in some cases, windows may register the device as a "media player". in this mode you cannot view random files/folders like a normal storage device. this threw me off since on my laptop it registered as ordinary removable storage mode, whereas on my desktop it registered as a media player.
there is a setting on the unit to auto detect this mode (media player if capable?). however you can force the unit into storage mode and navigate the drive.
Go to Settings -> USB -> Choose MSC
When you connect it to your computer it will show as a drive. Open the drive you should see the folders.
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* If you do not see "Music" folder you should do the following.
On your computer Start -> Settings -> Control Panel. When you go to control panel window on the top Tools -> Folder Options -> View. In the selection make sure "Show hidden files and folders" selected.
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random review:
The good: The Sansa View digital media player is an incredible value considering its features, which include photo and video support, a microSD card slot, an FM radio, and a voice recorder. The screen is relatively large, and there's a separate podcast menu for easy sorting of such content. It works with Mac and Windows and supports WMA subscription services and Audible.
The bad: The Sansa View is large for a flash player, and the onscreen interface is somewhat uninspiring. The small center select button may present a problem for some users.
The bottom line: If you value features and price over a flashy interface and excellent sound quality, the SanDisk Sansa View digital media player is definitely worth a look. It's easy to use and offers a relatively large screen and a memory expansion option.
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some quick specs:
dimaneions: 4.3 inches by 1.9 inches by 0.4 inch
diagonal screen size 2.4
screen resolution 240 x 320
internal flash memory 8Gb
microSDHC slot (external, 16Gb limit? ~= 24gb unit max?)
internal lithium polymer (5 hours video, 32 hours audio)
voice recording, built-in microphone
built-in FM radio
USB 2.0 via cable
In addition to standard MP3 files, the Sansa View can play back a healthy array of other digital media files. There's direct support for JPEG photos and MPEG4, WMV, and H.264 videos. This player can even take videos purchased from services such as Amazon Unboxed and TiVoToGo, and it should have no problem with video podcasts acquired through iTunes. The Sansa Media Converter, available as a download, can transcode other (unprotected) formats for View. On the audio side, you get support for WAV, AAC (unprotected), Audible, and both protected and unprotected WMA. The player will work with any Windows Media-based audio service, such as Napster or Rhapsody. If you get tired of digital audio, switch over to the onboard FM tuner, which features autoscan and 20 preset slots.