Model:  YP-K3JQB

Manufacturer:  Samsung

Reviewed By:  Miguel

Review Date:  04/25/07

  Samsung has a knack for making products impossibly thin.  This is apparent with a large number of their innovative cell phones.  However, it wasn't long before they would do the same with their digital audio players.  Considered one of the most eye-catching products at this year's CES, the new Samsung YP-K3 redefines the term slim, only measuring in at a mere 0.27" wide.  However, that's not all that has gotten many interested in this innovative new player.  Sporting a light-emitting touch sensitive navigation pad, a quality 1.8" color OLED display and a high-tech style interface, this is quite possibly the most appealing MP3 player to hit the market.  Stick with me here as I give you a very thorough look at this little beauty...it may not be for everyone.

Packaging & Contents

This player does come in some fancy packaging.  In fact, it is very similar to the that of the first-gen Ipod Nano.  Included with this player are some Samsung branded earbuds, proprietary USB cable, software CD and a Quick Start guide.  There's no detailed manual included with the product, but you can download one from their website if needed or view it in PDF on the included CD.

Design

The YP-K3 is simply stunning to look at.  The front sports a glossy mirror-like finish that conceals the touch sensitive controls.  The back of the player has a matte black finish with a low profile logo from the company.  The sides are accented with a nice chrome trim that does indeed compliment its overall design quite well.

The YP-K3 sports some backlit touch-sensitive controls that emanate through the front glossy black surface.  Certainly high-tech in style no doubt!  While this approach is better in terms of durability and long term use, many who have not played with touch sensitive controls will find that it will take a bit of time to get used to them.  However, I will say that the controls on this player are highly responsive and a major difference over those featured in the Philips GoGear HDD6330 I looked at quite some time ago.  While mostly backlit in a nice deep blue color,  there are two controls that are backlit in white.  One serves as a back button and the other as a menu button.

The next two high quality shots where taken on a tripod with manual settings.  They were taken not only to demonstrate just how thin this player is, but also to show its side controls and I/O jacks. 

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Unlike its bigger brother, the YP-K5, this player is incredibly thin and measures in at only 0.27" thick.  There is only one switch that is located on its right side that doubles as its power button and hold/lock switch. 

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On the bottom, you'll find the headphone jack and USB connector.  Note though that because of its ultra-slim design, it does sport a proprietary USB connector and I just don't see a way that they could have implemented a standard mini port on this player.  Unfortunately, this is the drawback of owning most devices that are this thin in design.  Same goes for a number of cell phones as well. 

**click to enlarge**

Finally, a shot for size comparison next to a large Creative Zen Vision:M and the slim mobiBLU US2.  If you own the US2, the player is roughly the same thickness but the US2 is thicker near the top where its unique dual headphone jacks are located. 

Specifications

Next: Install & Bundled Software