Samsung YP-Z5 (4GB)

Features
The Samsung YP-Z5 is compatible with MP3 and WMA (purchased and subscription) files, though not OGG, as it states on the Samsung Web site. Unlike the iPod, the YP-Z5 does not support Audible files.

	The Samsung YP-Z5 features a proprietary dock connector for file transfers and optional accessories. Don't lose your USB cable!

In our initial install process, we had some trouble getting Windows Media Player and its associated drivers to install properly on a brand-new system. This kept us from transferring and playing purchased or subscription-based WMA files. We did, however, get a proper install on another machine and, thus, were able to test DRM-protected WMAs. We are currently speaking with Samsung about our initial install troubles and will update the review with any new information. If you connect the device to a Windows Media Player 10 computer before installing the bundled CD, the YP-Z5 will show up as a MTP device. The Z5 does not have a UMS mode, which would enable you to connect the device to virtually any machine for drag-and-drop transfer. You can drag and drop files via Windows Explorer, but you must have Windows Media Player 10 installed.

Once we were able to transfer music on to the Samsung YP-Z5, it was a pleasure to use. Navigation in all of the normal ways (via artist, album, genre, composer, playlist, and shuffle) is a breeze after you master the control, and new menus spring up from the middle of the screen when they're selected, rather than from the right--a minor albeit nice touch. We expected a decent graphical interface, as it was created by software designer Paul Mercer, who worked on the original iPod software. It's visually appealing, and it's certainly a step in the right direction for combating the iPod's famed intuitive interface. We also like that the Z5 always displays whatever song is paused or selected at the bottom of the screen no matter what mode you're in.

You can choose to shuffle all tracks or only within a certain artist, album, genre, composer, or playlist. Album art is displayed prominently, even showing up on the upper right of the screen when a song is selected from any list. In addition, you can customize your display's wallpaper with the image of your choosing. In order to play a track, you'll need to click the center of the control pad rather than the play/pause button, which controls only the song currently playing. This seems odd at first, but the advantage is that you can always pause a track, no matter where you are in the menus.

One feature that stood out was the Samsung YP-Z5's sound options. You get a full range of controls, including eight EQ presets and three 3D simulators that do a decent job of impersonating a club, a stage, or a studio using a reverb/delay algorithm (Samsung's own DNSe surround-sound simulator). You also get a slide-show function that displays a series of your photos as you listen to music.

All in all, the Samsung YP-Z5's feature set is standard and very iPod nano-like, though you won't get extras seen in many flash-based players, such as an FM tuner, voice and audio recording, and video playback. The Z5 does not support on-the-go playlists.

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