The Samsung U5 Manages to be a different kind of MP3 Player.
June 18, 2009 1 Comment Thursday, June 18th, Netcast 854
The Samsung U5, depending on the model, contains 2, 4, or 8 GB of internal memory. It also had a built in mic, a tiny OLED screen, an FM tuner, and an internal battery that gives (according to Samsung) a very decent 18 hours of use. The mini MP3 player market is a crowded field, but the U5 distinguishes itself by adding animated characters, which Samsung calls Popcon, (not popcorn) to the tiny OLED screen. You get to choose one of 11 Popcon characters (or you can create your own) and even name it. Your Popcon not only greets you when you boot up the U5, it becomes your workout partner. Why do you want a workout partner on a tiny MP3 player? Because there’s a built in fitness program in the U5. No, it’s not a heavy-duty program (prices start under $40!) but it can keep track of how long you work out, and once you tell it the exercise activity you’re involved in, it can figure out the estimated calorie burn. The tiny OLED screen even shows album art when available. It ships with white ear buds and a belt clip. The ear buds sound better than most, especially at this price. You can listen to podcasts using Samsung’s software, and there is a built-in voice recorder for your own recordings. The FM radio includes an FM-recording function. All in all, you get a lot of features for a player that sells for under $40 – for the 2GB version. The 4 & 8 GB model may not happen in the US, so if you like the U5, don't wait for a larger capacity model.
Be sure to see the Inside DGW page for what a Giz Wiz version of the U5 might look like. (Thanks to Alfred Chan!) http://gizwizbiz.squarespace.com/inside-dgw/
Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw854
The Giz Wiz
A spokesperson for Samsung said that the 2GB model may be the only model of the U5 available. So if you're interested in one, don't wait for a bigger memory model. It may never be.
Reader Comments (1)
-Hamilton Swiss watch replicas Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more.