Alternatives to the iPod Touch
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The creation of the touch-screen display by Apple in its iPod Touch series has motivated its competitors in the MP3 and portable video player market to come up with the same technology. In this review, we will present two competitors to the iPod Touch that not only seem to compare favorably in terms of features, but are also more economical than Apple’s line, which starts at a retail price of $299 for its 8GB Touch model.
Touch-screen technology definitely has its perks. Perhaps the most important is the ability to eliminate buttons that take up space on players, thus allowing for larger display screens. Touch-screen technology also allows users to drag and drop items easily, making maneuverability and use of the players a snap. Of course, when others try to mimic the leader, there are always failures.
First on the list is the Samsung YP-P2, which is a portable MP3 and personal video player with a touch-screen interface and Bluetooth technology. This great for those who prefer to use wireless headphones with their players. The player also works well with Bluetooth speakers and can even be used with a cell phone. Samsung's unit is so diverse that it can be used with nearly 30 different devices.
The P2 costs $200 for the 4GB model and $250 for the 8GB model, undercutting the iPod Touch's prices. Buyers of the P2 have the choice of red, black, or white colors for their players. Of all the touch-screen players on the market, the P2 is the most similar aesthetically to the iPod Touch, although it is smaller than its competitor from Apple. Users rely solely on the P2's three-inch screen for control as virtually no buttons exist on the player. The P2 comes complete with volume controls, microphone and headphone jack, play/pause/power controls on the side, and a proprietary dock.
The Samsung YP-P2 really shines in terms of its interface. Users can choose between three different fonts and three different styles of menus. Users can also activate any object visible on the screen, no matter how far it is, which is useful for saving time. As with other players, users can also select any wallpaper they choose as their background. Menus are easy to navigate and music is sorted by artist, album, and genre. For those seeking a certain song quickly, there is also a search function built in.
Next: YP-P2 continued >>
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