I use the Clip Zip primarily for copy-protected audio books downloaded on loan from our local library. After operating well for several months, the Zip now powers itself off within 5 to 60 seconds of power-on, even when the battery has plenty of charge.
An exception is when I first connect to a PC (Win 7) and the Zip powers up. If, within a few seconds, I begin formatting the Zip and reload the content, the Zip will power-on normally the first time after being disconnected from the PC, and will remain ‘on’ for as long as it is in use. However, once it is shut off, either manually or following an idle period (which is normal), it will not remain powered on following the next startup.
As stated previously, I did format the Zip. I also did a ‘factory reset’ via the Zip settings menu, and loaded a different book in case the previous book had a file corruption problem that would lead to the power-down malfunction.
I now also notice a charging problem. When the Zip was working properly, it remained ‘on’ during charging, I guess to monitor the state of the charge so that the battery would not overcharge. Now, when the ‘off’ Zip is connected to the PC or charger, it does not remain ‘on’ for long and does not charge unless, during PC connection, the format function is begun quickly.
I was thinking of unloading, then reloading, the latest firmware (it is up to date), but see no way to ‘unload’. As the firmware version is current, the Sansa updater doesn’t offer to update the Zip.
I had also thought there may be a date/time conflict, but the date is correct, the hour is correct, and the minute change on the Zip is different from my PC minute time by less than a minute.
Suggestions? Thanks.