Cons: Doesn't hold many songs, PC software can be confusing
The Bottom Line: You can't beat the price, the sound is amazing, it's extremely lightweight and portable. All-around a very good deal for the MP3 "newbie."
UNovelGirl's Full Review: Samsung Yepp YP-N30 (64 MB) MP3 Player
Overall, the Samsung YP-N30S is an all-around good choice for those who are just beginning to dabble in the wonderful world of MP3 players (like me). Certainly, it's no iPod, but it does have redeeming qualities and you can hardly beat the price (purchased at Best Buy for $79 in November '03).
We'll start with the good things.
Size, for one. It's small (about 3"x3") and it's also one of the lightest in weight on the market (just over 6 oz). It should come with a nifty belt clip, too. The unit is light enough and the clip is sturdy enough to stand up to a workout at the gym or even for those who like to jog. This MP3 player will hold up under pressure.
The 1.75" LCD display is incredibly bright! It's not color, but it's easy to read, day or night, even in bright sunlight. The icons are big enough to distinguish what they are, yet the display is small enough that the unit itself can still be compact.
Lastly, this little number packs some real SOUND! You'd never guess such powerful sound could come from such a tiny device! Seriously, it's got an awesome "bass booster" and it automatically adjusts itself, ensuring that you get just the sound you were MEANT to hear. I can't say enough about the sound quality.
It also has a "voice recorder" option, though I haven't found a need to use that yet, so I won't comment on it here.
Now, there are a few downsides, but not many. It doesn't "do" much. Like I said, it's no iPod, but what do you expect for $80? iPod runs around $400 (for a good one), so the price comparison is a no-brainer if you're on a tight budget. It doesn't have all the perks (i.e. costly accessories) that the iPod has, but you can go to the Samsung website and purchase a few nifty additions that will compliment the player nicely.
The software to install on your PC is a little confusing. Don't buy a unit that doesn't come with the manual and you won't have a real problem. Supposedly you can get the manual from the Samsung site, but I attempted to do so before I wrote this review and it wouldn't pull it up, so don't count on finding one online if you purchase a used one on Ebay or similar site.
The biggest downside I can think of is that it only holds about 15-20 MP3s, depending on size. If you think you need more than this, then my guess is that you're a pretty experienced MP3 afficianado (or you're planning on becoming one) and you should just save your dinero and put the iPod on layaway or something. This is not for you.
If, however, you're just looking for an MP3 player to have fun with or to take to the gym, etc, then this is a good contender and should be something you really consider before you purchase whatever the salesperson is pushing at you. This one will likely serve all your needs.
Components:
- Specifics not given in manual. Estimated size is 3.5" x 3.0". Weight: 6.4 oz.
- Uses ONE AAA/LR02 alkaline battery.
- Playing time: Up to 15 hours. Actual playing time may vary by type and capacity of the battery.
- Upgradable: You can upgrade the built-in programs, add functions, CODEC, etc, if available from www.samsungyepp.com.
- MP3 & WMA Playback: MP3 is an MPEG1 Layer3 audio format. WMA is a Microsoft Media audio format.
- Removable Storage Device: You can easily copy and paste files to your Yepp player using Windows Explorer.
- Backlight: Functional blue-color backlight on a 1.75" screen.
- Included with purchase: Yepp player, Earphone, USB Cable, Installation CD, User Manual, Belt Clip, 1.5V AAA battery, Neck Strap.
- Memory: 64MB built-in memory.
- System Requirements: Pentium 133MHz or greater, Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP, 20MB available hard disk space, CD-ROM drive (double speed or greater), USB port (1.1) supported, VGA graphic.
64 MB built-in flash memory Supports playback of MP3 and WMA files Features upgradeable firmware to support future file formats Includes FM tuner and ...More at Amazon Marketplace
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