Features:
- MP3 Audio
- 128 MB of included memory--over two hours of MP3 playback
- Includes 64 MB of onboard memory and one 64 MB SmartMedia card
- Remote control with FM radio receiver that has 5 presets; built-in microphone for voice recording
- Expandable with optional SmartMedia memory cards
- Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, and Me; also Mac OS 8.6 and above
Description:
The Samsung Techno D is a professional kind of MP3 player. It comes with more than adequate memory (128 MB--64 MB built in and a 64 MB card--enough for two hours of near-CD quality audio), a SmartMedia slot for additional flash memory, an FM-radio-bearing remote control, and voice recording via 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 fine on its own, you can also access audio and playback features using the "remote control" unit that connects with a special plug. The remote control contains an audio jack and also has a built-in FM receiver that can be tuned and 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 may depend more on location and body orientation than with most radios. We tested the Techno D's software by transferring a number of tracks from various albums at different compression rates, and the USB interface moved the files around swiftly. 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 you press the record button, the Yepp begins a new sequentially numbered audio file. The quality of recording was surprisingly good, and we picked up distant voices well. You can erase these files directly off the unit (same for MP3 files) or manage them with 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 minimal fuss while providing sophisticated controls for the user who wants its 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
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