Samsung Napster YH-920GS

Not exactly a meeting of minds - but it looks good

The key selling point for the YH-920 is its association with Napster 2.0, the once-hip music-sharing service that has since bought a suit and gone corporate. It's a shame, then, that instead of the two integrating seamlessly, it took a good deal of cajoling and re-installing before we finally got them to meet, shake hands and agree to get on like Mick and Keef. Let's just say our initial impressions weren't good, with as much colourful language as when Metallica first encountered Napster 1.0.

Still, first appearances can be deceptive, and once the Samsung was up and running, it grew on us. Build quality and styling are decent, and it feels solid in your hand - even though we really hate the plastic case it comes with. The control panel on the front is easier to use than, say, some of Creative's efforts, and all the menu systems are reassuringly basic.

Headline features include an FM tuner - the headphones double as an aerial - and the ability to record direct to the player itself. This isn't the ideal solution for people with large CD collections, but it's handy for topping up your tunes on the hoof.

Out and about, the unit certainly benefits from adding higher-quality headphones. WMA tracks bought from Napster sound pretty good, although the device lacks body when compared to Creative's Zen products or an iPod playing its own AAC tracks (which aren't compatible with the Samsung).

The YH-920 is a pretty good portable music player, but there are better ones out there. If you want to use Napster, which is very impressive, then there are plenty of other compatible devices around - such as those from Creative - which do a better job.