Online music services are constantly reinventing themselves; here, three of the latest re-works and what they have to offer.So when was the last time you bought a CD? In this MP3 age, many people would really have to think before answering that question. Let's face it: the emergence of music subscription services—a result of the Napster revolution, no doubt—has made it possible to listen to hundreds of songs each month for about the same price as one album on CD. But with so many options—not to mention the rate at which they evolve—how do you choose?
Three different online music subscription services—AOL Music Now, Rhapsody.com, and Virgin Digital with Red Pass—have recently added new features to their repertoire, some of which are major improvements. Read on to find out if any of them appeal to you.
Perhaps the most notable change is a shift from client software to Web-based interfaces. Both AOL Music Now and Rhapsody.com let you easily listen from any locale—be it home, work, or anywhere else you can tap into the 'Net—by streaming music through your browser. No longer must you download and install client software; simply sign in to your account via the Web and tunes are just a few clicks away.
Virgin Digital, though it doesn't provide the same mobility, per se, is worthy of mention for a different kind of freedom—from commitment. There's no long-term subscription requirement (some services require you to sign on for a year). Plus, it offers some interesting innovations for browsing and loading music.
Of the three services, Virgin is the most affordable, at $7.99 per month. Music Now charges $9.95 per month for unlimited streaming and downloads ($14.95 per month if you want to add an MP3 player to the mix) after a 30-day free trial. Similarly, Rhapsody rings up at $9.99 per month and $14.99 per month, respectively. Burnable-to-CD tracks still cost $0.99 apiece across the board.
Fun extras include Virgin's Surprise Me button, which introduces users to new music by playing a random selection from its catalog, Music Now's hotlists—ever-changing radio stations with content that's tied to a specific chart or genre—and Rhapsody's free account option, which lets users listen to 25 songs a month without spending a cent.
If you're a loyal iPod user, services like Music Now, Rhapsody.com, and Virgin Digital may not do you much good—many of them aren't compatible with Apple's ever-evolving pride and joy. But if you use a different model of MP3 player—or just spend a lot of time at the computer—all of them offer convenient, affordable ways to access your music library no matter where your travels take you.
In this roundup:
AOL Music Now
An excellent alternative to software-driven subscription services, Music Now brings unsurpassed simplicity to online listening. All you need to stream any of Music Now's 1.5 million songs are a PC, a Web browser, and an Internet connection.
Rhapsody.com
This browser-based service works with Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs and all of the popular browsers—so you can access your music library anywhere. The free plan option lets you listen to 25 streams each month and access 25 radio stations with no commitment or credit card.
Virgin Digital with Red Pass
Bargain hunting PC users will want to check out the revamped Virgin Digital online music service, which offers low cost and innovative browsing with its new Red Pass option. Virgin charges only $7.99 per month—with no long-term subscription commitment—for its all-you-can-download subscription plan.
Online Media 
