Samsung's matt white Yepp YP-55i player is constructed with an aluminum shell which should provide a measure of strength for an item likely to be kept in the back pocket of a pair of jeans. It also gives the YP-55i a nice solid feel that is far too absent from most of today's consumer electronics. The long time durability of the paint job remains to be seen though. Alternatively, the YP-55i can be wrapped up in its fabric carry case for added scratch protection. The case has a velcro strap so it can be held in the hand, or looped around something, but it makes it next to impossible to reach the forward/reverse key if you then want to cycle through some tracks.

Actually, I'd avoid the case entirely. The YP-55i isn't held in place in it very firmly at all, and the controls are totally obscured. The whole case just isn't well thought out. It would be better to attach the lanyard to the hook at the top of the unit if you are worried about loosing the YP-55i - at least then you can wrap the lanyard around something. Yes, ditch the case entirely.

The Samsung YP-55i player has its controls nicely arranged. The front LCD screen is electroluminescently back lit when keys are pressed, and the 'play/stop' button is centrally located and easy to access - but not so much so to be hit by accident.

On the adjacent side are the 'Mode' and 'Volume' buttons - the Mode button is small and simply allows you to cycle through the music, voice or FM radio modes. By holding it down a little longer, you'll then have access to all the settings options regarding sound, bit rates, screen configurations, file management, etc.

Under the 'normal' setting, the sound quality is alright, but a bit bland. There is also the option of shifting to a 'jazz,' 'classical,' 'dbb' or 'rock' preset, but I found the 'WOW' option preferable. I'm not certain why 'SRS' is included in devices, as the sound quality is typically horrible (all tinny and distorted). 'Trubass' is pretty good though.

In any case, the 'WOW' button is activated most easily, and it is what I'd recommend users first play around with if the bass seems lacking.

To advance or reverse through the track listings shown on the LCD screen (it supports ID3 tag display), or through any of the menu screens, users need to key in the >> and << buttons. Problem is, there aren't any on the YP-55i... at least not at first glance...

The top portion of the player swivels a few degrees each way, and acts as the >> and << buttons. It is remarkably ingenious, and makes the unit incredibly easy to use if you are carrying it around, or even blind folded. Compare that to the standard little <</>> keys of most MP3 players, and it is something that is easily appreciated.