Samsung P2 MP3 Player Review
Gadget Reviews
Samsung’s P2 is their flagship MP3/PMP device with many features, starring the full screen touch interface. Bluetooth also plays a supporting role in the feature set, giving the player the ability to connect to wireless headphones and to your mobile phone (in future updates).
The near-buttonless design comes together very nicely with a solid build quality common to Samsung’s portable devices. Wrapped inside this player is a well thought out interface that most people will be able to just pick up and use. Despite a few complaints, the P2 is definitely something to consider even though it commands a higher price than similar capacity MP3 players.
Quick Look
* Colors: Black, White, Burgundy
* Capacities: 4GB, 8GB
* MSRP: $200, $250
* Supported Audio: MP3, WMA
* Supported Video: SVI 480×272 @ 30FPS / WMV9 SP 320×240 or 480×272 @ 30FPS
* Other Supported Formats: TXT, JPEG
* Screen: 3” 480×272 (16:9) 262k Color
* Size: 52 X 100 X 9.95 mm
* Weight: 86g
* Battery: 35 hours audio, 5 hours video
* Other Features: Bluetooth Headphone Support, Bluetooth Phone Support (November), RSS Feeds, FM Recording, Alarm, Calendar
Design
I have really appreciated the latest designs from Samsung especially in the latest generation of MP3 players. The minimalistic design is very sturdy and material tolerances are tight. Samsung’s design department is on point and could rival Apple’s. I would love to see them make an all-in-one desktop PC.
The P2 is comprised of two halves, the plastic face - or touch screen - and the back metal plate. The touch screen is very scratch resistant and as long as you’re not laying the P2 face down, the touch screen will hold up well. But if that’s not enough, you can still apply the supplied screen protector. I will note that the glossy screen will show finger prints like they are going out of style, but it is inevitable with gadgets in general and especially with touch devices.
The latter half - or the back metal - is a smooth, semi-matte finish, hard-coat painted. My P2 is starting to show wear in the form of scratches from setting it on hard surfaces. The scratches are minimal and don’t show much, and the hard-coat of paint has not worn down to metal under normal use and light abuse. I was able to scratch down to bare metal with my keys, but with a sharp edge and intent. Overall both materials will hold up well. If you are more wreckless with your players, you can always pick up a case for the P2.
The P2 commands a premium price compared other similar capacity players and rightfully so, due to all the packed in features like Bluetooth and a brilliant large screen. But I believe that the price premium is also justified in the quality of the hardware. As I described above, it is a well-designed and well-built player.
Keep in mind you are trading a little bit of usability for the coolness and fun factor of the touch interface; the P2 is not something you can use blindly in your pocket or without looking. I, as someone who doesn’t like touch interfaces, still believe that it was well thought out and executed with precision, despite a few minor gripes.
