Haier's Ibiza Rhapsody Sport plays audio and video, fails to impress

The ibiza Rhapsody was one of those curious devices that spent so long in development that by the time it saw the light of day, the rest of the world had moved on to bigger and better things. Sure, we liked the device in theory (WiFi, Bluetooth, and support for Rhapsody and AOL Video are all good things), but its Gameboy-esque looks and mere 30GB storage pretty much guaranteed that it would never be a hit. Unfortunately, a quick look at Haier's new, "sportier" PMP doesn't give us much reason to reconsider the device. Aside from a rugged and weather-resistant new look (is "uglified" a word?), all it seems to offer us is diminished storage capacity. But wait -- all you ever wanted was a plastic orange MP3 player? Then it looks like you're in luck -- the 4GB model sells for $179, while the 8GB size will set you back a cool $199.

[Allister @ Dec 4th 2008 7:13AM]

Ahh there's your problem: It's playing Amy Winehouse.

[Mario @ Dec 4th 2008 7:40AM]

Wait a minute; it plays video and it fits in the palm of your hand? And you're unimpressed?? I'm astounded!

(it *is* from the 1980's, right?)

[Mobius_1 @ Dec 4th 2008 7:54AM]

It shouldn't be weather resistant, so that when you do get sick and disgusted by it, you can actually destroy it.

[Nathan Gimpel @ Dec 4th 2008 7:55AM]

"Ugly" only begins to describe this thing. Shoot, the brown Zune, has more aesthetic appeal than it.

[inteller @ Dec 4th 2008 8:37AM]

What I thought was odd is that the device has the exact same number of buttons as the Zune and they look eerily similiar in size, design, and shape (save the back button)....and it has a 30Gb hard drive. Are they recycling old Zune30s into this monstrosity?

[telepheedian @ Dec 4th 2008 10:37AM]

I don't see the resemblance, vertical screen vs horizontal screen for starters.

[bongo123 @ Dec 4th 2008 8:01AM]

From the same design team that brought us the gorgeous t-mobile G1....

[iEye @ Dec 4th 2008 8:27AM]

Holy Shite!

I just love the way the took the name "ibiza" and then casually inscribed the word "sport" on an upwards slant so as to reflect the swift coolness of the user... like it is going somewhere...

Like the way those old Suzuki Swift and Geo Metro cars use to have "turbo sprint power" stickers and pinstripes in strategic places...

[The Joker @ Dec 4th 2008 8:48AM]

As a former subscriber, Rhapsody has become the Palm of music services. They refuse to update their software and and their "recommended" hardware sux. This one is an embarrassment. 4GB for $179? Go away.

[Dana @ Dec 4th 2008 9:03AM]

You've completely missed the point of a Rhapsody player. I have a Sansa e280R and it is the greatest electronic device I've ever seen (I also have an iPhone). The ability to _quickly_ download and install new music is unmatched on these devices, and Rhapsody's selection is astounding.

These prices are too high, though.

[telepheedian @ Dec 4th 2008 10:47AM]

Zune's gained that capability with the latest update, and they tend to keep their software and marketplace well-maintained, their prices are also more competitive than this piece of garbage, and you get 10 free download credits a month.

[Geonerd @ Dec 4th 2008 10:28AM]

I've got the 30G ibiza, and I can tell you it is the biggest piece of garbage I've ever possesed. Software crashes and freezes on a constant basis. Ugly, slow, etc. No mac support, but I wouldnt care about that if only it worked well.

[ProfessorKaos @ Dec 4th 2008 11:38AM]

Should have been called iSUCK.