Rockbox Firmware for Sandisk Sansa
I recently tried out the open source Rockbox firmware for my Sandisk Sansa e280. I have to say I am very impressed. It removes most of the issues that exist with the default firmware and adds a lot of new capability to the player.
The main drawbacks (for me) of the default Sansa firmware are as follows: slow start-up, requires database refresh on every start-up, limited file compatibility, unable to read m3u playlists, difficult to encode video for player without proprietary software and the inability to load video onto player in MSC mode among others.
Rockbox addresses these issues in almost every respect. It can not only play MP3 and WMA files, but also OGG/Vorbis, FLAC, AAC and others. It starts up in under 5 seconds as opposed to over 10 for the default firmware. Once the database is created (a much faster process than on the default firmware), it does not need to be rebuilt at every restart. All playlists in Rockbox use the m3u standard and as such are very easy to create and edit for use by the player. Rockbox also allows the player to read MPEG video files which was impossible before.
The only drawback so far is that Rockbox does not support the usb connection from the player to your computer. What this means is that with Rockbox running, you cannot connect to your computer to transfer files (you can still charge your player in this manner). In order transfer files you must boot the player into the original firmware; but since it was not deleted from the player this is easily done by holding down a button when turning on the player. It should also be noted that since Rockbox is always evolving, this issue will most likely be resolved in the future (especially since it appears that Sandisk is supporting the Rockbox effort).
Comments
Posted by: Wesley R. Elsberry
Posted on: November 10, 2007 08:12 PM
I just loaded RockBox on my Sansa e280. I'm feeling experimental, so I'm looking for a description of encoding a video for this combination. It sounds like you've done this; can you give me a pointer on your process (tools used, command lines given, etc.)?
Posted by: Joe
Posted on: November 10, 2007 08:32 PM
Sorry for misleading you, but I have been unsuccessful in my video encoding attempts thus far. The Rockbox website actually has a tutorial on how to do it, but it didn't work for me. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Posted by: spoiler1
Posted on: November 14, 2007 10:17 PM
I have a Sansa e250 that I installed Rockbox on and do not have the issue you are having with the USB connection.
I connect my USB to my computer and it recognizes my e250 with no problems.
The only reason the data refreshes is because of your microSD card, take it out and try it and see what happens. The Sansa looks to see what is new on the card, even if nothing ( annoying feature ).
Posted by: philz
Posted on: February 5, 2008 08:34 PM
you can actually turn off the 'refresh at every startup' so.. yea.