Rhapsody 3.0

CNET Editors' rating explained for Rhapsody 3.0

Reviewed by:

CNET staff

Edited by:

Jasmine France

Reviewed on:

04/27/05

Updated on:

04/27/05

Released on:

04/26/05

Click here to see CNET editors' review for Rhapsody 3.0

Setup and interface:

9.0

Features:

8.0

Performance:

7.0

Service and support:

8.0

Links to service and support are easily available from the help option in either online or offline versions. A quick hop to a Web page, and you have access to a FAQ, including a What's New in Rhapsody 3.0 link and a customer service box that takes you to important functions such as canceling your account. Clicking the search link brings you to a more detailed and all-encompassing searchable FAQ. The latest post addresses the different Rhapsody 3.0 subscriptions.

The only way to contact Real is via an e-mail form that allows you to attach documents. Real will get back to you in 1 to 2 business days. The program won't automatically update to the new version, but there is a link to do this manually. Menu options to authorize a computer or to import music to your library are few and far between, but they offer just the information or function you need. For example, the account summary page lists the number of artists, albums, and tracks available to the user, and there is a useful blogging feature in Preferences.

Streaming technology has always been the heart of Rhapsody. Now that it has incorporated downloading as well, Rhapsody has become a complete music service with full jukebox capabilities, compatibility with portable devices, and an intelligent three-tier service. RealNetworks has managed to combine some of the features of its competitors (for example, basic jukebox functionality as with iTunes and untethered downloads as in Napster) and introduced them to a brand that has a loyal following, thanks to a large and diverse music catalog, a simple yet full-featured interface, proven streaming technology, and top-rate editorial content. While we had a couple of early glitches, overall the program is a nice improvement to the now-classic (but in need of an update) Rhapsody.

User opinions

WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEW How would you rate this product?

• 7/10 Very good June 8, 2005

  by cebollah (see profile)

  "Streaming Option is Crack to the Music Fiend, but To-Go Option is Hurting" Read more >>

• 1/10 Abysmal May 26, 2005

  by pcnbpt (see profile)

  "I am livid!!" Read more >>

• 9/10 Spectacular September 10, 2004

  "No issues here... and IM LOVING IT!!!" Read more >>

• WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEWSee all 146 user opinions >>

Where to buy

Rhapsody 3.0

Download this software for free from Download.com