Samsung YP-Z5

Samsung's 1.8-ounce YP-Z5 maybe be the perfect player for those who don't think the words “sexy” and “MP3 player” should be uttered in the same sentence. A metallic frame surrounds the device's edge, which makes the YP-Z5 noticeably thicker than the nano (0.5 versus 0.3 inches). On the plus side, the durable aluminum body prevents scratches and smudges. Samsung edges out the nano in other areas, including its bigger color screen (1.8 versus 1.5 inches) and longer battery life (38 versus 14 hours).

 

The YP-Z5's controls seem cool at first but are a bit too complicated for their own good. For instance, while other players usually integrate track advance and menu navigation into the same buttons, Samsung felt if necessary to have dedicated buttons for each task. We're not fans of the tap pad either; it often took multiple presses for the player to respond. The volume controls are located on the side of the YP-Z5 for easy in-pocket access.

 

The YP-Z5 has a variety of ‘DNSe' equalizer settings, but none of them did much to improve the default sound; in fact, the audio distorted a bit or just added reverb in some cases. The bigger screen is a plus for those who want to put on impromptu slideshows with nifty little effects. However, the YP-Z5 lacks the FM tuner and in-line recording features of both the iRiver Clix and SanDisk Sansa e260.

 

VERDICT: Samsung's YP-Z5 makes a good, but not great, alternative to the nano. It's long battery life and screen size are pluses, but the controls make even simple tasks awkward.