Donald Bell,
July 21, 2008
Along with competitors such as Napster and Zune Marketplace, Rhapsody's subscription music service offers an all-you-can-eat alternative to the a la carte music download model of iTunes and Amazon. While Rhapsody subscriptions aren't compatible with Apple's venerable iPod, the company has made considerable effort to help hardware manufacturers create MP3 players specifically tailored for their music service.
The following MP3 players are designed with "Rhapsody DNA", a designation that lets them support Rhapsody's DRM-managed music files as well as Rhapsody's unique Channel feature. Rhapsody users who subscribe to Rhapsody Channels automatically receive new music curated by Rhapsody's staff based around genre preferences. It's a great way to discover new music without having to do the legwork. Each of the devices listed has a dedicated menu option for Rhapsody Channels, and some even let you decide what Channel content you'd like to keep on the device and what content can go. So if you're an existing Rhapsody subscriber or you're thinking about trying a subscription music service, these MP3 players will help you get the most bang for your buck.
| Product name | ||||||
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| Price | $189.95 to $231.96 | $50.00 to $99.99 | Check Prices | $29.99 to $64.99 | Check Prices | $59.95 to $287.99 |
| CNET editors' rating |
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| Review date | June 17, 2008 | March 12, 2008 | April 25, 2007 | October 08, 2007 | December 19, 2007 | December 10, 2007 |
| The Bottom Line | Haier America's flash-based Ibiza Rhapsody is pricier and larger than the competition, but its straightforward interface, excellent wireless integration, speedy processor, and plethora of features should appeal to those looking for a player that does it all. | The SanDisk Sansa Fuze is a great value--a slim design, simple interface, plentiful features, memory expansion capability, and solid sound quality all come with an easy-to-swallow price tag. | The Iriver Clix offers the perfect blend of hot design, desirable features, and stellar sound quality. If you're looking for an alternative to the iPod Nano, this device should top the list. | The SanDisk Sansa Clip is an incredible value that's set to edge out the competition with a user-friendly interface, gym-worthy design, and great sound quality. | The Insignia Pilot won't please audio purists, but it's a great option for feature hounds who appreciate a good value--and the ability to listen to music sans wires. | The Samsung T10 won't satisfy audio purists, but users who value lots of features, a fun interface, and a player that will turn heads should give it a look. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Battery technology |
Lithium polymer |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Lithium ion |
Lithium polymer |
| Digital player (recorder) |
WMA WAV Protected WMA (DRM) MP3 AAC |
WMA FLAC WAV Ogg Vorbis MP3 Audible |
MP3 |
WMA FLAC Ogg Vorbis MP3 Audible WMA DRM |
WMA WAV Ogg Vorbis Protected WMA (DRM 10) WMAPro Audible MP3 |
WMA Protected WMA (DRM) Ogg Vorbis MP3 |
| Software type | Info unavailable |
Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 Drivers & Utilities Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 |
Drivers & Utilities |
Drivers & Utilities |
Info unavailable |
Drivers & Utilities |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) |
2.4 in x 0.4 in x 4.1 in |
1.9 in x 0.3 in x 3.1 in |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
3.3 in x 0.4 in x 1.6 in |
3.8 in x 3.1 in x 1.7 in |
| Color |
Purple sunset |
Black |
Info unavailable |
Red |
Info unavailable |
Black |
| PC interface(s) supported | Info unavailable |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB |
Hi-Speed USB Bluetooth |
| Mfr estimated battery life | Info unavailable |
24 hour(s) |
24 hour(s) |
Info unavailable |
25 hour(s) |
30 hour(s) |
| Flash memory form factor |
Integrated |
Integrated |
Integrated |
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