Review: iTunes vs. Rhapsody — Which is Better?

Productivity Expert Mike Song Explores the New Rhapsody Beta Site

As an email efficiency expert I am always looking for efficient, cost-effective ways to live life to the fullest. Finding an easy, inexpensive way to maximize the enjoyment of music is a priority for me. The new Rhapsody beta site is a joy to experience and I recommend you try it out. Rhapsody is a music service that gives you access to almost every song out there for an astounding $10 per month…LEGALLY!

Compared to other music services which charge $1 per song, Rhapsody delivers thousands of songs to your iPad, iTouch, Verizon smart phone, MP3 player, or computer for just $10 a month. This is an astounding value which will surely force a change in the music delivery business. You can set it up on 2 computers and 3 handheld devices including the amazing Apple iTouch and iPad.

Rhapsody seems to have solved its past playlist tracking problems. I must say that for awhile…I really was disappointed in their offering. All is forgiven because now, the new beta web interface seems to be lightning fast, super user-friendly, and FUN! Congrats designers!

For real music lovers, Rhapsody is the ultimate party machine. As your friends arrive at your next party just start asking them about their favorite songs. Then whip out your computer or iPad or MP3 player and use Rhapsody to play those songs. After people realize that you can play almost anything they can think of…they start to crowd around your device. At the last party I was at, all the guys and gals were taking turns playing DJ and it didn’t cost me a dime.

This experience of selecting your own specific favorite tune gives Rhapsody an advantage over iTunes and Pandora that is very real. My wife loves Barry Manilow (yuck!) and on her birthday I played a series of his best tracks and she loved it.  Then she would ask me to play more obscure Manilow songs and I could do it with Rhapsody.  We all had to admit that Mandy is a catchy tune.  Argh.

Rhapsody even has a Top Tracks feature that allows you to play an artist’s biggest hits. On new year’s eve my son really got into it — he mixed a bunch of Black Eyed Peas and U2 tunes together along with a few old Jackson 5 hits – everyone was dancing and having a ball with his Rhapsody mashup.

So give it a try – you may be shocked at how fantastic this new service is…and you’ll save a ton of money and that’s what efficiency is all about!  I love Apple and iTunes but if your budget is tight – give Rhapsody a try.