Samsung's YP-P2 (we call it the "Yipee 2") is a touch-screen competitor to the iPod Touch. While the P2 doesn't offer the Web browser of the Touch, it does have the advantage of built-in wireless Bluetooth audio, an FM radio, and support for a wide range of online music services.
The Samsung YP-P2 uses touch-screen navigation on its 3-inch display. Like nearly every touch-screen video player we've seen, the Samsung YP-P2 is a magnet for finger smudges.
At just 0.4 inch thick, the Samsung YP-P2 is easy to slide in your pocket. The two small side buttons shown here control the hold function and Play/Power. On the opposite side, you'll find identical buttons for volume control (a hardware feature lacking on the iPod Touch).
On the bottom of the Samsung YP-P2 you'll find a headphone jack, proprietary USB connection, and a small hole labeled Mic. Considering that the Samsung YP-P2 does not include a voice recorder, the inclusion of a microphone may seem confusing. What makes the Samsung YP-P2 unique is that it can be paired with Bluetooth devices, including mobile phones, that can take advantage of the Samsung YP-P2's microphone for answering calls.
Unlike Apple's proprietary multitouch interface technology, the Samsung YP-P2's touch-screen control feels unresponsive by comparison. One gets the hang of it after a while, but the interface is unmistakably second-fiddle to the iPhone and iPod Touch.
The Samsung YP-P2 borrows the tall, slender form of the second-gen iPod Nano, and the widescreen touch interface of the iPod Touch. Unlike the iPod, however, the Samsung YP-P2 includes an FM radio, advanced Bluetooth capabilities, and compatibility with a wide offering of digital music and video services.
Included with the Samsung YP-P2 is a handy fold-out stand that can prop up the player for hands-free video playback. The stand can be tethered to the P2 using the loophole found on the top of the player.
The Samsung YP-P2 does not include any built-in speakers. It can, however, connect wirelessly to other Bluetooth-enabled products, such as speakers, headphones, and car stereos. Samsung sells a separate Bluetooth speaker product called the BS300, shown here.
Unlike the iPod Touch or second-gen Zune, the Samsung YP-P2 does not use a scratch-resistant glass screen. Does that mean you'll want to buy a case for this thing? Probably.
One thing you can say about the Samsung YP-P2: Its design is elegant and understated. We're seeing a lot of Flash video players come through our doors lately, and many of them suffer from feeling toy-like. The Samsung YP-P2 definitely feels like it was made for grown-ups.
