) After getting Rockbox installed, I realized the battery in the Sansa
e280 wasn't holding a charge. I replaced that battery with a battery
from one of my other Sansa e280's, which had a different problem.
I consider myself pretty technically savvy, and I did get an Sansa e280
with Rockbox installed on it, but considering how much time I spent
doing it, spending a few extra dollars to have it all done for me would
have been money well spent. I've also spent quite a bit of my time
helping others get Rockbox installed on their MP3 players, so I know
there are people out there less technically savvy than I am who probably
could not have done what I did to get my Sansa e280 up and running. I
don't think this is a rip off at all, and I think it's unfair to make
people who are less technically savvy or have less time on their hands
to feel bad or feel like they're getting ripped off when they go this route.
I could change my own oil, but I choose to take my car to a place to
have it done. I could do my own financial planning, but I choose to hire
someone to do that for me. Paying someone for peace of mind or time
saved is not a rip off.
--
Christopher (CJ)
[email protected]
On 03/07/2011 03:54 PM, David Truong wrote:
Hi,
For what it's worth. I'm from Australia and I recently bought one of these
talking mp3 players from Laz of Accessible Electronics. In fact it was the
Sansa clip 8gb. I have to say that I'm very satisfied with it. Now I
consider myself a pretty techy kinda guy but I wanted to get a mp3 player
which I could use whilst doing my fitness work. I couldn't be bothered
searching for such a beast and then having to go to the shops and buy the
player then go to the rockbox site and download the right rockbox version
and install it etc. It was so much more convenient to get Accessible
Electronics to rockbox it for me and deliver it. Also, I knew that the
player would already be good to go so no worrying about that. Plus the
price was very reasonable. Laz was very good to deal with as well.
So there you go. Personally, I'd encourage anyone who wants a great
sounding mp3 player already talking to give Accessible Electronics a look.
David Truong.
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
MS Messenger: [email protected]
Catch me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/Changa181
Skype:
blindboxer1967
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
On Behalf Of Dane Trethowan
Sent: Sunday, 6 March 2011 8:37 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Re: Presentation of Rockbox on a Talking MP3 Player
Okay, well I'd like to make it clear that I certainly don't want to ruin
anyone's reputation and I agree! the more products the blind have access to
then the better.
I've made my points and again its all down to freedom of choice.
On 06/03/2011, at 9:31 AM, Joe Giovanelli wrote:
The Rockbox folder is very complex. In order for files to be spoken,
there are some utilities which must be run. These are in another folder
which is a part of what Mr. Mesa has in his Sansa players.
I think it's wonderful to see that he has taken the time and trouble to
offer these products. He is well versed in the workings of these players
and is very patient with people who may have difficulties with the players,
especially when they first receive them.
Joe G.
----- Original Message -----
From: Dane Trethowan<[email protected]>
To: PC Audio Discussion List<[email protected]>
Date: Saturday, Mar 5, 2011 16:52:58
Subject: Re: Presentation of Rockbox on a Talking MP3 Player
Hmm, not sure about this, bordering on going against the Rockbox open
licence agreement, as you'll see from his web site he's selling Rockbox
installed on the player.
On 6/03/2011 7:05 AM, Laz Mesa wrote:
This may be interesting to those of you who have questions about what
Rockbox can do on an affordable MP3 player.
News Wire:
Laz MESA will be discussing Rockbox, a replacement firmware which can
be used with some MP3 players and which takes advantage of the
hardware capabilities of the MP3 players. Not only does it surpass the
capabilities of the original firmware, but it also adds accessibility
to those MP3 players by enabling them to speak. He'll be demonstrating
the basic functions of Rockbox, accessing the time and date, battery
charge level, playing files, using bookmarks, using the FM radio,
accessing content on the microSDHC card, etc.
Laz will be demonstrating these functions on the latest addition to
his line of affordable Rockboxed Talking MP3 Players, the Sansa Clip
Plus. The website to visit is: http://www.talkingmp3players.com/
He will then answer any questions from listeners.
Presenter: Laz Mesa, Owner, Accessible Electronics
E-Mail: [email protected]
Date: Monday, March 7, 2011
Time: 5:00 PM PST, 6:00 PM MST, 7:00 PM CST, 8:00 PM EST
and elsewhere in the world Tuesday 01:00 GMT
Approximately 15 minutes prior to the event start time; go to The Pat
Price Tek Talk Training Room at:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2
Or, alternatively.
Select The Pat Price Tek Talk Training Room at: www.accessibleworld.org
Enter your first and last names on the sign-in screen.
All Tek Talk training events are recorded so if you are unable to
participate live at the above times then you may download the
presentation or podcast from the Tek Talk archives on our website at
www.accessibleworld.org
If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online
conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that
you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available
on every entry screen to the Accessible World online rooms.
All online interactive programs are free of charge, and open to anyone
worldwide having an Internet connection, a computer, speakers, and a
sound card. Those with microphones can interact audibly with the
presenters and others in the virtual audience or text chat with the
attendees. To speak to us, hold down the control key and talk; then
let up to listen.
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