Ibiza Rhapsody: A high-capacity MP3 player that does it all?

(Credit: Jasmine France)

Last week, I received an e-mail regarding the impending announcement of a new MP3 player with an impressive feature list, including Rhapsody DNA integration and support for both 802.11b/g WiFi and stereo Bluetooth. I was immediately intrigued by the product, called the ibiza Rhapsody, though I didn't recognize the manufacturer, Haier America. Always curious about newcomers to the portable media player market, I looked it up. You really had to be here to appreciate my groan of skepticism when I found out that the company specializes in home appliances. I mean, really: what could a team that makes microwaves and refrigerators possibly know about making MP3 players? I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm eating those words right now. Once I got the device into my hands, I was pleasantly surprised--shocked, even--by how well-implemented it is.

The top of the player features a direct connect button for hopping on Wi-Fi.

(Credit: Jasmine France)

Let's start with the stats. First, considering the lack of choice in this category at the moment, I'm digging that the ibiza Rhapsody is a hard-drive player (flash models are impending) with a 30GB capacity. And at 4.1 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.5 inch, the device isn't overly bulky--an especially impressive trait given the built-in wireless antennae (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). Plus, it has a nice, substantial feel to it, with plenty of tactile controls to complement the square touchpad on the front. The screen isn't the largest we've seen, but at 2.5 inches, it competes squarely with the iPod Classic. In fact, the interface is reminiscent of the iPod's, due to its blue-white tinge and simple, hierarchical organization. And I'm keen on the way the ibiza handles album art: there's a full screen, faded-out image behind the thumbnail on the main playback screen (see photo below).

If you're listening to Rhapsody Channels, you can click the center of the control pad to save the currently playing track to the player.

(Credit: Jasmine France)

Now, the overall design of the ibiza Rhapsody is nice, though nothing shockingly new. However, the array and implementation of features is truly arresting. There's support for MP3, WMA (DRM 10 included), WAV, AAC audio and MPEG4, WMV, M4V, AVI, H.264, MPG video. You get an FM radio with RDS and integrated podcast support--with a separate menu selection and the ability to update podcasts on the go from any WiFi hotspot. Much like the Sansa Connect does with Yahoo, the ibiza can access the Rhapsody catalog and Channels from anywhere with wireless access (if you have a subscription: a 30-day trial is provided). Plus, you can even access video on the go through AOL Video, and the ibiza has the ability to set and save wireless keys as well as get past terms and conditions pages for public hotspots. You can even pull in content through Wi-Fi while simultaneously streaming it out to a Bluetooth speaker, though I noticed hic-ups in the connection during beta testing. In short, there appears to be little this player can't do, though more extensive testing might prove otherwise. The battery, for example, is only rated for 10 or so hours.

The right spine houses dedicated volume controls

(Credit: Jasmine France)

The ibiza Rhapsody goes on sale at Amazon.com today, though at the time of this writing, I was still waiting on pricing info. The 30GB will come in five colors--White Sand, Volcanic Black, Ocean Blue, Flamingo Pink, and Silver Moon--and the flash versions, coming in 4GB and 8GB capacities, will offer a choice of five: Volcanic Black, Ocean Blue, Flamingo Pink, Aqua Breeze, and Purple Sunset. More specs below.

• 2.5-inch QVGA display with 320x240 resolution
• Internal, nonremovable 3.7 Li Polymer battery
• 1.8-inch HDD
• Supports A2DP/AVRCP stereo Bluetooth
• Dual ports: USB 2.0 High Speed mini-B and proprietary connector
• Package includes noise-isolation earphones, AC charger/adapter, USB cable

[andrew.daley]

Out of stock already!

Man, I just went to Amazon to check this out and discovered that it is 329.00 but alas, out of stock in all colors... Maybe Santa can make me one?

[lacene]

A future in-depth review on the way??

This DAP looks nice...reminds me of my Zen Vision:M. The full-screen album art as wallpaper is sweet: this was a feature that I was hoping Creative would add to the ZVM in one of its' firmware upgrades, to no avail....

I will wait for a more in-depth player review for feed-back on things important to me: audio quality, UI, and overall stability of operation.

Also, the pic of the screen seems to show pixelation...the screen doesn't look too good there.

With this being a new-comer to the DAP market, I don't expect I'll be seeing it in local Best Buys and Circuit City's anytime soon. I'll wait for more reviews.....

[Jasmineflower]

RE: A future in-depth review on the way??

Yes! Keep an eye out next week--I'll be posting a review on the CNET.com reviews site.

[davinp]

That's not iPod's interface, it's Creative's

Creative invented the iPod interface, which Apple stole. The ZVM has the FM Radio, that the iPod does not. This player doesn't appear to have the ZVM's Microphone.

[zarrik]

Re: That's not iPod's interface, it's Creative's

That's old news now... Creative was first to market with an MP3 player (more than a year before first iPod). Apple ripped of Creative's UI. The courts agreed. Apple has paid for their mistake.

[zarrik]

looks good

Sounds like an impressive device. No doubt they've been working on it for a while. A little competition is good... In addition to appliances, Haier does make cell phones, so they have some experience with portable electronic devices. No idea how their quality is. This device is not yet on their website.

[oxtail01]

How much? $329?

That's a lot of dough for a 30GB player and a smallish screen. Just got me a 30 GB Zune for under $100.

[make_or_break]

Haier makes decent appliances

So if they branch off into home and personal electronics, why should you prejudge them to be any worse than Panasonic or Samsung? Both of them, among others, make a multitude of products, including those dreaded kitchen appliances you seem to fear.

Making MP3 players are not rocket science after all. And besides, considering how well Haier's major appliance side is apparently doing, all they have to do to get good at entertainment electronics is BUY up another company who does have the expertise, or hire away the requisite talent from others who've done it before.

Considering Haier's relationship with Wal*Mart, I suspect that these things will be showing up a superstore nearest you sometime soon.

[DMBoricua]

Sounds good, but it looks cheap, and may feel too.

Its not surprising nowadays you see that in any electronic corner store you see ripoffs of the iPod on sale and its not buying anyone.

This device, however seems promising, with a good looking company who's manufacturing it and has the player have a wide range of features ANYTHING can have.

It seems too good. Though, if this were to be heard out there and gets many copies sold and gets popular, I'll assure you we'll see other companies doing a device exactly like that. And, how is this device's price range identical as the iPod Classic? With just a little less space?

http://www.amazon.com/ibiza-Rhapsody-H1A030BK-Wi-Fi-Player/dp/B000XRQ2Q6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1195616862&sr=8-1

[DarkHawke]

No OGG love, huh?

[i]*sigh*[/i] The search continues...

[PromisedPlanet]

access to free Rhapsody music streams?

The Sansa Connect provides free access to Yahoo Music stations over WiFi, although you can access Yahoo Music To Go with a paid subscription. Does the Ibiza Rhapsody let you access free Rhapsody msuic streams? If not, I'll stick with my Sansa Connect.