The recent spread of iPhone, Android phone and other smart phones has dampened the popularity of mp3 players. However, many still prefer portable mp3 players over bulky smart phones when it comes to listening to music. The same for me. This is especially more so when I go out for a walk or jogging. Then, the smart phones feel quite heavy and big. While searching for an affordable mp3 to listen to music, I came across U6 from Samsung and bought it.

The biggest strength of U6 is its petite size - the length of a finger. It's so slim and light (only 34g) that I can hang it around my neck without feeling the weight. Also, the body made of aluminum is very sturdy yet classy. The embedded USB port eliminates the trouble of having to connect to a separate data cable. The USB port is a sliding type, which is different from the typical cap type.

With U6, if you press the user button while the music is playing, you can use the function that you set up at 'Setting->User Button'. This is a button that allows the users to define a function that they use the most frequently. You can select among Study Mode, SoundAlive, Play Speed and Play Mode. Also, if you press the user button for long, the voice recording function is turned on. (If you press the button while listening to the FM radio, the radio, not your voice, is recorded.) Its performance is good enough that you can use it as a voice recorder.

With SoundAlive, the 3D surround stereo delivers a much more dynamic sound. You can set eight different modes including Concert Hall, Big Bass and Vocal, thus giving a totally different feel to the same music.

One of the unique functions of U6 is the fitness mode that helps the users to exercise. Before using the fitness mode, if you input your accurate weight and select among the types of exercise such as walking, running or yoga, the player calculates the calories consumed and time lapse.

I bought the product without expecting that much (being a low-end product), but it surely has strong value for money. Maximum portability, sophisticated design, high quality sound and convenience all combined in one mp3 player. I strongly recommend U6 to anyone looking for these features. The excellent quality ensures the best music experience.