The new Samsung YP-NEU's (or Yepp) simple design and functionality, makes it an attractive MP3 player.
First impressions suggest that this player is aiming directly for the teen market. Samsung has steered away from the chrome box-designs ubiquitous across the range of MP3 players on the market. Cased in a semi-translucent blue or orange plastic casing, about double the size of the smaller Baby Yepp 'cute' is the best way to describe it. It can be placed in a holster and worn around the neck as high-tech amulet.
Even if you've never seen an MP3 player before you should be able to get the Yepp running within minutes of taking it out of the box. The button layout on the face of the player is simple and effortless. Hold down play to turn it on -- its forward, back and stop buttons are self-explanatory.
The remote control buttons reflect this simplicity. In our opinion, they're actually better than thoses on the player itself. The barrel shape of the remote is a bit uncomfortable at first, as is the button placement. However, with the help of the player's back-lit LCD, displaying playback details, after a while the remote turned out to be quite user friendly. This design is especially suitable for people on the go, such as joggers, skaters and scooters as it places the control within easy reach.
It's important to note the inclusion of a hold button on both the player and the remote, cutting off the function of all the buttons when pressed, stops the unwanted adjustment or skipping of a track if the buttons are bumped while in use.
The YP-NEU's 16-bit CISC processor produces acceptable sound quality, replaying tracks at CD quality expected by MP3 owners. But of course the 7milli-watt earphones that are standard with the player don't do this quality any justice.
Samsung's suggestion that two AAA batteries give 10 hours of playback is not an exaggeration, but its not exciting either. We recommend that you invest in rechargeable batteries.
Partnering the YP-NEU is Real networks Jukebox and RealPlayer, which allow files to be downloaded to your computer and transferred to the unit via USB cable. The personalised Yepp Explorer, a file management program designed for the Player, allows tracks to be moved from your computer's hard drive to the player's Flash memory or Smart Media card. If you can use a dropdown menu and save a file you will be able to transfer and copy files to the player with speed and ease.
The 32M flash memory translates into storage for around 11 to 12 CD quality, 3-minute tracks. This is reasonable, but if you're picky, the smart media card port on the player enables expansion to 64M or 128M.
One limitation I noticed was the SecMax feature of the player, which halts the transfer of copyrighted music from the player to computer. It is frustrating if you are copying music encoded (or ripped) from music you own for personal use, but it's a reality of the post-Napster era.
We were impressed with the transfer speeds possible between the PC and the Yepp. At 1.6Mpbs, tit takes under 5 seconds to transfer a normal 3-minute track from hard drive to either flash memory or the Smart Media card.
Overall the YP-NEU is a MP3 player which stands the rest, in both its look and the manner in which it is made to conform to the user's needs.
Company: Samsung Electronics
Price:
Distributor: Samsung Electronics Australia
Phone: 1300 369 600
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i lost the cd for the YP-NEU yepp mp3 player i just wanted to know is ther any way i could get it working without the cd