Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0

• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 57 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 9 stars

  Video review summary: "iPod Touch Good, _____ bad!"

  by dmsmith35 on December 4, 2011

  Pros: - LOUD Stereo speakers
  
  - FM (WiFi isn't everywhere. Tune into local FM rather than stream)
  
  - GPS (free turn-by-turn via Google)
  
  - 5" POCKETABLE screen (Can't pocket tablet)
  
  - Vibration/Haptic feedback (Not for "iTouch")
  
  - Ear speaker for VOIP

  Cons: - slippery plastic back plate (but 5.0 has hold for lanylard)
  
  - non-removable battery (but big Li-Polymer crammed in there)
  
  - Pricey (But worth it if you have WiFi to avoid data contract)
  
  - No parental control (But apps are available for that)

  Summary: A week after buying my iPod Touch 4th Gen, I was ready for a more liberated (I can't play Flash content because of an egocentric whim?!) Android experience with ...

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  Summary: A week after buying my iPod Touch 4th Gen, I was ready for a more liberated (I can't play Flash content because of an egocentric whim?!) Android experience with something like a Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0. The video review played to all of the iPod Touch's strengths and none of its weaknesses. It didn't even mention the Galaxy Players' 3 capacitive touch buttons (settings, home, and back) - puts the iPod Touch's single "clickety-click" mechanical home button to shame. I don't miss that!
  
  I have BOTH the Samsung Galaxy player 5.0(mine)and 4.0 (my son's) models in my home. I'll admit that I was nervous moving away from iTunes, but, for me, it was just a crutch. Drag and drop music, etc. to your Galaxy Player from a PC/MAC without "Nanny"Tunes in the way. Amazon's cloud storage for media purchases also means you can always re-download if something bad happens.
  
  VOIP. Both Galaxy Players have a dedicated ear speaker for VOIP calls. I work from home and use my Galaxy Player as a home phone via a Google Voice number redirecting calls to my Skype account. But now you can now do this for free after purchasing "GrooVe IP" from the Android Market and using that with Google Voice instead.
  
  GPS. If you don't have a GPS smartphone and you aren't planning on being a GPS power user, consider getting a Galaxy Player. The free caching of Google maps with turn-by-turn voice navigation is REALLY nice. I have used it for 4 trips so far, and it has always been spot on.
  
  I love the LOUD stereo speakers. The iPod Touch was pretty good, but the Galaxy Players' output dominates. Not sure where the review's claim of inferior sound came from.
  
  Listening to local FM radio on the Galaxy Player sips battery rather than gulping with WiFi streaming. Also, good for times when WiFi is unavailable.
  
  Yes, this device is more expensive than the iPod Touch and, no, its screen resolution is not as high as the iPod Touch. However, the iPod Touch is smaller, more restrictive (hardware and software), and is NOT being upgraded hardware-wise (new "white" case doesn't count) to keep pace with cool new iPhone features. When Apple fanboys tell you that iPod users don't want those cool new features, you'll know it's time to buy a Galaxy Player - I did. As for the screen resolution, I watch videos and read books on the Kindle app several hours a day on my Galaxy Player and I have NEVER thought to myself, "What a crappy display!" On the contrary, I think the iPod Touch's resolution is TOO HIGH to be noticeable on such small displays at normal viewing distances.
  
  As for parental controls, I have installed apps to restrict use of certain apps (Android Market, Web Browser, YouTube, Task Manager (so child can't kill protecting process) etc.) with a passcode on my son's 4.0 model. There are also apps that do web filtering. The point is that you CAN have parental control if you really want it.
  
  The iPod Touch may be cheaper than either the Galaxy Player 5.0 or 4.0, but you really do get what you pay for. Until the iPod Touch catches up with a bigger screen, stereo speakers, FM tuner, GPS, and haptic feedback, I won't consider any future iPod Touch iterations. If you are happy settling for less functionality for less money, then stick with the iPod Touch - it's great for what is does, it's just not good enough for me anymore.
  
  Bottom line I am a cheapskate. That's why I don't own a smartphone. However, spending a little more to get real smartphone-like functionality in a POCKETABLE form factor (i.e NOT a 7" tablet) without paying for a ridiculously miserly monthly data contract is worth it to me. Other's who don't have the good fortune of being bathed in accessible WiFi access during main use would do better to purchase a decent smartphone instead of a Galaxy Player. But if you are just kicking around your or other WiFi zones all day, then you will LOVE a Galaxy Player.
  
  Updated on Dec 5, 2011

  Both Amazon and BestBuy are now selling the Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0 for $200 (down from original $240) plus a bundle including a case & 16GB memory card for $240 (the original asking price). Also, the Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0 is now $240 (down from original $270).
  
  This news COMPLETELY changes the value proposition outlined in the review. The 8GB iPod Touch 4th Gen at $190 is now in a direct head-to-head value battle with the Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0.

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  10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  You guys make me sick.

  by cookie435 on December 2, 2011

  Pros: . 4" Super Clear LCD display
  . Android Market
  . Android 2.3.5
  . Great sound quality
  . Good design
  . Nice camera
  . Capacitive buttons

  Cons: . I honestly can't find anything yet

  Summary: This is a great device, and lately I have been disappointed with cnet's reviews. You guys just want Apple to rule the world huh? This is the best Android ...

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  Summary: This is a great device, and lately I have been disappointed with cnet's reviews. You guys just want Apple to rule the world huh? This is the best Android mp3 player on the market. The 4" model is just 30$ more than the 8 GB version of the iPod touch 4th generation, and it's worth every penny.

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  10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  cnet is the biggest apple fanboys ever.

  by BlueCharmander on December 5, 2011

  Pros: cnet is the biggest apple fanboys ever.

  Cons: cnet is the biggest apple fanboys ever.

  Summary: cnet is the biggest apple fanboys ever. Donald Bell you suck

  Summary: cnet is the biggest apple fanboys ever. Donald Bell you suck

  10 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 7 stars

  Android without the phone and an ideal size.

  by kobolila on December 10, 2011

  Pros: Size; extremely portable yet not eye straining.
  Battery life.
  GPS.
  Majes a great wifi phone with free apps.
  Codec support.
  Awesome as a e-reader.
  Access to the Android Market.
  Beautiful screen; properly encoded videos look great.
  Freedom.

  Cons: Kies, Samsung's tool for managing files on the SGP.
  RAM, and CPU; the device is peppy but can bog down.
  Slippery back.

  Summary: Let me start by saying that in my family we have no less than 9 iPods of various incarnations in this house and 3 are Touch's. Obviously we are ...

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  Summary: Let me start by saying that in my family we have no less than 9 iPods of various incarnations in this house and 3 are Touch's. Obviously we are not Apple haters. That said I have to agree with so many other posters here who are criticizing the cnet review; it very biased IMHO. The Final Thoughts section alone leaves me baffled.
  
  Two of the iPods we have are mine & the SGP 5 stomps on my ipods and leaves them in the dust. My wife and our 2 boys each have the Touch; they are really cool devices, but still, IMHO, no match for the versatility or USABILITY of the SGP.
  
  The screen resolution difference is frequently a factor I read about in threads where elitist posters scoff at the SGP's v's the Touch's; In reality the visual difference is negligible at best, especially when you compare the comfort difference between the Touch's tiny screen and the SGP's 5 inch screen.
  
  I wasnt looking for a e-reader but, now that I have the SGP 5, I am devouring books just like I was a kid again. There are more than a few good apps for reading books on the market and tools on the net to convert whatever format you get, ie pdf, to the standard ePub that so many readers use. The best thing though is that the SGP 5 is so much more portable than the standard e-readers out there; it just drops right in my pocket.
  
  Yesterday I was listening to some folks talking about the devices they used for e-reading; some used the traditional and popular e-readers & a couple used a iPod Touch. The conversation started when one of the folks with the iPod mentioned to their friend who was using a Kindle how they didnt like reading on the Touch because the screen was too small The e-reader folks liked the bigger screens they had, but the device itself was a bit larger than they liked. I introduced them to the SGP 5, I was using it as a reader at the time, and they loved it.
  
  My iPods have always been my 'beater' music players; something to drop in my pocket and use with ear buds while mowing the lawn, etc. When I traveled or was just relaxing somewhere and wanted to either listen to music or watch movies I have used a Cowon A2. Cowon is legendary for the audio quality of their devices. The audio quality from a ipod is so far removed from the A2 that it isnt a fair fight. The stock audio player in the SGP doesn't compare with the A2 either, however there are some very good apps out there that let you tweak the sound to the effect of making it a pleasure to use.
  
  The A2 was also known for its great screen and watching videos was the main reason I got it; I was never disappointed. Trying to watch the same movies on the classic iPod was not only a joke because of the screen size but battery life positively sucked as well (I easily got 8-9 hours watching on the A2. The SGP 5 has very good battery life giving me hours of video, internet, reading, music and gaming.
  
  The SGP comes closest to the visual experience I enjoyed with the A2; lower encoded videos will not look great but given enough bits the images are really nice. I am tossed though whether I like the A2's brighter image or the SGP's richer colors.
  
  The argument made by the reviewer that there is no reason to purchase this device since most people who would consider it already have an Android phone is, IMHO, naive bordering on just plain dumb. Not everyone wants to pay the exorbitant monthly fees and be locked in for a couple years. I am in that that crowd that chooses not to. I have had a cell phone since around 1997 and have never purchased a cell phone plan, preferring instead pay as you go. As cellphones became more and more advanced it was harder and harder not to want a smartphone, but the ridiculous price I would have to pay just to have those features quickly brought me back to reality. Instead I have a 'feature' phone that will get me on the net if I need to and now, with the SGP5, all the cool Android toys I want to play with.
  
  The primary purpose of a phone is to make and receive calls, especially in an emergency. I cant tell you how many friends I know of who have to shut off their phone or find a place to plug it in during the afternoon or early evening because the battery is just about dead from all the other stuff they were doing on it. The SGP gives you the fun without sacrificing your phones battery.
  
  Although marketed as a Personal Media Player the SGP 5 is more of a mini tablet which is much more portable than any of its 7 or 10 inch cousins. It is also, despite the authors claim, much better feature wise than any e-reader I know of. I am baffled by the excitement over the new Kindle Fire or even the new Nook Tablet. My wife has the original Nook Color, it is a really nice device, especially rooted, and it was the inspiration for me to seek out a Android device to replace my ageing A2. The thing that kept me from jumping into the tablet market was their size. The SGP 5 changes all that; you CAN have your cake and eat it too.
  
  As stated above in the CON's there are a couple things that I hope future versions can fix.
  
  Kies is a sucky program, fortunately you do not NEED it to use it to manage your files, but if a firmware update comes out you will to use it.
  
  The device has 512mb of RAM, with only 300+ available for your apps, a gig would be better. I find that I have to occasionally kill some apps that are hogging resources; the same for the signal core processor which those rogue apps are also taxing. Add at least a dual gore and a gig of RAM and it will be much better.
  
  The Short of it is this: If you want to play with Android apps without taxing your phone, if you want to have a e-reader, or multimedia player and do moderate gaming, a tablet that is easily pocket-able as well as having expandable memory capacity than this is a device you want to seriously look at. The iPod touch is a nice toy, but it is not the jack of all functions that the SGP is with its diminutive size really being a turn off for me. And as for parental controls, as another posted stated, you can find apps out there which offer that protection.
  
  JMHO

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  8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  This is a disusting review. Donald Bell should be fired

  by sperrybird on December 5, 2011

  Pros: Excellent and bright display. Huge Screen. UI is smooth as hell.

  Cons: None. the best mp3 player/games/pda device out there.

  Summary: This device is leagues above the ipod touch and you have to pay premium price for a premium product. compare the Galaxy player to the pod touch is to compare ...

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  Summary: This device is leagues above the ipod touch and you have to pay premium price for a premium product. compare the Galaxy player to the pod touch is to compare a ferrari to a yugo. Your bias in favor of apple is glaringly painful Donal Bell you should be ashame of yourself. Your rating of 3 star vs. your own user's rating of nearly 5 stars just says it all.

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  8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 7 stars

  A Terrific MULTIMEDIA PLAYER and iPod Beater.

  by lacyrice2 on December 25, 2011

  Pros: Size
  Speed
  Screen Resolution
  Versatility
  FM Radio
  GPS
  Look

  Cons: Battery Life (Not 60 hours)
  Limited Video Codecs
  Customer Support

  Summary: I was given this multimedia player (CNET needs to change the MP3 category to Multimedia Players) as an option to replace my Archos 43, which had replaced my Archos 5....

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  Summary: I was given this multimedia player (CNET needs to change the MP3 category to Multimedia Players) as an option to replace my Archos 43, which had replaced my Archos 5.0 IT. I had also owned the Archos 7 250GB machine, but took it back due to unsatisfactory battery life and it running hot. I had a problem with the size of the Archos 43 due to not being able to use the keyboard without pressing the wrong keys, no GPS and the SD Card slot breaking. I chose the 5.0 to solve the keyboard problem and chose it over the iPod Touch 2011 due to pricing and expandability. I had used Apple products since 2003 and still cannot figure what all the fuss is about as far as performance. the Archos was one of the most versatile players I've had and this equals or surpasses them in all areas except battery life. I was able to go at least a couple days before charging on the players with moderate use. I had to take my first 5.0 back because it was not getting the rated 60 hours (I was at 15% after around 16 hours with little use). I tested my new one out by just keeping Wifi on without using anything else and was able to get 24 hours (GPS might have been on too). I am currently testing it with everything off.
  
  I used to look to CNET Reviews to help guide my decisions, even though some salespeople were convinced that some editors were being paid by some manufacturers. Now, I must agree with that assessment. He admitted he was an Apple homer, insulted those who are not, and did not review this player with the same criteria that he did the iPod Touch 2011. Everything he derided the Samsung for, he actually praised the iPod. Neither are meant to replace phones or tablets. I have had wireless phones since 1995 and I own the HP Touchpad 32GB and Toshiba Thrive. Tablets are not as portable as this multimedia player. They are greater for work production due to their larger sizes. I also own the HTC Evo 3D and 4G Slide. I make calls from them and use them for other functions, including texting. I use my multimedia players to listen to music, view movies, view pictures and read e-books. I the editor is going to give the iPod Touch 2011 an Editor's Award, he should give the Samusung two. It has thing the Touch does not and with screen resolution being the only advantage, needs to reconsider his review.
  
  The 5.0 does not play the amount of video codecs my Archos did (It played just about everything) and this is the major downer. I had a couple MP4 files which would not play and another which did. Other media were fine, especially pictures and e-books. The lower resolution actually helps consume less power and is negligible. The view of these files were great. The audio playback in stereo was nice as I do not use ear buds and use headphones sparingly.
  
  The battery is the only other negative of note. Though it has a huge battery, it drains pretty quickly according to my experience. I read on another review site that there may be a calibration problem. I returned the first one as it is the rated for 60 hours and am now testing the new one before I add apps or files. I hope to update this review with something more accurate as I am one of those people who never gets everything out of an item that I am supposed to get.
  
  Support sucks bad for this product. I called the mobile devices group and the person who answered did not even know the player existed. I was routed to electronics and the rep there was not much help as apps cannot be rearranged like other Android devices and there is not an update option, but was told that Samsung would update over the air. I have had other Samsung products, so experience tells me that they will do a push from their support website for download. Samsung support is usually top-notch, so I will assume this will improve in time. I was also promised an answer to my problems via email...5 days ago and have not received one yet.
  
  To summarize: This is a great start for Samsung and should get better IAW Samsung's track record. This is also an iPod beater as attested by other reviewers here. Take away iTunes and the iPod sinks further. I am happy I did not get that Apple product and though I have been with Archos for a few years,I can say I am currently pleased with my decision to give the Samsung a try. I also did not mention that the 43 cost more than the $239 I paid for the 5.0. Do not listen to the editor. Do your favor and try the Samsung. You might be happy you did. BTW, if you have a fix for my issues, please notify me.
  
  Updated on Dec 26, 2011

  I have tested the battery in standby without the WiFi (and GPS) and it has been 28.5 hours and the battery is at around 90-95%. I also found that the firmware updates come through the Samsung Kies desktop software. Kies also syncs multimedia files to the device which should help solve the codecs problem. Media Monkey is also a free option. Some people have complained about not being able to charge the battery past 80%, but I have never had that problem and some people in the Samsung SGP Forum stated that rebooting or charging while off could solve the problem. My only gripe is that it takes a while to recharge. As a former wireless sales and customer service person, I also know to fully recycle my device the first few times to maximize battery life and I will do the same with this device...in a few days it seems. This should increase my rating to 4.5.
  
  Updated on Dec 27, 2011

  I have completed my standby test and this device exceeded my expectations. It's been over 60 hours and the battery is at 85-90% according to Settings. The battery icon in the status bar is still full. After I drain it, I will conduct a moderate use test and update.
  
  Updated on Jan 14, 2012

  I have had time to use the unit more. The battery is good when using it for listening to music, watching videos, or reading e-books. The battery does take a hit when using wireless, though it is good and fast when surfing the Net. I do have Webroot Anti-virus and Advanced Task Killer on at all times and do not know how they affected my juice.
  
  I will say that I am disappointed that Cnet did not make Bell redo or amend his review as this item has more features and better performance than the Editor's Choice item. Another site had reviewed them so close that the reviewer almost took the tag from the iPod T2011. Everyone has admitted that the features the Samsung has that the Apple doesn't are significant. So, how does the Pod still retain it's rating as does the Samsung? Bias. I am also disappointed that I contacted the head woman in charge and she has not responded. Maybe Cnet is on Apple's payroll in which case, I will no longer use or refer it to others for reviews.

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  7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Best tablet for reading and music.

  by spark55155 on December 6, 2011

  Pros: See below.

  Cons: See below.

  Summary: The 3 stars given by the "critic" seems is very undeserved, since this is a fantastic device. The problem with these reviews is the author doesn't spend sufficient time ...

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  Summary: The 3 stars given by the "critic" seems is very undeserved, since this is a fantastic device. The problem with these reviews is the author doesn't spend sufficient time with each device to gain insight about the device, and everyone uses the devices a little differently, some mainly for music, some for reading, others for videos. Then there's portability, and ergonomics - some hands are bigger than others.
  
  I've had the "Player 5" for over a month and use it at least an hour every day. I also owned the Acer Iconia 100 (7-inches) for about 2 weeks (but returned it), so I'll make some comparisons to that.
  
  First, there seems to be some odd assumptions made in the review of the Galaxy Player 5. Regarding the author's statement "The logic behind Samsung's Galaxy Player 5.0 ... take Samsung's version of the Android 2.3 operating system...and you should have an appealing alternative to Apple's popular iPod Touch". Tablets, in general, are an alternative to PC's and laptops, not to other brands of tablets. And the 5-inch Samsung model simply fits into the spectrum of sizes that Samsung is designing. Samsung's philosophy is, apparently, to make a broad spectrum of sizes, something for everyone. Samsung is competing with all other device makers, not just Apple. And regarding it's being introduced "4 years too late", does this mean that there should never be a 5-inch tablet? That's a crazy thing to say. If I want to start a company to make 5-inch tablets, are you saying I can't? And should only Apple be allowed to make tablets? Should only Ford make cars? Of course there is always the "original" idea, but there will inevitably be competition, that's how capitalism works. Like with generic drugs, which people PREFER, because they do the same thing for less. By implication, people should PREFER the generic clones of the iPad, because they do the same thing for less. The point is, if they all do the same thing equally well (as is the case), why pay more?
  
  Several things that should be emphasized about the Galaxy Player 5 (5-inch) that the author either didn't notice or didn't appreciate (not entirely his fault because he probably has many devices on his desk that he has to evaluate - who wouldn't be confused by this array of technologies?)
  
  1. The Galaxy Player 5 has 2 speakers. This is definitely on the plus side.
  2. It has a micro SD slot. An enormous plus. Getting my collection of music onto the device is therefore literally effortless, since I conveniently "dragged and dropped" my music files to the micro SD card some time ago for use with another device. I'm surprised the 4-inch version doesn't have a memory card slot, since its size makes it particularly well suited to be a "big screen" dedicated mp3 player.
  
  The Apple iTouch doesn't have either of these 2 essential features, which would seem to invalidate any comparisons between the Galaxy Player 5 and the iTouch from the start. Certainly, the Player 5 would seem to be the superior device for these reasons alone. (I've owned an iTouch for about 2 years, which I use mainly to check the weather, which is does SO WELL! Plus Fluent News. But otherwise it sits in a drawer...).
  
  Regarding the number of apps in the Apple store vs. the Android Market: it's ridiculous to buy into the Apple ecosystem because it has more apps. Both app stores have far surpassed the point of redundancy, and both would be far better with LESS, NOT MORE. All the killer apps are in both markets, and behave identically on both Apple and Android devices.
  
  One ideal design for a tablet would be to have "the biggest screen size that fits into an average hand". The Player 5 does this. Which means that, ergonomically, it is, ahem, perfect. It's possible to hold it for hours. A 7-inch screen is also a great size but a little awkward to hold for long periods, and gets heavy. When the 7-inch models get down to about 5mm, and lighter, I'll get one, they do display more "at a glance". The merit of the 5-inch form factor has been challenged, but the simple fact is that the 5-inch tablet bears the unique distinction as being eminently holdable.
  
  And the "Player 5" plays music SO WELL, especially using the Power Amp android app, available on the Android Marketplace.
  
  It's great for reading, allowing you to easily resize text, besides it's clear, high contrast display. In fact, with this device, reading is a pleasure - as reading should be. This is mainly how I use it. Most other tablets dim when in web browser mode, where the user has no ability to override this, and which lowers the contrast. The Galaxy Tab 7 Plus, and others, have this drawback, I don't know why, which is why I didn't buy it. The user should have control over the brightness at all times. Sure it drains the battery faster, on a brighter setting, but most users are by an outlet pretty much all the time, so Samsung shouldn't deprive me of my preference regarding screen brightness while reading.
  
  I like the slippery, fingerprint resistant glass screen, which is more effortless than tablets with regular glass like the Acer Iconia Tab 100 although this wouldn't be a reason to prefer one over the other.
  
  One negative I noticed, although a tiny one, for me, with the Galaxy Player 5, is videos don't play well. They stop after the first minute or so. That may be related to my particular wi-fi setup, but happens consistently even if I'm next to the router. But because most embedded videos are only a minute or so, it's not a problem, and I don't otherwise use it to watch videos. This could be a big negative for some, but not for me. Then again it could be my device.
  
  One other small "issue" is the wi-fi stops occasionally. But it reconnects almost immediately, and automatically, so it's not really a problem. When this happens I just go back and touch a hyperlink again, I just don't consider this a problem. Dropping the wi-fi signal happened more often with the Acer Iconia Tab 100, where I had to go into the settings menu to reconnect, then work my way back to the web page I was trying to get to, which is obviously more work than with the Galaxy Player 5 - and another reason that I returned the Acer Iconia, besides it's getting "heavy" after only a few minutes.
  
  Regarding cameras on PMP's, tablets, or cell phones: where these devices have 2 cameras, one should be at least 8 mega pixels. Anything less is superfluous because everybody has equal access to better cameras already. Redundant cameras just inflate the prices of these things and it's a waste of natural resources to make superfluous lenses and associated circuitry. By the same token, tablet reviews shouldn't devolve into an essay about the camera, as if there's any question that a camera less than 8MP isn't a gimmick. No tablet or cell phone will ever take good pictures, one need not ask this question anew with every new tablet or cell phone.
  
  In conclusion, I'd give the Galaxy Player 5 about a 96 out of 100, which translates to 5 stars. It's actually a dream to use, compared to using either my laptop or PC, what with all the ads, reminders and warnings. Tablets are definitely a breakthrough and I expect to eventually own a 7-inch model, besides the 5-inch I currently own and the iTouch.

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  7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 8 stars

  Proper Comparison is not with Ipod but with smartphone

  by Snortly05 on March 20, 2012

  Pros: MUCH cheaper than an IPOD Touch or a smartphone to USE. Solid Cost alternative to an Ipod Touch 32GB. More practical 5"screen.Android apps much cheaper, The main ones people USE range from free to inexpensive. Better connectivity.

  Cons: Could be lighter. Next version should be dual core.

  Summary: Much cheaper to own and USE alternative to a smartphone. NO contract needed in order to use the non-phone functions. Wireless excellent for using Skype. More handy as Skype Internet ...

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  Summary: Much cheaper to own and USE alternative to a smartphone. NO contract needed in order to use the non-phone functions. Wireless excellent for using Skype. More handy as Skype Internet telephone than any tablet. Comparing Galaxy Player with a tablet is like comparing a tablet to a desktop computer and declaring the desktop a better buy.I learned in the early decade of personal computing to be skeptical of "professional" media product reviewers, ESPECIALLY if they accept, like Kim Komando, and are paid (again, like Komando) to promote a specific brand or two. For a long time, no one criticized Microsoft, Gateway, or IBM products. Not that they were flawless or great but they laid out a lot of advertising money in each issue of the top four computing magazines. If they wanted to sell their articles and reviews, they did not upset the big advertisers.
  
  I can not say whether or not Bell is in the tank directly or indirectly but I am suspicious he may be compromised somehow by Apple. I do know his review of the Galaxy misses the mark and lacks imagination to the point where I wonder why any consumer would be interested in his take in this matter!
  
  Bell totally ignores that demanding alternatives to Apple products is MORE than a matter of mentality, attitude, being cheap or personal taste. Apple is and always has been highly proprietary, meaning the cost of owning Apple devices goes further than the inflated cost of their devices. By an Apple computer, tablet, phone, whatever and you are locked into buying proprietary Apple software, apps, etc. Its even worse than using Microsoft Windows. Use Windows and you get trapped into a money consuming, time consuming world. Fortunately, there are Linux alternatives, something that eats at the souls of Microsoft executives. Apple and Microsoft share Bill Gates in common and his mentality. Foolish people buy stock in these two giants which never have and never will pay a dividend. They save all the excess profits for senior management, who retire young and oil prince wealthy.
  
  Galaxy is an alternative for people who wish to use a smartphone but refuse to be hamstrung by a phone company. Bell recommends a cell phone over the Galaxy. How is being forced to pay $80 plus a month JUST so you can have the Android computer functions of YOUR smartphone UNLOCKED so you can use it smarter and cheaper than a Galaxy player?
  
  He compares a $220 (street price) Galaxy Player, which has many quality apps FREE to Apple Ipod which charges money for the same apps. Isn't that like buying an inkjet printer for $90 but forgetting the ink cartridges are $30 each, or an HP color laserjet for $250 but forgetting it takes six toner cartridges that cost $75 each?
  
  OK, so Ipod comes with a parent feature that lets parents protect children from porn sites. Bell wants me to believe he is such an incompetent gadget "expert" that he is unaware that there are several FREE Android apps that do this and some do it much better? Like a corporate marketing department drone he USES screen numbers to "prove" IPod is superior. Come on. An "expert" should know it is what this actually means visually that matters.
  On a 5" display most people will be very pleased with Galaxy's 800 X 480. IPod has to have 960 X 640 to make text readable on a 3.4" screen. Bell says Galaxy sound is wanting. Wanting in exactly what way? Most people are thrilled with 5 channel sound because in all honesty few people can truly appreciate 12 channel. If you can not hear the difference is there a real difference? In the world of small screens, there is a big difference between 3.4 and 5, especially a big difference when it comes to photos, videos and something you skipped over viewing Internet Pages.
  
  My wife isn't the only person who wanted a smartphone but not the overpriced phone services. To her shock, she learned that even if she goes out and pays full price ($500 or more) for one, it really isn't hers because she can not use the computer, the wireless, nothing, unless she signs up for outrageously priced phone service.
  
  For such people who want a pocket device, not a tablet, Galaxy is the way to go. It may cost more than a IPod but she can insert an inexpensive microSD that instantly comparable to a much more expensive Ipod. How much is a 32GB Ipod Mr. Bell.

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  5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  CNET should be ashamed for, Donald Bell righting this.

  by cwc24 on December 7, 2011

  Pros: Don't know

  Cons: Don't know

  Summary: We should all complain to CNET to get this product re-reviewed by someone who isn't so obviously an apple fanatic. He didn't even give this a chance. Everything ...

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  Summary: We should all complain to CNET to get this product re-reviewed by someone who isn't so obviously an apple fanatic. He didn't even give this a chance. Everything he bashes it on are similar flaws in the ipod touch yet that got 5 stars. What a hack! He left out so many things that this has that are missing on the ipod. He compares it to tablets, but it's not meant to compete with tablets. Hey Donald, people want this because it is pocketable and offers more features than the ipod. Also, Donald should have looked into some of the possibilities to change lacking features through apps(content filtering).
  
  CNET, what happened to your great unbiased reviews? You are starting to disappoint me. I used to go to you to read about products and feel I was getting an honest un-biased review, but now I don't feel that is the case any more. You never criticize Apple for anything now. Are you on some companies payroll. That would be unethical, you know?

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  5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 8 stars

  IT FITS IN YOUR POCKET.

  by The7arryIII on March 16, 2012

  Pros: -5" screen (literally a tablet by Android standards), but it still fits in an average pocket (unlike a 7"-10.1" tablet)
  -No contract (unlike most other Samsung Galaxy devices)
  -Expandable memory (up to 32GB)
  -Google Play

  Cons: -Many games in Google Play that you can find for the iPod touch in the App Store are incompatible with Galaxy Player 5. No Modern Combat 3.
  -Larger battery takes a long time to charge
  -Built-in music app UI is kind of gross.

  Summary: I got this device because tablets are too big to fit in a pocket, on-contract phones are outrageously expensive, and the same phones off-contract are still not worth it.
  I ...

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  Summary: I got this device because tablets are too big to fit in a pocket, on-contract phones are outrageously expensive, and the same phones off-contract are still not worth it.
  I used an iPod touch before this, and I loved it. But some thief decided he needed it more than I did. I used the opportunity to try out Android. My first device was an LG Optimus V (good starter device), but I soon found out about this slightly more expensive, but much more powerful option.
  My first impressions were BIG HUGE SCREEN, FASTER PROCESSOR, and IT FITS IN MY POCKET. I bought Shadowgun and World of Goo (tablet only) for $.49 apiece, and I was impressed by ensuing mobile gaming entertainment. I wanted more, so I looked up other such games. Dead Space. That's all I found (because Gameloft doesn't do it for me). So I looked up Gameloft games. I learned that there aren't many Gameloft titles compatible with the Player 5.0 either.
  That surprised me, because I looked up the hardware specs, and they're a little better than those of the iPod touch. It has the same (1GHz) CPU as iPod's underclocked A4 SoC (Samsung's Hummingbird), 370+ MB of RAM (compared to iPod's 256), PowerVR SGX540 graphics processor (iPod has SGX535, not sure what the difference is), and fewer pixels on the screen (less work for the GPU). I guess that means that the weak link of graphical performance is Android itself.
  But you don't need graphical performance to read ebooks! Reading is about half of what I do on the Galaxy Player. It has a big screen with color and decent pixel density, and many possible ebook sources. AND IT FITS IN YOUR POCKET.
  I also like using this to watch movies. There is a pair of pretty decent and loud stereo speakers on the back, and 5" of "hdpi" movie beats out watching shows on a 3.5" iPod touch. And it's better than hauling around a 7"-10" tablet any day BECAUSE IT FITS IN YOUR POCKET.
  There are some other nice features too, which I don't often use: Decent web browsing with Flash support, FM Radio, 3.2 megapixel camera (I DO use the LED flash as a flashlight), Android's Gallery app, and ThinkFree Office, among others. And it thinks it's a tablet that FITS IN YOUR POCKET.
  
  My main gripes with this device are:
  Relatively weak Wi-Fi reception
  Limited Bluetooth functionality (still better than iOS
  Long time to charge the large battery (about as fast as iPad)
  Android's inherent graphical performance issues
  The headphone jack is on the bottom
  Smartphone keyboards cheat on button hotzones. You have to type slightly lower on the keyboard than you'd think, or risk unintentionally hitting the key above.
  
  I'd recommend this for:
  Android lovers on somewhat of a budget
  Phone service provider haters
  People who like big smartphone screens
  People who like LED flashlight apps
  People who like stereo speakers built-in
  People who like showing off
  and
  People who like tablets that FIT IN THEIR POCKETS.
  
  P.S. I found mine on eBay, used but in perfect condition for $200.

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  4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.

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