The interface of the T10 is also decidedly designy. You can choose from three interface styles: a standard Samsung mode called Pendant, a customizable wallpaper mode, and Sammy, a Flash-based option featuring an animated dog and other moving graphics. Sammy is the most engaging interface, though some may find it distracting. We're hoping that in the future, Samsung will open up the system for custom Flash-based menus. Overall, the menu system is clear and easy to operate, though the touchpad isn't always accurate. Music (MP3 and WMA only) is organized into the standard Creative-based structure, with step-downs into artist, album, playlist, and so on. Sadly, there's no separate podcast sort, but there is an option to browse by folders, which gives the opportunity for manual organization. Thanks to Rhapsody DNA integration, there is a menu item dedicated to Rhapsody Channels. This integration also allows users to save songs from the Channels to the player.
In addition to Rhapsody support, the Samsung T10 offers a multitude of other features. As the color screen (QVGA; 320x240) suggests, you may play back photos (JPEG) and videos, though video support is limited to Samsung's proprietary SVI format and very particular WMV files. Transcoding to SVI via Samsung Media Studio is a mixed bag, so we recommend just running videos through Windows Media Player, which will (in most cases) convert to the proper-size WMV. The player also offers a voice recorder and an FM tuner with an auto preset mode and recorder, as well as support for Datacasts (RSS feeds, put simply). Last, though certainly not least, is the integrated stereo Bluetooth capability, which allows wireless streaming to compatible headphones and speakers. (The T10 cannot yet be paired with cell phones but will gain that capability in a future firmware release.)
Considering the design-heavy interface, the Samsung T10 has admirable processor speed: selections register quickly. The rated battery life of 30 hours is similarly impressive, although CNET Labs was only able to get 20 hours (still a decent number). Videos and photos (which are displayed in landscape orientation) look nice and crisp and offer good color saturation, but the viewing angle from side to side isn't great--it's actually better up and down, which is the reverse of most players we've seen. Audio quality is good, but not stellar, and seems lacking compared to some other Samsung players (such as the T9 and P2). It's pretty balanced, but music doesn't sound as warm as we'd like, and bass response is decidedly understated. There are plenty of EQ presets from which to choose (10), plus a seven-band customizable setting, but we daresay this player still won't satisfy audio purists. However, users who want an engaging interface, plenty of features, and a device that will turn heads should definitely consider the T10.
What You'll Pay
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