CNET Editor's rating: 7.3 out of 10
Reviewed by
Mike Kobrin
Review date: 04/02/07
The good: The Samsung YP-K3 is very attractive and simple to use, and it's priced competitively. It also has intuitive menus, a speedy interface, and above-average sound quality.
The bad: You can't use the K3 with a Mac or for simple data storage. Touch-sensitive controls can be challenging to use. It has no on-device playlisting features and limited file-format support. Also, it has no video or recording features.
The bottom line: The Samsung YP-K3 may not be a Nano-killer, but it's definitely a solid choice for those who want a simple, sexy player that's not too hard on the wallet.
It was only a matter of time before Samsung put out a speakerless version of the innovative YP-K5 MP3 player. The YP-K3 delivers the goods in an even sexier--if ever-so-slightly bigger--body than the iPod Nano. But it's priced for the masses at $119 for 2GB and $169 for 4GB, undercutting the iPod's tag. Samsung says an 8GB model will be out by summer, which makes sense given the company's good footing in the flash memory market.
Out of the box--which is nearly identical to that of the full-size iPod, interestingly--the K3 is simply stunning. Its glossy front is trimmed with chrome, giving it a sleek and stylish look. When you turn the player on using the side-mounted power/hold switch, the touch-sensitive controls light up, reminiscent of Philips' GoGear line of players. The controls consist of four directional arrows, as well as Select, Menu, and Back keys. Like the K5, the YP-K3 takes some design cues from the LG Chocolate phone, right down to the availability of black, red, and green versions--sorry, no white. The red version in particular is truly gorgeous, and the backlit controls give it a very jukebox-like appearance.
The K3's 1.8-inch OLED screen is a bit larger than the Nano's 1.5-inch LCD, but like said iPod, the K3 has a bottom-mounted headphone jack and a proprietary dock connector. The K3 isn't as prone to scratches as the original Nano was, but ours picked up a few very minor scratches as well as lots of fingerprints. Navigating the menu system is snappy, and we like the animated icons on the main menu level. There are no significant differences between the YP-K5 and the YP-K3, other than the K3's lack of an alarm-clock function, which depends upon a built-in speaker. The touch controls are very sensitive, but they're spaced far enough apart to avoid too much frustration. Still, with no tactile feedback, it's impossible to operate the K3 without taking it out of your pocket.
Setting up the YP-K3 to communicate with your computer is a no-brainer--just attach it via the proprietary USB cable, and it syncs with Windows PCs. Sadly, though, Samsung has once again left out the growing number of Mac users by abandoning USB Mass Storage Class drivers, so the K3 can't be used as a thumb drive. But it syncs fairly well with Windows Media Player 10 and 11, as well as other MTP-based jukebox software. We did run into a few issues with Windows Media Player 11 where we had to disconnect and reconnect the player a couple times to get the sync feature to work right. But it's not clear whether this is a WMP 11 issue or a K3 issue.
File format support is fairly limited, including only MP3, WMA, and ASF, but the K3 supports PlaysForSure content. It would have been nice if Samsung included compatibility with Audible.com files, OGG, and AAC--especially in light of EMI's recent announcement that it will offer unprotected AAC files through the iTunes Music Store.
The YP-K3 offers some basic yet desirable features, including an FM tuner (which has a bit of trouble picking up fringe stations even with its sensitivity set to High), music playback, and photo viewing--but no video or recording. Little else distinguishes it from the masses besides its looks. There are some nonessential items, such as trippy visualizer screens and a live graphic equalizer, but Samsung intentionally kept it simple. Photo viewing is basic, with no pan or zoom, but you can watch slide shows with musical accompaniment. The screen is bright and colors are vivid, but as with most small OLED screens, the resolution is far from impressive. Despite the graphically intense interface, the K3's interface is very responsive and speedy overall.
The YP-K3's sound quality is very good, with detail and bass definition similar to the iPod Nano's. Equalizer options are slim and largely useless, but the bass boost is powerful. The included earbuds are better than most freebies, but if you're looking to upgrade, the K3's output is strong enough to drive headphones that cost as much as the player itself. The nonremovable battery is rated for 20 hours of audio playback time; CNET Labs beat this rating by about 4 hours. You can even get an optional speaker for the K3, but don't expect anywhere near the variety of accessories that are available for the iPod.
Two minor annoyances are the lack of gapless playback and the fact that each track starts with a fade-in that can't be disabled. We like that music automatically pauses when you unplug the headphones, but the jury's still out on whether it's a good idea to have the volume automatically reset to halfway when you power the player on without the option to disable that feature. Another oddity with our production unit is that the system settings reverted to the default each time we plugged the player into our PC. Hopefully, Samsung will fix this with a future firmware update.
The Samsung YP-K3 may not be a Nano killer, but it does have enough visual appeal to be a conversation piece. Samsung has done a good job at making a glamorous and great-sounding yet affordable and uncomplicated player, though the company needs to bring back the ability to use the player as a USB drive for Mac users and data storage. The inclusion of a few more features such as recording and on-device playlisting would have also added to the player's versatility. The touch-sensitive controls are definitely a double-edged sword; they add to the attractiveness of the K3, but they don't do much for its usability.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Ultra Sexy, also makes a GREAT Bible (in TXT)
Never had any problem transferring MP3s, pictures(JPG) and text(TXT) from my Mac mini to this SEXY player. Can'...
Never had any problem transferring MP3s, pictures(JPG) and text(TXT) from my Mac mini to this SEXY player. Can't take my eyes off this thing. By taking advantage of its text reader, U could put the whole Bible into it(in TXT format) and make the K3 literally the world's slimmest Bible, in multiple language such as most Asian language. Just the look of the player worth the money. Can't stand the new fatty iPod nano. If are like me who could live w/o Coverflow, and like to organize music into folders, go for this player. U can listen to FM radio too, unlike the fatty.
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by eerie571 (see profile) -
September 20, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Sexiest thing since Denzel Washington
This player is a TOTAL nano-killer. The screen is bigger, the sound puts the nano to shame, the glossiness almost ...
This player is a TOTAL nano-killer. The screen is bigger, the sound puts the nano to shame, the glossiness almost burns your eyes in sexiness! Just to make this a fair review, I will admit tho that piks are sort of washed out, but I didnt buy this player to show off piks anyway. Most touch sensitive controls like ALWAYS activate whenever ANYTHING touches it. Not with the K3. it only activates the controls with your FINGERS. I've sat on it, threw pillows at it, rubbed it on the couch and nothing activated to controls other than my fingers!! When I played with this product i instantly bought it and crushed my nano into MANY pieces!! It now resides in the dark depths of my local sewer!!
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by -bonafide- (see profile) -
August 25, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
7 out of 10 - Very good a bit deceiving
I don't like the way it organise my files or my type or musique.You can find Dave Brubeck ...
I don't like the way it organise my files or my type or musique.You can find Dave Brubeck in electronica!!
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by bigkawa (see profile) -
March 22, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Glad I Took the Plunge
Sweet looking and sounds great- easily the best looking DAP. Because my main use is in listening to podcasts,and ...
Sweet looking and sounds great- easily the best looking DAP. Because my main use is in listening to podcasts,and it has good resume feature, its MP3 and WMA-only playback is fine . Touch controls are very responsive. Love it because of its simplicity.
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by Gary Lee (see profile) -
February 11, 2008
8 out of 10 - Excellent Spectacular
I love it. Don't buy the stereotypical ipod! Buy this, you will not regret it. I could write a ...
I love it. Don't buy the stereotypical ipod! Buy this, you will not regret it. I could write a full review, but I think the product speaks for itself. The ipod nano killer
http://www.samsung.ca/k3/
like I said...buy it...NOW! Its better than ALL mp3 players out there under the 200$ range, thats right, everything under the 200$ range. This is amazing since the thing is closer to the 100$ range!
Updated The screen, being as sexy as it is, collects fingerprints really badly, and of course like any player can get scratched! Do you honestly want such a stylish piece of technology to get SCRATCHED?!?!?
Buy a case that will protect the screen really well...I MEAN IT. I strongly recommend the belkin case line, as the one I have rocks. Very functional and easy to access your player with, while protecting your player really really well. The best 30$ you will ever spend on this player.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Great Low Cost Portable
I needed a small MP3 player and FM radio to take to the gym. I did not want to lug ...
I needed a small MP3 player and FM radio to take to the gym. I did not want to lug my IPOD video to the gym since it is expensive and heavy... Also needed FM to watch the TVs. Went to Best Buy and saw this unit, sales rep tried to talk me out of it??? For $99, this unit exceeded my expectations by FAR. I find the sound quality to be excellent, and the interface easy to use. Highly recommend for a low cost but fully functional MP3 player.
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by khamalian (see profile) -
July 21, 2007
9 out of 10 - Spectacular I really like this thing alot.
First mp3 player, so I can't compare it to any. But I love this thing. Perfect sound, cool style ...
First mp3 player, so I can't compare it to any. But I love this thing. Perfect sound, cool style and looks. The samsung media thing that comes with it is very easy to understand. By the way, the fingerprints wipe off easily. I did buy Sony earplugs. The ones that come with it are suffeciant, but I wanted ones that stay place. I'm telling you, this thing is hard to put down. I can't tell you how many things I buy and return for one reason or another. But this K3 is staying put. You will not be diaspointed with this purchase.
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by DonP. (see profile) -
July 13, 2007
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Very nice! Owns iPod Nano!
I purchased this @ Bestbuy on sale for 99 + Tax 110. I was looking for something different than the iPod Nano ...
I purchased this @ Bestbuy on sale for 99 + Tax 110. I was looking for something different than the iPod Nano which I hate because you MUST use iTunes with it. You can plug this into any computer and drag and drop music which is what I really like about it.
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by motorolav400 (see profile) -
July 5, 2007
The sound on the K3 is fabulous. It sounds way better than other player that ...
This thing is simply amazing !!
The sound on the K3 is fabulous. It sounds way better than other player that I've heard. The UI is very innovative, fun and very easy to use with the control pad.The control pad is surprisingly responsive and doesn't do anything wrong. The screen savers are colorful and also amazing to look at. The FM radio works really well. The reception was loud and clear and is sounds good.
Transferring music is very easy too. Simply connect the K3 on the computer, wait for the driver being installed and open WMP and select your music to be transfered, transfer and BOOM ! you're done. The synchronization process is pretty fast too. Don't install the Samsung Media Studio if you have another media program on your computer. WMP or MediaMonkey is perfect.
Overall, it might have a few features, but it's a very basic music player and for the price tag, it's a very good deal !
For the people who want something of the size of the iPod Nano and want a basic player, it's perfect for you ! WAY TO FO SAMSUNG !!!!
Updated D'OH my mistake!!!! WAY TO GO SAMMSUNG !!!!!
And I forgot to mention, this thing looks VERY HOT !!!!
10 out of 10 - Perfect Proven as a Nano Killer!!!
This device is awesome.. dont know why cnet gave score to this YP-K3 just 7.3 (asia cnet 7.7)....
This device is awesome.. dont know why cnet gave score to this YP-K3 just 7.3 (asia cnet 7.7).
this is my first MP3 player, before i have this K3, i played MP3 from my mobile phone (Nokia N-Gage), the sound were not bad but the battery life was terrible (just 3 hours). it takes me couple of days before i decide to bought Samsung YP-K3, at first i want to buy ipod nano, but after i read many reviews bout both nano and samsung, then i make a comparison table between nano and K3 (design, features, sound quality, price, battery life etc) i just sure that samsung is the best one. YP-K3 comes with more + (plus) than nano, so i decide to bought this K3.
The design is sexy, love it. screen wider than nano, it has a animation graphic which called GUI, the menu is very simple. the best is this device has an extraordinary sound quality, slightly better than ipod nano. battery life is much longer than nano, i test it, and its turned off after 25 hours of play.
i recomend to all K3 user to upgrading the firmware to version 3.05 or 4.06 (the original is ver 2.26). After u upgrade, u will have this: 1. 3 GUI colors to choose from: - Blue, Lime, and Red - One color per update 2. PHOTO ZOOM feature added 3. Upgraded to DNSe2.0 support 4. New fonts added 5. user customs equalizer 6. the sound getting louder than before
dont worry bout the touchscreen, it not as hard to operate as u taught, take me only 5 minutes to get used to it. this device should score 10!!! i 100 %suggest you to buy this Samsung YP-K3.
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by monzlho (see profile) -
May 23, 2007
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