Review of Samsung's YH-920GS MP3 player
posted December 10th 2004 2:01PM
CNet has a review of Samsung's latest Napster co-branded audio player, the YH-920GS, and they've decided it's the most promising launch since the original iPod. It's certainly got enough features, including support for MP3, WMA, Audible and Ogg Vorbis, along with line-in recording and an FM tuner. It also works with USB On-the-Go, which means you can use it to back up your digital camera without having to carry around yet another piece of gear to get the two talking. With a street price of $299 for a 20GB version, it's more or less competitive with the iPod. Still, you can't help but wonder whether Samsung is getting much out of their deal with Napster. The Napster brand doesn't really carry the weight that it used to during its outlaw days, and their online store isn't exactly doing so well.
Let me get this straight, this is at the same price point as the ipod. You can't compete at the same price point, certainly sony has learned that (the only company to attempt it with their crappy player). No matter how much the ipod sucks, its popularity means that prospective buyers will go to it in a second if the competitor is at the same price point
Thats right, why spend the same duckets on a brand that might have issues???
if im spendin ipod money on sumthin else it better be as good if not beetter....
I agree, but you would think that it's possible the iPod could be eclipsed -- there already is a wireless player coming out, and of course the Personal Video Players are showing photos, mp3s AND video... and Apple brings out a photo viewer...cool, but not innovative. Their design and usability is what keeps them on top... but how long can they get by on that alone?
But Brandon, do you realize how silly that sounds?
"Their design and usability is what keeps them on top... but how long can they get by on that alone?"
What's the point of having a million extra features, if you can't use them? Of course usability is important, it's what brings the non-techs into the market for an mp3 player in the first place. Besides, some people just want a music player that plays music, and plays it well. The iPod's simple design an interface is what gets these people hooked.
But Brandon, do you realize how silly that sounds?
"Their design and usability is what keeps them on top... but how long can they get by on that alone?"
What's the point of having a million extra features, if you can't use them? Of course usability is important, it's what brings the non-techs into the market for an mp3 player in the first place. Besides, some people just want a music player that plays music, and plays it well. The iPod's simple design an interface is what gets these people hooked.
Not so great.
This product is advertised as ultra-thin.
About ultra-thin thing: this one is 2.42"x4.2"x0.66" and iPod 20GB is 2.4"x4.1"x0.57".
About weight: 1.7lbs (155 grams) Samsung versus 5.3 ounces (150 grams) iPod.
Thus this one is ultra-thin and ultra-light compared to other products, but not iPod.
Price: this one is $239 on Amazon ( http://tinyurl.com/5yg8w ) compared to $275 for iPod ( http://tinyurl.com/48vor )
Which one would you chose? I thing i'd opt for iPod.
iPod is successful mainly for aesthetic reasons. Until another brand invests as much effort in coming up with a sleek, modern design, iPod will continue to lead. The same goes for Apple's laptop offerings. Other computer companies just don't get it.
150g == 5.3oz but 155g == 1.7lb? Say what?
In any case, the review says the Samsung weighs 5.3oz as well...
If it were a straight choice between this and the iPod, I'd go for this IF the sound quality was equal or better to the iPod's, AND the interface wasn't a pain to use. That way I wouldn't have to rerip 400-odd CDs that are currently in Ogg Vorbis. I think I'll stick with my Karma, though :)
I think it looks great.
Samsung is a huge company with an immense amount of MP3 player experience (check out their Korea-only offerings some time). This is not a fly-by-night operation.
It's actually going for $50 cheaper than the iPod.
The 4G iPod has numerous, if not pervasive, quality issues (check out ipodlounge some time).
The iPod also sounds like crap to me and many other people, I don't know why this is never pointed out. Play an iPod and a Karma, Zen or iRiver back to back and you'll see what I'm talking about.
The Samsung supports many more codecs, has an FM radio, voice recording and is apparently very easy to use (according to the CNet review).
Don't get me wrong, the iPod is terrific as a design and UI exercise, but no one should argue that it's the be-all and end-all in HDD MP3 players.
They are selling on the napster.com for $250 w/ 2 months free of Napster service. I don't know if that's considered a street price, but its pretty cheap.
I want to wait until C-net actually tests the product in the labs before i consider buying.
yea but you can only download music on ipods website no thers where samsungs you can
yea you can use samsung on napster and other websites
and napster is way cheapa
One question: would this new Samsung be equiped with FM TRANSMITTER (not RECEIVER), like the previous model? I only licence to music when driving and I hate to use headphone with wire. I love the iPod very much but I don't think it will ever be packed with FM TRANSMITTER. iTrip is external gadget so I feel that is second best, if I do not have a choice. Appreciate any one who knows the answer.
Just like To say, if you are thinking wherether you should go for the Samsung Or the Ipod I would 100% go for the Samsung, Currently I own The IPOD and my Brother owns the SAMSUNG, yet even though with its flash "ipod" name, The functions and price, not to mention relabilty, and even looks lie with the Samsung, I bought the ipod thinking yeah, its an IPOD its got to be good, but effectivly IPOD now is a household brand name for an MP3 player, And it is this popularity that encourages people to buy it, Yet there is sooo much better players out there for a better price and more functions,.,,,.,..,,. Look dont be part of the crowd and buy an ipod, be diffrent shop about,... ;&) Alex
If you don't buy the iPod, you will wonder what could have been. You have to buy the iPod and THEN, once you become frustrated, buy the Samsung.
Appreciate the iPod as an object, appreciate the Samsung as a music player.