SanDisk MP3 Player Targets Tween Market

The SanDisk Shaker sports a variety of features that will appeal to kids and is also price sensitive.

If your kids are itching to get their hands on a trendy new MP3 player, but a $250 iPod isn’t in the cards, SanDisk’s new Sansa Shaker model may fit the bill. Set to retail at $39.99, the Shaker is targeted at the “tween” audience that may not need all the slick features and storage capacity of a more expensive device.

Besides the price tag, the Shaker also has some other kid-friendly features that set it apart from the pack. The simple interface is controlled by two touch-sensitive bands, or alternately, by shaking the device. A quick snap up and down moves users from one song to the next. The Sansa Shaker also includes a built-in speaker and two headphone jacks to make sharing music easier.

The Shaker’s look is also tailored to a younger audience. It has a distinctive hourglass shape and will be offered in pink or blue, with stickers included for kids to customize their own players.

On the tech side of things, the Shaker offers a removable 512MB flash memory card and a single AAA battery which SanDisk says should keep the player going for 15 hours.

“This is part of SanDisk’s continuing strategy of introducing MP3 players for every lifestyle, with a wide range of features and price points,” said Keith Washo, SanDisk retail product marketing manager, in a release.

Expect to find the Sansa Shaker in stores by late April.