Samsung's latest MP3 player directly challenges the iPod shuffle. The flash-based Samsung YP-U2, like the iPod shuffle, features an integrated USB 2.0 design. Unlike the shuffle, it has an FM tuner, a voice recorder, WMA DRM 10 compatibility, and last but not least, an LCD. Despite mediocre battery life and an awkward headphone-jack placement, we like the overall design and sound quality of the YP-U2 (though the name is unoriginal). It is available in two capacities -- 512MB (AU$129) and 1GB (AU$179).
The Samsung YP-U2 -- available in white or black -- is a tad shorter and thicker than the iPod shuffle, at 24.4 by 87.5 by 12.6mm, and a hair heavier at 28g. The body design is decidedly elegant and simple, with a small but bright and crisp monochrome LCD. The screen's reverse polarity (white text on black) gives it a legible old-school feel, though viewing angles aren't spectacular. The screen can be seen without the backlight; this is useful when you're outdoors in the sun. Packed on to the little screen in playback mode is information including the track number, the EQ setting, battery life, a time-elapsed meter, and single-line scrolling-track info.
The black Samsung YP-U2 next to an iPod Shuffle.
The primary controller is a tactile four-way square with a big selector button (M) in the centre. Navigating the Samsung YP-U2 is a cinch, though you'll soon learn that to get to the main menu from any other screen, you'll have to hold the M button rather than press it. You can press up and down to control the volume and right and left to forward and reverse.
Animated icon-based main-menu options on the Samsung YP-U2 are music, navigation, FM radio and settings -- a refreshingly simple set of choices. Music is broken down by track, artist, album, genre, playlist, favourite, and recorded, and these choices can be displayed by pressing the M button on the playback screen. Browsing through tracks four at a time -- the maximum number of items displayed on the screen -- would be challenging if there's a lot of songs. But the LCD beats the iPod shuffle's blind navigation any old day.
Two thin buttons -- one for play/pause/power, the other for recording -- line the top of the Samsung YP-U2 as you read the LCD. Pausing the player can be a tad counterintuitive, as it cannot be done with the primary controller. Holding the Record button puts the player into active recording mode; there is no voice-recording option in the main menu, which keeps the user from fumbling around to record. Unfortunately, voice-recording quality -- even at the maximum 128Kbps MP3 -- is weak and muffled. Conveniently, the record button doubles as a user hot key and can be customised to toggle through the copious equaliser settings, adjust the speed of the track (plus or minus 30 percent), activate an AB loop, or tweak the play mode. We preferred using it for the EQ, but the instant speed control can create some cool-sounding effects.
The hold switch is on the bottom of the Samsung YP-U2 near the awkwardly placed headphone jack. Trust us -- your headphones' plug will get in the way of your hand or your pocket. The other notable design feature is the transparent USB cap, which gives the YP-U2 an early-'90s see-through appeal, and thanks to an LED planted next to the USB connector, the cap will glow a funky blue at the press of a button. It's an MP3 player and a glow stick in one; too bad it's not sold in pairs. For those who find the light hideous or want to conserve power, there is an option to deactivate the LED.
We love the way the Samsung YP-U2 sounds -- once a song is playing. You'll notice the slightest click when you stop or start a song; additionally, you may notice slight digital artefacts when you adjust the volume. The device's saving grace is its amazing set of equalisers -- eight presets in all, including the monster nine-band user equaliser. The YP-U2 also includes Samsung's own DNSe surround settings; they sound great, and it's fun to flip through the sound options using the user hot key. Minus the digital clicks, overall sound quality rivals the best we've heard, with hiss-free punchy sound. Samsung has proven its emphasis on sound quality with this model and the recently released YP-Z5. You get the sense that there is a lot of processing going on underneath the hood -- which might contribute to the slow boot-up times -- but the overall end-user experience is satisfying. The YP-U2 is like a Creative MuVo on steroids.
The blue LED effect is gimmicky but helps the YP-U2 (black version shown) stand out from a crowd. In person, the effect is more blue than purple.
The FM tuner is above average, with 20 autoscannable presets, but you cannot record radio. The Samsung YP-U2 is a dual MTP/UMS device, so while you'll need Windows Media Player for DRM transfers, it will also show up as a removable drive on a Mac. Also, the unit can be set to resume playing when it's powered.
Although early press materials state a 20-hour battery life, the Samsung YP-U2 is rated for an unspectacular 13 hours (same as the iPod shuffle). This won't be an issue if you plug your player into your computer on a daily basis. We'll update this review with drain results from CNET Labs. Samsung also removed OGG support from its earlier spec sheet.
Don't expect much in the Samsung YP-U2's package. In addition to the player itself, you get a pair of earbuds, an installation CD, and a quick-start guide. It has no lanyard, no armband, and no power adapter (so you'll have to recharge via USB) -- just the basics.
Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
bonyoo
30/04/2008, 07:35 AM
rating
7/10
Please software Btaa organ and thank you very much YP-U2(B) 1GB
Pros: Please software Btaa organ and thank you very much
Cons: hamoo99@hotmail.com
Report offensive comment
RowleyBKN
18/01/2008, 11:06 AM
rating
8/10
Hey nourbiker18, I would try updating the 'firmware' of your player as it can sometimes get messed up(mine got scrambled by a friend not using the eject safely button in the notification tray). Updating is a bit of a pain mainly because the instructions were written by someone who obviously doesn't speak much English but I guess his English is better than my Korean so I shan't complain ;-)
Pros: Excellent sound quality, excellent equalizer, compact, simple to use, GOOD PRICE!
Cons: had to exchange 1st one as the hold button broke (might have been bad luck), battery life is not short but not long either.
Report offensive comment
nourbiker18
18/01/2008, 01:35 AM
rating
7/10
hi everybody
i have a problem with mine ;is that i cut all my files from it then i put them in my coputer but when i want to take them back to my yu-u2 it doesn't want to be opned in my computer ,i can't even switch it on it starts by a message (system loading) then it switch off automatically when arriving to 30% plz i need ur help
thnk u
Pros: look nice
Cons: actuel blem
Report offensive comment
MrRedman
18/09/2007, 11:50 PM
rating
9/10
Hey Liia. To delete a song without the use of a PC (or MAC) you hold the M button > System > Delete File. Then browse for the track you wish to delete.
Pros: Beats most MP3's hands-down.
Cons: Dosen't come with much. And only a year's warranty (manufacturers)
Report offensive comment
LiiA-*
09/09/2007, 05:51 PM
rating
8/10
how do you delete on them??
Pros: gud thng
Cons: ba thng
Report offensive comment
help help help
31/08/2007, 10:15 AM
rating
5/10
having trouble opening the Samsung media studio, it kept on saying "SNN_MainFrameWork.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close" can anyone help me plz
Report offensive comment
Ginny
14/08/2007, 03:21 PM
rating
7/10
I m having this prob with yp u2 mp3 player that till now it ws playin music fine but recently...when i put mp3 in player,it ds not show their existence...the problem of format is ruled out as i m putting mp3's only.surprisingly the free memory is shown less indicating tht songs r there...plz help
ok people...i think tat their is a .ini file in d player....plz if ne1 cud send me that file on my id...i wud b oblidged...mayb tat solves my prob
my email id...
rockstarginny@gmail.com
thank u
Pros: good sound,handy
Cons: battery
Report offensive comment
madstone
30/07/2007, 04:11 PM
rating
10/10
Quality MP3 player for people who has limited budget like me. Like it very much. For more quality sound, try using bigger headphones. I tried with Sennheiser HD-201 and the sound is superb!!!
Pros: 5 stars recommmended.
Lot of us compalining about the jack position BUT for me the jack's spot is the right place if we want to put the player in our pocket. Place it horizontally and ta-daa! IF the jack's spot on op of the player, we gonna need bigger space to place the player, especially in our pocket with the cable all together.
Cons: None
Report offensive comment
GiZmO
28/07/2007, 03:22 PM
rating
8/10
This is a really, really good MP3 Player. I love the DNSE 3D Effects and the Navigation Menu. The Sound Quality is superb and the Playlist feature is a real clever option.
Pros: Everything. DNSE, Navigation, Sound Quality, everything!
Cons: The Headphone jack is in a stupid spot.
Report offensive comment
JULZ
12/07/2007, 12:42 PM
rating
8/10
i haven't had any problems with mine... i have found it really easy to use... and convenient... i use the voice recorder to record my original music... its really handy... just to get stuff down etc...
and i can store a shipload of my fave tunes... but not so many that i never get to listen to them all...
Pros: great size - good for those who just want to carry around a "selection" of their favourite tunes... great for an introduction to MP3 players for those who are new to them - or those who want something simple!
Cons: didn't come with lanyard... bummer!
Report offensive comment