Summary

Looking back on this article, we've come to realize that this review is really two reviews in one. Although we were looking at the Samsung YH-999 Portable Media Center, we were also looking at the Microsoft Portable Media Center OS.

The Samsung YH-999 is a wonderful first generation PMC device. If you were to ask me for some positive attributes about the YH-999, it would be the following: lightweight, slim, beautiful, and sleek. It certainly is an eye catcher of a device. The 3.5 inch LCD display is a bit smaller than Creative's version of the PMC but it's bright and beautiful. The speaker system is loud enough if you don't want to use headphones but hey – the headphones aren't bad either so you can use them if your surroundings are too loud. The device is designed beautifully – everything from the navigation buttons to the built in kickstand shows that Samsung has truly paid attention to details with the product. The YH-999 is wonderful easy to use on an everyday basis but it's not without its flaws. It would have been great if the device could charge from the USB port since it requires users to bring along yet another charger when they're on the road. The built-in battery is good but not great. You won't be able to watch two full length movies on a cross country trip although you will be able to see at least one. Although the device is one of the smallest PMC's on the market, it's still cumbersome when compared to something like the iPod. If you want a portable audio player, then stick with an iPod (or similar device). If you want a portable video player, then consider the Samsung YH-999.

As for the Portable Media Center , Microsoft has developed a great first version – yes a true rarity. The user interface is easy to use and operate. The OS interoperates with a Windows XP or MCE desktop flawlessly and it actually feels robust on an everyday basis. There are some annoyances – such as the inability to synchronize content protected shows from the channels like HBO or the inability to natively play DivX videos (which requires a timely transcoding process). However, this is not to say that you can not view third party video formats. If Windows Media Player can transcode it, you'll be just fine! The Portable Media Center completes the grand vision for Microsoft and it's a fine effort.

If you have any comments or questions, please post them in our forums here.

Pros:

• Excellent Build Quality
• Easy to setup
• Easy to use
• Excellent User Interface
• Good physical form factor
• Kickstand
• Works with Windows XP and MCE 2005

Cons:

• Expensive
• Transcoding video can take time

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