SanDisk has launched a new MP3 player into its well-received Sansa line.

The ickle "Clip" comes in at the smallest end of the range and will rival Apple's iPod shuffle and Creative's ZEN Stone and ZEN Stone Plus in terms of market position.

Described as the same size as a matchbox (see the image for the device's dimensions in comparison to a quarter, and slightly bizarrely, a golf ball) the Clip will be available with 1 or 2GB capacities.

File support comes in for MP3 and WMA and it also boasts an FM tuner and recorder and a voice recorder.

Its OLED screen puts it a notch above the shuffle and the Creative Stone, and the claimed 15 hours battery life is respectable for a player of this size.

Its namesake clip feature will make this more attractive than Creative's clip-less Stone players for those who want to use this for active pursuits and exercise.

Price-wise (and this is an American launch at this stage) it'll set folks back a rather reasonable $40 and $60.

The Sansa Clip is due to be available in the States during September in blue, pink red and black. We'll let you know UK/Euro price'n'dates when we do.