Samsung Techno Yepp 64 MB Digital Audio Player Description
Technical Details
Total included memory: 64 MB
Audio playback time (near CD quality): Over 1 hour
Onboard memory: 64 MB flash memory
Included memory cards: 0
Compatible memory type(s): SmartMedia
Memory expansion slots: 1
MP3 playback: Yes
WMA playback: No
SDMI compliant: No, but uses comparable SecuMAX copyright protection
Add digital audio standards: No
Display: LCD
FM tuner: Yes
Voice recording: Yes
Color: Metallic silver with blue highlighting
Track programming: Yes
Random play: Yes
Repeat: Yes
Forward/reverse: Yes
Bookmark: No
Hold: Yes
Tone: Yes
Preset EQ curves: Yes
Bass boost: No
AC adapter: No
Car adapter: No
Belt clip: No
Carrying case: Yes
Batteries: 2 AAA batteries
Headphones: Yes, earbuds included
Software: Yepp Explorer for file management between PC and Techno D,
RealNetworks RealJukebox for ripping MP3s
Interface: USB (cable included)
Transfer rate: 1.5 Mbps, minimum
Battery life: Up to 8 hours
Compatibility: Windows 98 and 2000
PC system requirements: 133 MHz Intel Pentium processor, USB port, CD-ROM drive
In the box: Techno D MP3 player, remote control, case, earbuds, 2 AAA batteries,
USB cable, desktop PC software for transferring and creating digital audio files
Width: 2.75 inches
Height: 3.46 inches
Depth: 0.83 inches
Weight: 2.68 ounces (without battery)
Warranty, parts: 1 year
Warranty, labor: 1 year
Product Description
Product Description
Review
If it's not oxymoronic to say this, the Samsung Techno D is a professional kind
of MP3 player. It comes with more than adequate internal RAM (64 MB), a
SmartMedia slot for additional flash memory, an FM-radio-bearing remote control,
and voice recording via a built-in microphone. It's close to being all-things
audio for the digital age.
The Techno D ships with RealNetworks' RealJukebox software for ripping MP3
files from CDs and building playlists. We were disappointed to find that this
included version limits ripping to 96 kbps (128 kbps provides near-CD quality
audio), though an upgrade is available at additional cost. At this time, there's
no module that allows RealJukebox to directly transfer and manage the Techno D's
storage, so Samsung includes a simple program to handle the internal memory and
initialize and manage any SmartMedia memory cards.
The Techno D has a regular audio jack, volume control, equalization and 3-D
sound simulations, and a three-line LCD that shows the current song, artist, and
album being played. We fooled around with the 3-D sound settings for a bit of
fun, but they provide too much distortion for professional recordings. However,
the equalization worked well to balance sounds depending on the music style
(such as rock and jazz).
While the Techno D works just fine on its own, you can also access audio and
playback features using the "remote control" unit that connects using a special
plug. The remote control contains an audio jack and also has a built-in FM
receiver that can be tuned, and you can store station presets. It has a small
LCD screen to show track number, FM station, and battery life. The radio relies
on the included earphones as its antenna, so reception can be more dependent on
location and body orientation than with most radios.
We tested the Techno D's software by transferring a number of tracks from
different albums at different compression rates, and the USB interface made
swift work of moving the files around. We tried a low rate of ripping via
RealJukebox to squeeze about three hours of music into the built-in 64 MB of
RAM, and the player had no problems handling that many titles.
The sound quality was always good, even though batteries can burn up fast: a
few hours of time empties the AAA alkalines, so stock up on rechargeables and a
charger. Audio recording with the built-in microphone also was a breeze. Each
time the record button is pressed, the Yepp begins a new sequentially numbered
audio file. The quality of recording was surprisingly good, and we picked up
distant voices well. These files can be erased directly off the unit (as can MP3
files) or managed via the standalone program.
Note that the manual doesn't mention the music industry SDMI format, but it
does note in passing that the unit supports SecuMAX. This format is proprietary
to Samsung, and it appears at the moment to merely limit MP3 copying from Yepp
to Yepp.
The Samsung Techno D is a solid performer that works well with a minimum of
fuss while providing sophisticated controls for the user who needs the wide
array of features found in this player. --Glenn Fleishman
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