Samsung YP-K5 (4GB)

CNET Editors' Rating

4.0 stars
    Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

Average User Rating

23 reviews

As shown: $199.99

See manufacturer site for availability
Set price alert
Samsung YP-K5 (4GB) - overview Samsung YP-K5 (4GB) - front Samsung YP-K5 (4GB) - bottom Samsung YP-K5 (4GB) - back
Play Video
Scroll Left Scroll Right
  • Samsung YP-K5 (4GB) - Video
  • Samsung YP-K5 (4GB) - overview
  • Samsung YP-K5 (4GB) - front
  • Samsung YP-K5 (4GB) - bottom
  • Samsung YP-K5 (4GB) - back

CNET Editors' Review

CNET Editors' Rating

4.0 stars Excellent
    Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)
  • Design: 8.0
  • Features: 8.0
  • Performance: 9.0
  • Reviewed by:
  • Released on:
  • Reviewed on:

The good: The Samsung YP-K5 features a unique and stylish design with a built-in, slide-out speaker, and the interface is stunning; includes an FM radio and cool visual effects. The player offers excellent sound quality, and the included earbuds are decent.

The bad: Due to the speaker, the YP-K5 is on the large and heavy side for a flash player; the touch controls take some getting used to and attract smudges; display could be bigger; expensive.

The bottom line: The Samsung YP-K5 is a unique MP3 player with a fun interface and great sound quality; it may be bulky around the middle, but it's an excellent choice if you want to share your tunes at the drop of a dime.

Review:

Fall is an anxiously awaited time of year in the gadget world because it's when tech companies roll out some of their hottest gadgets in preparation for the holiday buying season. September in particular seems to be the prime month for MP3 player announcements, with last year marking the debut of the Apple iPod Nano. It looks like 2006 is set to continue this tradition, with the sleek Samsung YP-K5 leading the way. This unique flash player, available in 2GB ($210) and 4GB ($260) capacities, may be a bit pricey and thick around the middle, ... Expand full review

Fall is an anxiously awaited time of year in the gadget world because it's when tech companies roll out some of their hottest gadgets in preparation for the holiday buying season. September in particular seems to be the prime month for MP3 player announcements, with last year marking the debut of the Apple iPod Nano. It looks like 2006 is set to continue this tradition, with the sleek Samsung YP-K5 leading the way. This unique flash player, available in 2GB ($210) and 4GB ($260) capacities, may be a bit pricey and thick around the middle, but that's not stopping it from turning some heads.

In the closed position, the K5 isn't that remarkable looking--rather reminiscent of the Olympus M:robe MR-100--but its smooth, black body feels good in the hand and its shiny face is eye-catching. Once the device is powered on, the visual experience becomes even more pleasing. Like the M:robe, the K5 features touch-sensitive controls, backlit in pleasing shades of blue. A center circle select key is surrounded by four arrow indicators, while Back and Menu selectors sit kitty-corner to one another on the outskirts. A smallish (1.7-inch) color OLED screen resides above the controls, and along the top edge is the power/hold switch. The bottom edge of the player houses the headphone jack and a proprietary USB port.

The K5 is on the large side for a flash player--it measures 3.9 by 1.9 by 0.7 inches and weighs a relatively hefty 3.8 ounces--but there's a good reason for this. If you flip the player on its side and push up the bottom edge, a built-in speaker slides out. What's great about this is that the speaker is designed in such a way that it angles itself up, not only propping the face of the player at an ideal viewing angle, but pointing the speakers up and forward so as to direct the sound at the listener. We've seen MP3 players with built-in speakers before, but none have shown this kind of ingenuity. What's even better is that the speakers actually sound OK--tinny and lacking in bass, but certainly passable, and better than any other built-ins we've heard. And they get quite loud.

Hide Review

Compare to other mp3 players

Compare selected

select

Samsung YP-K5

Samsung YP-K5

  • Editor's rating: 4.0 out of 5

select

Samsung YP-P2

Samsung YP-P2

  • Editor's rating: 4.0 out of 5

select

Samsung S5

Samsung S5 Starting at $179.99

  • Editor's rating: 3.5 out of 5

Average User Rating

4.0 stars out of 23 user reviews

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star: 13
  • 4 star: 10
  • 3 star: 0
  • 2 star: 0
  • 1 star: 0

My Rating

0 stars click stars to rate product

CNET Community

This product is on 2 user lists. Add to my list

Most Helpful User Review

4.5 stars 7 of 7 users found this review helpful

"Unique, sleek, and bold design" By iblessu2

Pros 30 HOUR battery outshines Apple.The included speakers provide great sound, especially given the size.The screen displays slide shows of photos. An FM radio included provides the freedom to choose.

Cons The weight is reminiscent of early generations of iPods, and the touch pad is sensitive, though it is easy to get used to.

Summary I find the K5 a great option for those tired or wary of Apple products. It provides a longer battery life (an amazing 30 hours) and speakers within the device allow for usage without headphones. The graphics give a sense of modernity, as well as giving a personal touch with ... Expand full review

Where to Buy

MSRP: $199.99
See manufacturer site for availability
Set price alert

Specifications

See full specs

Quick Specs

  • Digital Storage / Capacity: 4 GB
  • Flash memory installed: 4 GB
  • Digital player supported digital audio standards: MP3 WMA

Sponsored Premier Brands on CNET

Where to Buy

MSRP: $199.99
See manufacturer site for availability
Set price alert