.com 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 FleishmanPros: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
A**S
AWARD FOR ERGONOMIC DESIGN AND PERFECT PERFORMANCE
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.
H**R
Great little toy with a few drawbacks
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!
T**E
Great Value
I am very happy with my new MP3 player. I love this thing. It's so light-weight I'm taking it everywhere. As a student, being able to record 4 hours worth of lecture is a must-have feauture. I've tested this out and I was pleasantly surprised at how clear the voices were recorded.One complaint I have is its use of AAA batteries. I think they chose AAA to save some weight and size. I wish that Sam Sung chose AA batteries instead so that I don't have to keep recharging my little AAA batteries (every 2~3 days).Get this MP3 player. I highly recommended. You should also get the 64mb Smart Card for additional memory. You'll get so hooked on this thing that 64mb of memory it comes with just won't be enough:)
"**"
GREAT!
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^^
Trustpilot
5 days ago
2 months ago
