Samsung's attempt to steal the music player market from Apple continues with the launch of the YP-Z5 . It's a striking-looking model, a tad thicker and sturdier than its Apple counterpart but still small enough to be pocketable.

Craig Zammitt writing for Intermedia Group wrote recently. The new Z5 range features three models to suit most consumers' needs including the 1GB Z5-Z (RRP $229), the 2GB Z5-Q (RRP $319) and the 4GB Z5-A (RRP $379).

The model I saw has a two gigabyte hard disk. Its best feature is a battery life of about 35 hours, which dwarfs the nano's 14 hours. Other advantages include a larger and brighter colour screen, while files can be dragged and dropped on to the player if you don't fancy using Windows Media 10 software.

The sound quality is excellent, but what could scupper the player is its control system. The YP-Z5 system is controlled by the user gently flicking the player. I constantly ended up on the wrong track. In an attempt to distance itself even further from the iPod, Samsung has achieved Microsoft PlaysForSure accreditation, which means it can play a variety of music formats from different music subscription services.

Zammit writing for Intermedia's online trade site reported that the Samsung's Z5 supports a variety of music formats from different music subscription services. Users will be able to play DRM content transferred from a PC as well as MP3, WMA and DRM10 formats.The Z5 will also utilise a ‘plug and play' feature to make for simple and efficient file transfers. Looking to better the iPod, Samsung employed the services of software designer Paul Mercer, who, among other projects, founded Pixo Inc – the company Apple turned to when designing the original iPod operating system in 1994.