Samsung YP-T10 review

Samsung's 2007 line of MP3 players take advantage of one key feature: touch-sensitivity. The YP-P2 is controlled with gesture-based touch and the new YP-T10 uses a purely touch-sensitive control pad. The T10 follows on from the success of both Samsung's popular YP-K3 and YP-T9 players of 2006.

The T10 takes the form factor of the K3, the popular name of the T9 and the features of both, blending them into what looks like a stylish hybrid of two successful products, but with key updates and differences. It's available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB capacities, starting at just £57. We've reviewed the 8GB version, which is priced at around £99.

Design
Immediately liking something is always a good sign, so we can't help but vent our appreciation for the T10's design and build. It's reasonably lightweight but feels sturdy, and the aluminium back plate, with its charcoal matte finish, exerts style and professionalism.

The face of the T10 is finished in a slick gloss and will attract fingerprints and admirers alike. A glossy 51mm (2-inch) TFT LCD screen consumes about half of the face. The rest is taken up by a touch-sensitive navigational pad, the buttons of which glow when touched. Sexy, though no chance you'll use it blindly. Reflective as it is, the screen is pin-sharp. It'll give the new iPod nano not just a run for its money, but surely a jump of a few back garden fences, too.

A special 24-pin UART USB socket sleeps at the bottom of the player, beside a headphone socket. There's also a tiny microphone, which we'll come to later. Overall it's an exceptionally appealing little player, with all the style boxes checked.

Features
The T10's predecessor, the YP-K3, was not geared up to play video. But with its sharp screen, video playback is a key feature of this new player. In fact, it'll play MPEG-4 and WMV video with up to 30 frames per second and resolutions of 320x240 pixels. Music, though, is the main feature here and MP3, WMA and OGG (hurrah!) file formats are all supported, along with purchased tracks protected with WMA DRM.

Like most players, images are supported. There's nothing outstanding in this department but photos look great on the crisp screen. Instead of mocking the iPod's iconic interface and navigation, Samsung has flexed its creative hands and implemented a cute, functional cartoon-esque navigation system, featuring a dog called Sammy. Yes, it's a bit silly, and yes, it's a bit of a gimmick. But it looks great and kids will love it. Adults can opt for one of a couple of more grown-up themes, should the spunky cartoon dog not appeal.