Samsung YPNDU28EF Techno Yepp 128MB Digital Audio Player with FM Tuner

by Samsung

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 3.5 x 2.8 inches ; 2.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005NCXZ
• Item model number: YPNDU28EF
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #304,893 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The Samsung Techno D is a professional kind of MP3 player. It comes with more than adequate memory (128 MB--64 MB built in and a 64 MB card--enough for two hours of near-CD quality audio), a SmartMedia slot for additional flash memory, an FM-radio-bearing remote control, and voice recording via 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 fine on its own, you can also access audio and playback features using the "remote control" unit that connects with a special plug. The remote control contains an audio jack and also has a built-in FM receiver that can be tuned and 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 may depend more on location and body orientation than with most radios.

We tested the Techno D's software by transferring a number of tracks from various albums at different compression rates, and the USB interface moved the files around swiftly. 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 easily handled 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 was also a breeze. Each time you press the record button, the Yepp begins a new sequentially numbered audio file. The quality of recording was surprisingly good, and we picked up distant voices well. You can erase these files directly off the unit (same for MP3 files) or manage them with the standalone program.

Note that the manual doesn't mention the music industry SDMI format, but it does say 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 minimal fuss while providing sophisticated controls for the user who wants its wide array of features. --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

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An Impressive MP3 Player But Needs Improvement, November 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Samsung YPNDU28EF Techno Yepp 128MB Digital Audio Player with FM Tuner (Electronics)

This is a decent MP3 player and only a few flaws kept it from earning a four-star rating.

PROS:

Great Sound Overall: I'm ready to shelve both my cassette and CD
player portables. The 3D effect is cool but only when listening to MP3s encoded at 96kbs or higher.

Decent Memory Capacity: 128MB (64MB built in and 64MB in the form of a Smart Media card) is more than adequate for listening to a couple of hours worth of near cd quality music.

Skip Free: 'nuff said
Attractive, hi-tech design: Drew lots of envious and inquisitive
looks from friends and strangers alike.

Very compact and lightweight: A caveat...After wearing a bulky cassette type walkman at the gym, I couldn't believe how light this player felt. Be careful. At first, you can forget
that you're wearing it.

Easy to use software: The Mac version for encoding and downloading MP3s is a breeze to use.

COMPLAINTS:

1)The Headphones: Unless your ear canals are humongous, you'll find the one-size-fits-all earbud style headphones included with the Yepp very uncomfortable. These ill-fitting earbuds constantly popped out of my ears which made listening to the Yepp while engaged in physical activity an exercise in frustration. Like me, you'll give these to a big-eared friend (or a small-eared enemy) and get the more secure headband style headphones.

2)Needs More Ooomph: Volume was adequate for listening while indoors but I would have liked more volume for higher than average noise environments (the gym, the subway, etc.) and to compensate for lower volume music tracks.

3)Controls: The eject button (for removing and replacing the Smart Media card) broke and I had to have my unit replaced. I hope the new one is not so fragile. Also the button which opens the door to the Smart Media card slot is too easily tripped.

4)Battery Life: Jiminy Cricket! The Yepp eats batteries for breakfast! This is especially true when the remote control/fm receiver is connected to the unit. Tip: If you really don't need the convenience of the remote, leave it home. It'll save you a couple hours' worth of battery life.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Considering the end price, this player was a bargain!, November 21, 2001

By 

T. Iglesias (Bronx, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Samsung YPNDU28EF Techno Yepp 128MB Digital Audio Player with FM Tuner (Electronics)

This is my second player and in comparison to my first this is a dream machine! My old machine was an audiovox MPDJ 1000. I didn't have any problems with the old player (which after reading the reviews of that player I was probably lucky!), but it didn't have enough memory and the audiovox player does not take non proprietary memory cards.

I just got the player today, and still haven't filled it up yet!(Considering my MP3 and CD collection, I'm surprised I didn't fill it up completely in 15 minutes!) It was easy to set up, I love having the FM tuner and unlike the previous reviews can't really complain about the headphones. I found them quite comfortable.

How I ended up not really paying anything for this player is a long story, but with the sale price, free shipping, gift certificate, free extra viking 32 mb smart media card, and paid for on a webcertificate this deal could not be beat. ... I basically got paid to buy this player!

I would offer the following recommendations:

1) I would just transfer the files via drag and drop, and bypass the real jukebox. I only see the real jukebox as helpful if you need to listen to the file before putting into the player as a refresher. Transferring the files directly into the player and bypassing Real Jukebox saves a TREMENDOUS amount of time.

2) The fm radio/tuner does sometime depend on the way you are situated and on where the antennae is facing. Point the LCD screen AWAY from you, preferably toward a window and you should get excellent sound. As a remote it's great. For all urban dwellers it's totally convenient to be able to hide your player in your pocket and have only the tiny remote visible. If you ride the subway once the subway goes into the tunnel you merely switch from FM to MP3 with the click of a button. This is great lightweight but solid player.

Those are the only two warnings, this is a GREAT player and a wonderful buy for the price!

I am a pretty informed shopper and comparison shop extensively before buying, and I would highly recommend this player without hesitation.

-t.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Techno Yepp is a good product, November 13, 2001

By 

Joseph Kotran "jkotran" (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Samsung YPNDU28EF Techno Yepp 128MB Digital Audio Player with FM Tuner (Electronics)

The Samsung Techno Yepp (STY) is my first MP3 player so I do not have anything to compare it with. With that in mind I offer the following comments:

Positive Features:

o The STY provides good audio quality. The sound is strong and clean, although the bass is a bit weak.

o The STY provides good audio quality. The sound is strong and clean, although the bass is a bit weak. Yes, I just wrote that. I want to stress the point that the sound quality is good. The primary feature of any audio player should be sound quality. The STY delivers good sound quality.

o The STY is very convenient. The MP3 player is quite small, easy to carry/wear, and it does not skip. These characteristics make it very useful while exercising or working.

o The STY has a built-in sound equalizer that helps to improve the playback sound quality. I often play recordings of classic American radio programs from the 30's, 40's, and 50's. This feature reduces the hiss, pops, and other flaws that are common in old radio programs. It is also useful with modern hi-fidelity recordings as well. Depending on the type of music the different equalizer modes can restore some of the warmth and depth that is lost in the MP3 format.

Negative Features:

o I would recommend using different headphones than the ones that are supplied. They sound a bit tinny and they are uncomfortable.

o The STY requires use of Samsung's provided software for loading and unloading recordings. Unforutunately they do not support the Linux computer operating system. Macintosh or Windows computers are well supported though.

o The FM radio tuner that comes with the STY is not integrated with the MP3 player. It is a seperate "remote control" that is part of the headphone cable. The tuner works well and sounds fine, but it is a bit cumbersome. It acts as a lead weight on the headphone cable making the headphones pull on your ears when you are moving about.

I recommend this product as it provides you with good sound quality in a small, convenient player that does not skip.

Best regards,

Joe Kotran