Date: November 12th, 2002
Article by: Nathan Glentworth
(Head Editor & Hardware Reviewer)
Product was donated by: Samsung
Canada
<--Shop for this item
PRODUCT SETUP
Before you connect the player to the computer, PLEASE install the software
first. The software includes the drivers for the USB device and we all
know how much USB drivers can be a major pain in the butt if they are
installed improperly. Now, pop in the installation CD and you are confronted
with this...
You will have the choice of installing two software packages, the Yepp
Explorer and the and the Yepp CD Ripper software that can be used for
making that all important MP3/WMA backup of your CD's onto your computer
(Wink, wink ;-D) Click the Yepp Explorer install and you will install
the MP3 loading software and the drivers. Restart the computer and make
sure the USB drivers have no errors.
Now, connect the usb cord to your computer and then connect it to the
player. The drivers should install automatically. If not, go to the disc
if it asks for the drivers again and install them through the windows
installation wizard that pops up. All that is left now is to fire up the
Yepp explorer program.
Once the program is opened, you will notice just how easy the user interface
is. Clear, concise and no extra junk to confuse the user. Simple is always
the better option, like me! =D
PRODUCT FIELD TESTING
So, as for its first test, I loaded it up with my favorite songs at home
and decided to take it across the country from my home in Ontario, Canada,
to the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. Seeing that Canada is such
a vast country, the only way to feasibly cross the country in a timely
manner is by jet. Now, it has been awhile since I have graced the cramped
quarters of airline seating and have weathered the roar of jet engines,
but I brought the mp3 player to drown out the roar of the jets with the
roar of music. Hey, if its going to be noisy, it might as well be guitar
riffs instead of a droning roar.
And when I said roar, I meant it. As you can see I was practically sitting
right on top of the jet engine.
So, for the 3 hour dash across the continent, I pulled out my favorite
magazine, a complimentary beer and my mp3 player and disappeared into
my own computer world. This little guy is LOUD!! All that would be needed
for better sound would be a better set of headphones for ultimate enjoyment.
Just as a note, I am not in any way affiliated with CPU (Computer
Power User) magazine (www.cpumag.com), but if you want the
best in reviews, news and some interesting editorials from your favorite
website owners like for example Kyle Bennet from HardOCP.com and Anand
Shrimpi from Anandtech.com, this magazine is for you. It's all I read.
Ok, plug over! 
CONCLUSIONS AND AFTERTHOUGHTS
After testing this unit for the past 2 months, it has become a part of
my everyday life. Whether I am cleaning the apartment or walking to the
store for some groceries, this little guy is always in my pocket. Mind
you, it is really light and sometimes I have to frantically pat myself
down looking for it in my coat because I could not detect it on me and
I thought I lost it. Now, would I recommend it to a friend, for sure!
Is it worth the money, well, it's a borderline call. It's really up to
the consumer to see if the extra money for a higher quality unit is necessary.
Pro's:
- Very, Very lightweight
- Small size (Touted to be one of the smallest in the world)
- 15 hours playback on 2 "AAA" batteries
- Voice Recording Capabilities
- Interesting and Unique Design
- Easy to install
- Included Case and Belt Clip
Con's:
- Price a little high (Although it may have come down now)
- No ability to expand the memory.
- So lightweight and small, it sometimes gets misplaced (I don't know
if this is really a downside =D)
If you have any comments and/or would like to contact me please email
me HERE.
|
