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:
Great player........2002-07-23
Buy this one! After months of procrastination, I ended up with this player for one reason. It was on sale at a local electronics store. After months of use, I am appreciating the features, ease of use and reliability of this player. Sound quality is excellent, the included software is complete; with out hiccups, it can hold over thirty tracks on the 64 Megs of flash memory. What else do you want or need? The USB data transfer is fast and clean, and you have sound modes that actually work without the need for complicated (and time consuming) equalizer settings.
Good with a few flaws.......2001-09-07
This mp3 player has it all.....for a low price. But it has a few flaws.
1)The max. volume is too low. (This is helped with buying a better pair of headphones.)
2)The door for the expansion card opens all the time. If I clip the player to my shorts to workout, the door opens five or six times. 3)There is no auto-turn off after all the mp3 files play. So If I fall asleep while using it.....I wake up to find the batteries dead. 4)The buttons are in strange places.
5)The batteries die all the time, so buy a recharger.
Nothing else wrong with it yet. But overall I love to use it all the time. It can hold 20 songs and with the 32mb expansion card I get another 10. For the money it is the best buy I have seen.
Great little toy with a few drawbacks.......2001-08-13
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!
GREAT!.......2001-07-28
I wasn't sure of which mp3 player to get because this is my first time buying one, but then my friend told me about it. She said that she had a Sumsung Yepp, so I got it, and I have no regrets! I don't really like buying cd's so I just download the music online, and I'm on the go. I take my Samsung YEpp with me EVERYWHERE. It's so light, I can hardly tell I have it around^^
AWARD FOR ERGONOMIC DESIGN AND PERFECT PERFORMANCE.......2001-07-27
Maybe most of us music freaks are more interested in the sound quality: With the Techno Yepp [ASIN B000059RAB] you will get it (as well as with the MINI Yepp [ASIN B00005B4BS] which I owned before I purchased another product from Samsung). MP3 is MP3, i.e., the sound quality should be 'original' and it is. There are 4 equalizer modes NORMAL - CLASSIC - JAZZ - ROCK and each of them can be "topped" with the Surround 3D sound effect by just pressing the 3D button.
I personally like Voice Recording/Playing very much. The built-in microphone catches more than I expected (I used it even in a courtroom and got a "digital transcript". Legal? I don't know.) Since I was able to apply for a free 32 MB SmartMedia memory card (limited offer June 1 - July 31, 2001) I will have enough space for Voice Recording, some of the recorded files will be used to send later as E-mail attachment.
Downloading files TO and FROM the Techno Yepp is fast and easy using the Yepp Explorer Software or Realjukebox, both to install from the CD-ROM disk. Yepp Explorer is just how a software should be: Load it - use it - period .... but make sure Techno Yepp is connected bcause Explorer will look for!
The Remote control with FM radio receiver that has 5 presets is a nice "add on" but should be called "FM radio receiver" and not more. It's true, you can control Techno Yepp with all the buttons on this hexagonal shaped FM radio and you may even show-off with the backlight LCD, but all these, FM radio tuner and backlight are powered from the two AAA batteries located in the Techno Yepp. I would rather like to have a lower price or more built-in memory instead of this FM radio which will eat up the AAA batteries faster. But for a hiker or bicyclist the remote control unit may be very useful (also as an "extension cord" for the quite short earphone cable).
Most of all I like the ergonomic design of the Techno Yepp. I can hold it in my left hand and operate all the functions easily. Feels good - looks good - sounds good. I would buy it again.
Amazon.com Review
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, though this varied by type of music.
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 via 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 will often depend more on location and body orientation than with most radios.
We tested the Techno D's software by transferring tracks from various 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 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 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 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 a minimum of fuss, while providing sophisticated controls for the user who wants the player's 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:
Great Player.......2002-06-22
This is a great player that is so easy to use. The only thing I don't like about it is it uses up batteries fast ,but this player's battery use is a lot less than other players out on the market. I found that if you use the remote the batteries used up really fast. The software is easy to install and really easy to use. I have seen lots of mp3 players and this is one of the easiest to use. A feature that I like about it is the voice recorder. Once you record something you can put it onto you computer and send it in an e-mail or what not. I like my player and use it often. I would recomand this player to everyone.
Great item - no trouble at all!.......2002-03-06
I read all the reviews on the Samsung Yepp before purchasing it and the most frequesntly mentioned downside was that it eats batteries. Truthfully I haven't found that to be the case at all! I use my Yepp everyday and I haven't had to change them too much at all! I even use the radio/remote and that doesn't seem to drain the batteries either. I can also use this will my many types of MP3 files I have with no trouble. The sound is great! The earbuds feel weird at first, but I got used to them quickly. I found that if I substituted a conventional headset for the earbuds it lost volume. I am so happy to have my Yepp!
you cant go wrong with samsung.......2002-02-23
i have had this product since christmas 2001 and have had no problems with it what so ever the mp3 player gives out rich sound. plays music with no problem too there are many different choices of how you want the music to sound such as rock or classical. i like the way it is very portable.
Great MP3 Player for teens........2002-01-08
I purchased this MP3 player for my 14 year old son for Christmas
after researching quite a few. He loves it! He hasn't had any problems with it at all and is very happy with it. I would definately recommend it.
Yepp/Almost Perfect.......2002-01-01
Having just received this little gem for Christmas, it is everything it was advertised to be. Although, at better quality rates (above 128), it cannot hold as much as the ad says, with a 64 MB card added, I am getting about 30 songs on average. I find the buttons are well placed and the sound is remarkable. One word of advice, which I feel is not an option. GET NEW HEAPHONES. The set the Yepp comes with is horrible. As are most phones provided. I got the KOSS Porta-Pro phones and the comfort factor shot through the roof as well as the sound. I show friends the difference and they are all astounded. Hook this Yepp up to a good quality set of h-phones and enjoy the sound!
Customer Reviews:
Good brand, lousy product.......2002-12-01
PROS: Intuitively arranged buttons. Good design.
CONS: Eats batteries in less than 7 hours. Complicated file transfer software (unlike other players, which can be accessed as a hard drive letter in Windows Explorer). And worst of all... Secumax! It prevents the transfer of mp3 files from player to PC, allegedly to discourage piracy. I work around this problem by renaming the files by its initials to make it less recognizable by the software. After renaming, files may be copied to the PC. I wonder if a standalone USB media reader could bypass this protection too. Nonetheless there are other players in this price range, with similarly good build quality, which offer friendlier features.
So Awesome.......2002-11-08
This Mp.3 PLayer is So...I BoUgHt ThIs ItEm ThInkNg iT wAs A GoOd dEal aNd It wAs. It'S sO EaSy tO uSe aNd Is So PeRfEcT WhEn eXcErIsIng Or DoInG aNyThInG u NeEd To dO, ThE ExTrA sMaRtMeDiA cArDs ArE So...aT LoW pRicE I woUlD rEaLlY eNcOuRaGe YoU tO BuY tHiS iTem.
Solid player.......2002-10-19
Like some other reviewers, I was disappointed with the lack of remote control and FM radio. But for the price, I believe this is a very good piece of electronic machinary. The controls are intuitive, sound is clear, and the software is easy to use. However, there are a few things that kept it from a 5 stars. First of all, the fact that this player can only accept up to 64mb of flash memory is a disadvantage. Secondly, the earbuds that came with the player isn't very comfortable and isn't of high quality. Despite some of the flaws, I think this player is one of the best ones you can get if you are on a budget.
Average - good value.......2002-10-17
It's okay. The sound quality isn't amazing. The main problem is the very poor shuffle program that shuffles about 4 songs and play them over and over. I think for the price it's a good deal, but personally I would prefer something with better performance.
What a downer.......2002-10-15
When, I ordered this mp3 player the first time, they sent me the wrong one. I called up Amazon.com and tried to get the model advertised, and they sent me the same model again. The model sent (Samsung Yepp yp-NDU28E I think) has only 64MB built in memory and a 64MB smart media card. Also, it did NOT have a remote or an FM tuner. I was thoroughly dissapointed twice. The model sent was ok, but I really wanted it for the built in memory. I probably wouldn't have minded that so much except the fact that this model can only take up to 64MB of expandable memory at a time. Actually, it was a good thing that they sent me the wrong one twice, (a sign from the gods) cause I got to looking at minidisc players. I ended up getting a Sony... I would recommend it to anyone looking for a portable digital music player to consider minidisc players. Why? Well, you're getting 10 times battery life off a single battery, and it plays many other formats including mp3 and wma. And each discs holds way more than a 128MB smartmedia card at $2 bucks each instead of $60 for the media card. If you're concerned about skipping, this model has skip protection. I have yet to receive the minidisc player, but I think I should be satisfied with it since I was mainly concerned about memory expansion. In Conclusion. Go minidisc. 10 times longer battery life. Cheaper media. Wider support for music formats. Supposedly, much faster music downloads. I hope this experience has helped.
Rich
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