CNET Editor's rating: 7.7 out of 10
Reviewed by
Jasmine France
Review date: 12/10/07
The good: The Samsung T10 features a sleek and stylish design with an engaging Flash-based interface. Rhapsody DNA is integrated for seamless subscription and Channel support, and the player offers a plethora of features: video and photo playback, a built-in FM tuner and voice recorder, and stereo Bluetooth functionality.
The bad: The touchpad of the Samsung T10 requires precision for desired results, and there's no elegant handling of podcasts. Video support is abbreviated, conversion is a pain, and audio support is limited to MP3 and WMA.
The bottom line: The Samsung T10 won't satisfy audio purists, but users who value lots of features, a fun interface, and a player that will turn heads should give it a look.
Adding to the ever-growing crop of media players with wireless features is the Samsung T10, a 4GB flash device with integrated stereo Bluetooth functionality. At $170, it's not the most competitively-priced player on the block, but it's packed with features and comes in your choice of five high-gloss colors (black, white, green, red, and purple). For style-conscious users who want a multifunctional device, the T10 hits the mark, but audio purists and those who prefer tactile controls should look elsewhere.
The Samsung T10 may be the successor to the T9, but it looks more like the love child of the Samsung K3 and the flash memory-based Microsoft Zune. The face of the T10 features the same smudge-prone, high-gloss finish and backlit touch controls as the K3, but the 2-inch color screen and brushed metal backside are distinctly Zune-like. Overall, its sleek and stylish look (measuring 3.8 inches by 1.6 inches by 0.3 inch) will appeal to design-conscious users. As with both parental players, the T10 has a proprietary dock connector (bummer) and offers no dedicated volume buttons (double bummer). The right edge of the player houses the solitary tactile control: a power/hold switch.
The playback screen on the T10 is unique, to say the least. In Sammy mode, a pack of dogs rock out across a graphic equalizer, while the main Sammy below holds an album art thumbnail. This screen displays song title and artist, as well as time elapsed/remaining, playback mode, time of day, and a battery meter.
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.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular A solid player for those who don't want a nano/iTunes
The only reason I give this a 9 instead of a 10 is that it uses a proprietary USB connection ...
The only reason I give this a 9 instead of a 10 is that it uses a proprietary USB connection instead of a mini-USB connection.
Other than this quibble, this is a fantastic player. I also own a iPod nano and this is a better player in all respects. I decided to switch to Rhapsody for my music service because I like the subscription model, and so I had to get a different PlaysForSure compatible player. After using Yahoo Music for a while I went back to the iPod/iTunes model for a while, but got frustrated by how much I was spending per month on songs. This was the closest player available to the nano in size, reliability.
The construction of the unit is incredible, with a lot of attention to detail. It uses a touch based controls which are intuitive and because there is only a power/hold button, the unit is extremely sleek and distinctive in a world where everyone owns a iPod. The player comes with a plastic cover over the screen and controls so you don't need to buy a separate screen protector if you are in to this. I did a few scratch tests on the player at best buy and it seems to be fairly resistant to scratching, so I may remove it in the future.
This player is one of the few that has Bluetooth! I paired it right away with my BT headphones and it works great! Why won't other companies add bluetooth to their players? Samsung is supposed to be adding phone passthrough capability which will be great. BT quality is about what you expect. Not up to par for an audiophile (this is a BT issue, not the players problem), but great for casual listening when you want to leave the player in a backpack, pocket or on your desk while moving around. I still use noise isolation headphones when I want to tune out the real world.
Video quality is great, but just like all "nano" sized players, the screens are small. Notably, the T10 screen is far superior to the ones used in iPod players in clarity.
Audio quality is good. The included headphones are adequate, but if you are into audio quality you should consider replacing them.
Samsung was nice in that they have their own media management software which automatically syncs podcasts with the player, which is the major drawback of Rhapsody vs. iTunes. It is kind of a inconvenient using both Rhapsody and the Samsung program but the Samsung program works simultaneous while Rhapsody is running, so it is almost as easy as iTunes, but this is the best implementation I have seen of autosynced podcasts in the PlaysForSure field.
The user interface of the YP-T10 is pretty neat. It has lots of eye candy and is extremely responsive and customizable.
The player has a FM radio. The quality is what you expect, but since FM radio stations have too many commercials I only have used this feature once to listen to a game while working.
You can even display album art!
A BIG NOTE IF YOU WANT TO BUY THIS PLAYER AT BEST BUY!
DO NOT buy this player from Best Buy, they load a special firmware on their player to integrate the player with the Best Buy music store. Significantly, YOU CANNOT UPGRADE THIS FIRMWARE to the newer versions of the regular firmware from Samsung. I almost got burned by this and only found this out when I was looking at some reviews of the player after seeing it at Best Buy and almost walking out of the store with it. Buy the player from Amazon, Circuit City or Walmart (etc.)
Overall for $125-$140 (the price range at the time of writing) it is a solid 4 GB player.
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by plb-labrat (see profile) -
November 30, 2007
10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Good MP3 Player, but not best
I got this player as replacement for my old Sansa e270r that started to breakdown after a year. I tried ...
I got this player as replacement for my old Sansa e270r that started to breakdown after a year. I tried the Insignia Pilot (didn't like the audio quality) and 2 Sansa Views (neither would ever work correctly out of box). I finally came to the Samsung T10.
PROS: First off I really like the slim feature of the player. One thing that I really disliked about the Pilot and the View. It is a small lightweight player that is excellent for those who like to use it while working out. The player also has good sound quality, although I do have to adjust the settings sometimes on certain artists. I haven't been able to find the perfect setting like I could on my old Sansa. The user interface is really nice, and I like the ability to change the display. It does get tiring looking at the same display all the time like in other players. The player also works great with the Best Buy Digital Music Store (Rhapsody) subscription service. No problems at all with that.
CONS: I have too big complaints about this player. 1. You can delete songs while listening to the player. They have to be deleted through your PC. I was able to delete songs through both the Pilot and View. Can't really understand why Samsung does not have this feature. 2. The Star Rating is missing from a mainscreen. You can rate the song but it is buried in a submenu. Once rating the song, you have to go to the submenu to see the rating. I was able to view the rating on my old Sansa, the Pilot, and View. Can't understand why Samsung wouldn't put this on the main screen. I also miss the tactile controls I had on other players because the touch screen is a little sensitive, but this is nothing major. One last thing 4GB is a small amount wish Samsung had offered a higher GB at a affordable price (I know they have a high GB model, but it is way overpriced).
I would definitely recommend this player as it is very solid, but can't give it a 5 star rating because of the few minor improvements that could be made.
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by gsm1515 (see profile) -
February 8, 2008
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect WOW! I'm impressed. I never saw myself buying a samsung player!
WOW, this player really impresses me. I saw it at the store (futureshop in canada) and tryed it: my god. ...
WOW, this player really impresses me. I saw it at the store (futureshop in canada) and tryed it: my god. I was hesitation between 3 players: the walkman S615 (no sonic stage ), the ipod nano (sexy), and the creative zen (I wanted a bigger screen than the zen V plus, lol). But I saw this one, looking sexy (same as the K3, but the K3 have limitted features and do not play video) and small, with touch control and video on a big 2" screen (same as ipod nano). I tryed it and it was marvellous, so many features, custumizable interface, downloadable flash animated interfaces, bluethoot stereo output, beautifull screen for videos, playlist making inside the player, great sound, it's THIN and sexy, you can read ebooks (not usefull I think), read postcast, datacast, etc. You can do so much and it cost less that an ipod nano (or about the same). And I HATE itunes (I hate to be locked with the soft. THEY give), so the ipod nano is not for me anymore. Not after I saw the T10!
ps: PLEASE cnet, do a review! It's wonderfull and more people should be aware of it's existance! lol
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by David_G. (see profile) -
November 9, 2007
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent This is a iPod nano killer.
I like this mp3 player right here! I was thinking about getting the 3G iPod nano I changed my mind,...
I like this mp3 player right here! I was thinking about getting the 3G iPod nano I changed my mind,it's expensive you are getting the same features as the iPod just for less! I got it on sale for $99.99 at Best Buy that was great! I love the screen you know how SAMSUNG makes LCD TVs the screen quality is soo beautiful like a mini LCD T.V. it's so nice, I also like the fact that you can change your background with your own photos! and control the headphones sound, I wish I could sit down and tell you all about this but I can't I have million things to say its great I think you should go and buy one, you really stand out from the iPod users I'm sure this product will put a smile on your face!..
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Outstanding Value
Looking like it belongs in The Museum of Modern Art, this is a very stylish MP3 player that is small, ...
Looking like it belongs in The Museum of Modern Art, this is a very stylish MP3 player that is small, thin, and light. It is also feature packed, easy to use, sounds outstanding, and boots fast--eight seconds. There are many small things that Samsung has got right to make this little unit a joy to use. Things like a clock, a calendar, the ability to load any picture and use it as wallpaper, and a plastic sheet to protect the screen and control panel from scratches. If you dislike the sheet, you can remove and discard it.
WMAs at 160 kbps sound like CDs, at least to my ears; I connected the T10 to my hi-fi and did this test by listening from loudspeakers. At 128 kbps, I was able to notice a difference. The actual capacity is about 3.67 GB. The earphones are good compared to the earphones usually bundled with portable-audio devices, but if you care about sound quality, you should buy a pair of high-quality headphones or earphones if you have not already done so.
But I do have some quibbles. No volume indicator is shown on the screen when one is listening to music: one has to touch the control panel to see the volume setting, but then this forces the volume up or down a notch. Playlists are limited to four-hundred songs.
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by anon48 (see profile) -
February 2, 2008
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 out of 10 - Excellent Excellent player, shame about ...
I do agree with most of the other reviews which are full of praise for this player. I think it ...
I do agree with most of the other reviews which are full of praise for this player. I think it is excellent and am very pleased with it. It is very easy to use, and works just as it should without any quirks or nuances - worth a mention is the touch sensitive controls - they are very sensitive and probably not for you lumberjacks out there - I have become used to the controls, but the first few days saw me skipping through selections with abandon. The screen is very clear and easy to read, and the menu's work great - a joy to use. I do not like players which force their own software on you (e.g. Zune & iPod)with this little cutie you can drag and drop files from Windows. The sound produced by this player is good, but not startling, but heck this is a $100 player, and it plays better than it should, but... ...the earbuds? Oh dear, for emergencies only - they do this player no justice at all (two points deducted for these). I have a couple of other pairs which I use and this player is transformed with them. Check out this player you won't be disappointed, but use decent earbuds for best results.
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by HouBob (see profile) -
February 2, 2008
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
6 out of 10 - Good ok design, pakced with features, nice screen and free screen/front protection
Ok i had this beautiful T9. I know that samsung is the one of the few company who has advanced ...
Ok i had this beautiful T9. I know that samsung is the one of the few company who has advanced User EQ out there. But this T10 is not what i wanted.. less user eq setting and when i set clear as level 3 and set DNSe as dance(the clearest DNSe), it seems like the base gets messed up.. and people like me, who needs User EQ (if you know how to use them well) won't be satisfied with the sound. And this player got really longer than T9!! It would've been nice if SAmsung decided to use Blue color touch key, instead of yellow, and silver as backside color, instead of black. But good part of this mp3 is has more feautures than T9, More friendly user, beautiful screen, light, Bluetooth(though cellphone is not yet available, wait till new firmware comes out). Other than sound quality, i think normal people will just do fine with this product~
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by chltmdwp2 (see profile) -
January 18, 2008
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Countless built-in options that make it worth the price and better than iPod
This is the best value mp3 player I've ever had. It is totally worth the $100-130... Way better than ...
This is the best value mp3 player I've ever had. It is totally worth the $100-130... Way better than iPod, stylish, unique, portable, and inexpensive. The built-in bluetooth system is very useful as well.
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by dannychi (see profile) -
June 29, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Great Audio & Video In A Sleek Player
Have had this sleek 4GB T10 for 1 month with no problems. I bought it at Best Buy, and yes ...
Have had this sleek 4GB T10 for 1 month with no problems. I bought it at Best Buy, and yes there is special BB packaging and software. However, I have had no problems upgrading the firmware (ver 2.0) to the latest version (3.03 BB 2008 4.22). This upgrade included additional Bluetooth support for cellphones and added games among other items. Also downloaded 3 games from the Samsung T10 firmware support web page. After playing them a few days I deleted 2. Your mileage my vary. The reasons I selected the Samsung T10 over the Zune, Sony, Apple and Zen models of their music/photo/video players was its small size (approx. 3 3/4 x 1 5/8 x 1/4 inch) but it still had a bright 2 inch screen which played videos with no lag or jitters, light weight, great battery life, and no front buttons or dials to break. There is also a choice of the visual interfaces, fonts and backgrounds, which makes the T10 very customizeable, if you desire that. The Samsung Media Studio software installed on my Vista PC took only a short time to get use to, no longer than the latest version of Windows Media Player.
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by rickrdu (see profile) -
May 25, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
2 out of 10 - Terrible bad bad bad
I was almost forced to buy the product, coz they told me CREATVE has unstable software etc etc....(am of ...
I was almost forced to buy the product, coz they told me CREATVE has unstable software etc etc....(am of the non apple follwng) anyway. Worked fine for the firast 48 hrs. Hung the third day, no assistance from the customer service guys,..except... "RESET" loose all data./..STILL DOENST WORK. the customer service guys hardly speak english ,. pretty much all tehy say is "toh guan road" so yea..in case you are planngint o get his think again. min was the 8 GB though
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by Incog27 (see profile) -
April 24, 2008
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), the ipod nano (sexy), and the creative zen (I wanted a bigger screen than the zen V plus, lol). But I saw this one, looking sexy (same as the K3, but the K3 have limitted features and do not play video) and small, with touch control and video on a big 2" screen (same as ipod nano). I tryed it and it was marvellous, so many features, custumizable interface, downloadable flash animated interfaces, bluethoot stereo output, beautifull screen for videos, playlist making inside the player, great sound, it's THIN and sexy, you can read ebooks (not usefull I think), read postcast, datacast, etc. You can do so much and it cost less that an ipod nano (or about the same). And I HATE itunes (I hate to be locked with the soft. THEY give), so the ipod nano is not for me anymore. Not after I saw the T10!