iTunes vs. Rhapsody: which would you choose?
iTunes vs. Rhapsody: which would you choose?
By: Lindsay Kutac
iTunes, created by Apple Inc., has soared up the charts to be the most popular music service in the U.S. since its release in January of 2001. Rhapsody, though, another music service (which you’ve probably never heard of), was released in December of 2001, and has been much less popular than iTunes. Why is that?
iTunes was created first. At least, that’s the official record. So how do we know that Rhapsody didn’t steal Apple Inc.’s idea? We don’t want a photocopy of one thing if we already have it! Rhapsody was really created as a format called Aladdin. Same people, different name. After about two years, the makers decided to rename it Rhapsody and officially sell service on the internet. Since then, it had gained much more popularity. But how much is ‘much more’? Compared to iTunes, very little.
iTunes has had over twenty-five billion songs downloaded from the service, twenty-eight billion songs now available to download, where Rhapsody only has, as of January 2011, eleven billion songs able to be acquired. Which one is better? Do Rhapsody’s smaller numbers make up for it with quality? Or is it simply not popular enough for many people to use it?
What’s the difference? iTunes’ service is not by request, but it does update its repertoire regularly when new songs come out, so all tastes and potential requests are typically satisfied. Rhapsody, on the other hand, will make a page for any artist, album, and track selection if a user requests it. They make sure all tastes are rewarded.
The iTunes application is free, but you wouldn’t be able to do much with it since iTunes will only let you listen to the songs you buy. If a new song comes out and you want to hear it, you have got to hand over the dough. The average song may cost 99¢ to $1.49, but it will add up. Especially if you buy a new album; one might cost nearly eighteen dollars. Rhapsody, though, will let you listen to all the music you want — that is, if you pay the flat subscription fee. A reasonable price for streaming music: $10-$15 a month. This rate is only for the music. Technically, you should not be able to copy music onto a CD if you do not buy the music for a separate cost, but there are always cheats. Of course, you shouldn’t need them. Rhapsody can be accessed from any device that has internet connection (even iProducts!).
All the music you want for fifteen bucks or pay track-by-track? I think it’s better to pay for all the music you want. I don’t want to have to pay fifty dollars to listen to fifty songs! With so many new artists with different songs, tones, ideas, and qualities, it’s important to make the most of your money when it comes to First World leisures. iTunes vs. Rhapsody: which would you choose?
Category: Editorials, Music
