Samsung Techno Yepp 64 MB Digital Audio Player

by Samsung

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000059RAB
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #378,107 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com 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

Pros:

• Complex set of choices handled easily through LCD interface and specific buttons
• USB-based transfer works seamlessly and quickly with Windows
• Built-in memory for one to three hours of music (depending on quality) with expansion slot for more

Cons:

• Included RealJukebox software limited to ripping music at 96 Kbps
• Burns through batteries--but what MP3 player doesn't?
• SecuMAX copyright protection software is not explained well

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great little toy with a few drawbacks, August 13, 2001

By 

H. Taylor (PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Samsung Techno Yepp 64 MB Digital Audio Player (Electronics)

All in all this is a great player. The worst thing about it is the headphones. I guess I have small ears because they don't even fit inside. My husband said he wore them for one hour and they hurt his ears so bad he threw them out. We had to run out and purchase a better headset. Also...the FM tuner is a separate entity that attaches by a cord to the player. Don't be fooled by the size because now you have to have 2 things clipped to your belt. That was a big disappointment. It never said that anywhere!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mostly Good - a few flaws, June 8, 2001

By 

RJM "rjm53" (Castro Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Samsung Techno Yepp 64 MB Digital Audio Player (Electronics)

My 3rd MP3 player (IJam and Rave2200) Good Points: reasonable price with FM mode and memory, good sound quality, remote control allows full control of unit. Minor Flaws: a bit large (compared to the Rave2200), remote a bit bulky and the buttons on remote are somewhat difficult to use (accidental pressing buttons is very easy), mostly plastic parts - not metal as advertised, highest volume level could be louder. CONs:Equalizer is useless, all EQ modes make sound muddy, 3D mode is terrible, huge distortion.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mac Users: Ignore the Editorial..., July 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Samsung Techno Yepp 64 MB Digital Audio Player (Electronics)

I bought this MP3 player whilst in America, as it is unavailable in the UK. Compared to the paulty, overpriced offerings in the UK, this MP3 player is fantastic.

After ordering it, I returned to the Amazon editorial review, and became worried when I read that it didn't work with a Macintosh. I own an iMac. However, this turned out to be incorrect. The player's software CD comes with a Mac explorer that works fine, and I have been copying tracks with typical macintosh ease. There is currently no OSX version of the Explorer, but Samsung do provide updates on a dedicated web site, so I imagine there will be a version available soon.

As for the features, OK so the radio isnt all that great, but MP3s sound perfect, and you can fit an hour onto this player easily (at 192Kb encoding). My advice, though, is to purchase an additional 64Mb card, for two hours of music. And anyway, it does look very cool...