Samsung U5 Digital Audio Player

by Chapree


Launched in May 2009, the U5 is one of the latest additions to Samsung's long line of Yepp digital audio player series. Available in 2GB and 4GB storage, the U5 is equipped with fitness mode and study mode together with other common digital audio player traits such as voice recorder and FM radio in a very compact size.


But does it deliver? Hit the jump to know more about Samsung's latest compact digital audio player.


Design




At a glance, the Samsung U5 looks exactly like any el cheapo MP3 players out there especially with it's generic thumb drive-like design. If it wasn't for the high quality workmanship and the highly visible Samsung label on its sturdy but smooth plastic body, we wouldn’t know the difference as we were initially expecting more from the Korean electronic powerhouse.

A set of general control buttons and a crystal clear 4-line OLED screen are located on top of U5 body. Meanwhile, the rest of the buttons such as the power/hold, user/record and back buttons are located on the side of the player. A small microphone is located on the top of the player next to the earphone jack, while the USB plug together with its cap is located at the other end of the player.




Bundled together with the U5 is a set of earphones that have an acceptable sound quality but a thin cable that might not be durable enough to endure vigarous exercise sessions. Also bundled together is a clip that when attached makes the player wearable. The U5 is also available in 5 different colors that cater to both men and women: Black, Red, White, Pink and Light Blue.

Samsung claim that the U5 battery is able to last up to 20 hours, and the player takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge from a fully discharged state.

Features

Apart from the usual digital audio playback, FM player and voice recorder features, the U5 contains two more features: the Fitness/Sports mode and Study Mode. But before that, we would like to touch on a feature called Popcon.





Not to be mistaken with the Samsung refrigerator of the same name, Popcon is the name given to a set of highly customizable avatars that are built into the U5. Users are able to create their own cutesy characters together with their own welcome message when the player is turned on. But then, we feel that this feature is rather ignorable since no one actually looks at their audio player display continuously.





Moving on to the Fitness/Sports mode, this works as a simple calorie burning guide based on the user's desired preset fitness activity that can range from walking, running, hiking, cycling and yoga.
The Sports functions also contains a timer which can be paired with your preferred listening options; whether to the tune of your audio files or FM radio. To top everything off, the U5 able to save up to 30 exercise records which make progress tracking easier as it is contained directly on the player itself.

Although fitness-friendly functions are not really common on MP3 players, it is not new either. Samsung has actually implemented it way back in 2004 with its YP-60.






The other function called Study Mode basically enables users to mark a certain section of an audio track and listen to it repeatedly with options to play it faster or slower. This function could interest language and music students out there who would sometimes find a need to repeat a certain part of their language track or music scores.


Conclusion





With a lackluster design and boring unique features, the Samsung U5 has a rather steep price tag at RM 249 (2GB) and RM 299 (4GB). But if you're a fitness buff then you might be attracted to the simple calorie counter function.

For the rest of us who just want a simple MP3 player, we afraid that there are just too many choices available out there and Samsung U5 is just one of the more expensive options for your consideration.


Pro:
Available in multiple colors, crystal clear OLED screen, bundled clip makes it instantly wearable, bundled earphones has acceptable sound quality, useful fitness and study mode, long battery life

Cons:
Steep price, generic thumb drive-like design, bundled ear-phones cable is thin - might not survive long, Popcon avatar function is ignorable.