MP3 players in Korea not compatible with Vista

Think twice about upgrading to Windows Vista if you have a Korean MP3 player, as it may not yet work under the new operating system.
Apple Computer announced that its iTunes music-downloading site may experience problems on some Vista computers, and have reported similar difficulties with locally made MP3 players.
In a statement posted on its Web site Friday, Apple suggested that iPod owners wait until the company provides an update for iTunes. It said that users could face problems, such as an inability to play music or videos purchased from the iTunes store or a total breakdown of an iPod plugged into a Vista-installed computer.
Korean iPod owners have comparatively less to worry about because iTunes doesn’t sell music in Korea. But owners of other Korea-made MP3 players should be careful if they are using Vista.
Reigncom’s H10 and MP3/electronic dictionary models experience problems when they are connected to a Vista computer.
“We’re updating the driver, which will be available in a couple of weeks,” said Ahn Tae-jun, a spokesman for Reigncom. Cowon Systems is also preparing an update because Vista does not recognize some of its players.
Samsung Electronics said that Yepp MP3 players released after 2001 are compatible with Vista, but it is unsure about older models.
“No one’s reported any problems, but people who still have six-year-old MP3 players aren’t going be the first ones to upgrade to Vista,” said Samsung spokesman Kim Se-hoon.

By Wohn Dong-hee Staff Writer [wohn@joongang.co.kr]