After Apple’s last week major overhaul operated for the iPod line, it’s time for SanDisk, the second most important player on the market, to reveal the aces it has up the sleeve. 

The Sansa View, revealed two days ago, is available in two flavors, the cheaper model being equipped with an 8GB Flash memory module, while the more expensive one has double that amount of memory. The 8GB MP3 player costs $149.99, while the 16GB unit costs $199.99.

The two models boast with a 2.4” widescreen display with 320x240 resolution; digital FM radio with 20 pre-sets; an integrated microphone and voice recording, and Audible audiobooks. Plus the blue scroll-wheel that made SanDisk’s MP3 players so famous.

Users can of course store pictures and audio on the generous Flash modules, but with that amount of storage space and with the 320x240 screen video files are more suitable.

But for all that you need a good battery. SanDisk says that Sansa View’s lithium polymer battery can last for 35 h when playing audio files, and for 7 hours when playing video content. This estimation is based on continuous playback at 128 kbps MP3; battery life and performance may vary depending upon usage and settings. The downside is that the battery is not replaceable.

Sansa View supports most audio formats, including MP3, protected and unprotected WMA, WAV and DRM-free MP3 downloads. The gadget also features gapless playback for smoother music transition.

For the video part, the portable music players (because that’s what they are, essentially) boast with MPEG4, WMV, H.264 video compatibility. Additionally, the Sansa Media Converter supports a large number of other video formats, including DivX. The framerate according to SanDisk is at 30fps.

At its slimmest part, the Sansa View measures 8.8mm. A MicroSD/SDHC expansion slot is available for additional memory.

SanDisk had also revealed in late August a new line of Sansa Clip MP3 players, which also feature built-in FM radio, microphone and MP3, WMA and Audible audio compatibility. The cheapest Sansa Clip costs $39.99, while the most expensive reaches $59.99.