Samsung YP-Z5QB 2 GB Digital Audio Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm a mac user (99% of the time). I've been using iPods since they first came out. Then, I discovered Rhapsody which, unlike other music subscription services, is avaialable also for the Mac users as streaming-only music. I decided to upgrade my service to, "To-Go" so that I could take my music with me. I used to buy tons of music from the iTunes store and thought getting this "To-Go" service would save me some money. I wish this feature was available to Mac users but it's available only to PC users (though I haven't tried it on Virtual PC on a Mac). Now, I have 2 desktops running under my desk. You MUST have high speed USB2, Windows XP and Windows Media Player 10 to operate the Z5.

I did some research and went shopping for a device that I could use to download and listen to subscription-based music. I found that most of the new PC-based portable music devices that are coming out have "Plays for Sure" logo on them- that,they should be recognized by subscription based services like Rhapsody (as well as Napster, and Yahoo). When I got to the store, there were quite a few more new portable players that I haven't read up on. I guess as an iPod user, I was drawn to this Samsung player for its looks and slim size. I decided to give it a shot.

YP-Z5 vs Nano:

Packaging: Strikinlgy similar to the iPod Nano in design, size, and varnish finish. (tied)
Earphones: Give Samsung earbuds a shot, I think they perform really well (even better than my 50 dollars Sony EX81 ear buds.)YP-Z5 wins here.
Display: Nice and bright display. Larger screen than Nano but slighlty inferior resolution (more pixalated type face/font display but larger font size and not-as detailed album art). I prefer the Nano.
Navigation: Once you get used to the sensitive "touch pad" navigation becomes easier. iPod touch (jog) wheel is still better. Sansung shares a very similar menu as the iPod. What I find nice on the Z5 is that it displays a small album cover on the side of the screen when you scroll through albums.
Sound quality: Playing MP3 files @ 192kbps, output sound quality is almost identical. But, using Z5's equilizer (3D sound) adds a slight improvement over the iPod sound quality. HOWEVER, iTunes Apple Lossless quality (and music bought from iTunes store) sounds noticeably better than "to-go" non-purchased WMA-DRM10 files. I have yet to purchase any music from Rhapsody so my comparison is a bit unfair.
Overall: I think it'd be hard to find PC-only-based, "Plays-for Sure" flash music player better than the Z5. Getting a play-for-sure device with a subscription service is the way to go if you love listening and are constantly exploring (and buying) different music. I hate to admit this-but, if Apple iTunes music store becomes subscription based, I'll be back on the iPod, no doubt. I would love to hate the iPod (for gross advertisement campaigns, annoying little white earbuds that don't even sound good, and all the over-priced accessories made for iPods), but, I can't deny that I haven't found anything better.

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Product Description:
The 2 GB flash memory Samsung YP-Z5 digital audio player is a great choice for carrying your music collection with you wherever you go. But it also works seamlessly with PlaysForSure online music stores and subscription services such as MTV's Urge, Napster, Rhapsody, and Yahoo,

The YP-Z5 supports online music stores such as Urge, Napster, Rhapsody, and Yahoo. allowing you portable access to tens of thousands of songs downloaded from these services. It features compatibility with MP3, OGG Vorbis, WMA, and WMA-DRM10 (digital rights protected), JPEG image viewer, a long lasting rechargeable battery for up to 35 hours, and a 1.8-inch color screen.
Weighing in at just 2 ounces, this ultra-thin, elegantly crafted player has a durable aluminum body that prevents scratches and smudges and offers large tactile buttons and a multi-directional touchpad. It also features an intuitive and visually delightful GUI (graphical user interface) designed by former Apple iPod software designer Paul Mercer.
The brightly colorful 1.8-inch LCD displays album art, and you can also show off photo slideshows from transferred JPEGs (while music plays) and even customize the screen's wallpaper with your favorite picture. It features eight EQ presets and Samsung's proprietary DNSe portable 3D sound technology (with three 3D settings plus a user customizable setting). You can choose to shuffle all tracks or only within a certain artist, album, genre, composer, or playlist. Other features include browsing by database (artist, album, genre, title) and timer settings for the display's backlight and sleep mode. It connects to PCs via a USB 2.0 connection (cable included) and it's compatible with Windows XP SP1/SP2 systems with Windows Media Player 10 software.
The Samsung YP-Z5 uses PlaysForSure technology. Look for the PlaysForSure logo if you're shopping for a portable music or video device and you want to make sure the digital music and video you purchase will play back on it every time. Match the PlaysForSure logo on a large selection of leading devices and online music stores. If you see the logo, you'll know your digital music will play for sure. Choose from a large number of digital music and video stores, including MTV's Urge, Rhapsody, Yahoo!, MSN Music, MusicMatch, MusicNow, Napster, Wal-Mart Music Downloads, and many more.

What's in the Box
2 GB Samsung YP-Z5 flash memory digital audio player, earphones, USB cable, installation CD-ROM, and printed operating instructions.