AnyThing But iPod have just put up a review of the Samsung YP-Z5 , the new line of flash based MP3 players which comes in 2GB and 4GB capacity. Tagged as the arch rival to iPod the Samsung YP-Z5 may still need some work to reach that stage. However that doesn’t mean that it is a frivolous piece of machinery as it’s quite solid and has an extremely user friendly interface. Let’s just look at the pros and cons briefly.: PROS: Solid Build, Comfortable Size, Fast Intuitive User Interface, Dedicated Volume Buttons. CONS: Proprietary Connection, No FM Radio, No OTG playlists,No UMS (MTP only)
The Samsung YP-Z5 can play audio formats like MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM, OGG and also JPEG. The player can only use Microsoft’s MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) so it is a Windows XP only device something which should have been avoided. Designed by Paul Mercer, the same fellow who designed the Nano the YP-Z5 is extremely sleek and the navigational menu with dedicated controls is a dream. Audio performance is near to flawless and it includes presets like ballad, classical, jazz, dance, house, R&B, rock, 3D-Club, 3D-Stage, and 3D-Studio.
Specification Summary
Colors: Black or Silver
Capacity: 2GB or 4GB
Audio Formats: MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM, OGG
Size: 1.66” x .45” x 3.54”
Weight: 1.98 oz
Transfer Protocol: MTP
OS Support: Windows XP
Photo Formats: JPEG
Screen: 1.8 TFT LCD
Rated Battery Life: 35hr Battery
Other Features: Music Subscription, Clock / Sleep Timer
Review by PC Magazine
The Samsung Yepp YP-Z5 is part of the opening salvo from the non-Apple high-capacity flash player camp. This is no iPod nano-killer, but it does have some advantages, including better battery life, a bigger screen, and better photo-viewing capabilities. It is also the first PlaysForSure-compatible 4GB flash player on the market—-a plus for some and a minus for others. One of the most exciting things about this MP3 player is its 30-hour battery life, which blows away the iPod nano’s 14 hours. Its chunky body (nearly twice as thick as the nano) and somewhat finicky controls are probably what will keep this otherwise satisfying player out of the limelight, but techies will love nice touches like Ogg Vorbis support. The Z5 is available in black or silver, and pricing is along the lines of the iPod nano, with the 4GB model at $249.99 (list) and the 2GB version at $199.99.
Review by CNET
We’ve been waiting to see whether the flash-based Samsung YP-Z5 deserves all the hype it received before its release. Now that we have it in hand, we can say that although it’s not perfect, it warrants consideration as an alternative to the iPod Nano. The YP-Z5’s main selling point is the same as the Nano’s: a thin, compact profile that doesn’t compromise on features. The YP-Z5 sounds great and boasts excellent battery life, and its physical design and its innovative GUI have their advantages, though there is a learning curve for the inconsistent touch pad.
Review by Pcket-Lint
Yet another contender to the iPod nano, the Samsung YP-Z5 is Samsung’s attempt at knocking the nano of its perch and stealing the limelight. But can it win us over? We take a closer look.
Black and thin (although slightly thicker than the iPod), the Samsung YP-Z5 front is dominated by two things, the large screen and the control pad.
Aside from a volume rocker switch on the side and the headphones jack on the top, the sleek design offers little else.
Review by TrustedReviews
Flash memory based music players are everywhere and if you are looking for a player, then you’ve got plenty to choose from. But Apple has ‘mindshare’. Its nano and iPod brands seem to have become generic terms for players (the shuffle is not so lucky), and the physical design of the nano is clearly the inspiration behind Samsung’s YP-Z5.
The YP-Z5 comes in 2GB and 4GB capacities. The former will set you back around £130 while the latter costs around £170. Each is available in black and silver. I was sent a 2GB model in black to try out.
Physically there are both similarities and differences to the nano. It keeps the rectangular format, with a screen at the top and controls below. While the YP-Z5 is a shade thicker it’s no giant - at 42.2mm wide x 89.8mm tall x 11.4mm deep. The 4GB version is slightly fatter at 12.3mm deep. As such it will be easily encompassed by all but the smallest of pockets.
However, its sliver metal edging inevitably capture grease from your fingers and overall it doesn’t actually look as polished a product as the nano.
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