Audiobooks discussion

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Technical stuff > What do you use to listen to audiobooks?

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message 101: by Melanie (new)

Melanie Fraser (melaniefraservoiceuk) | 130 comments Thomas wrote: "I currently work as a security guard so I do a majority of my listening while at work I have one of those clear tube FBI style earpieces that make me look official while no one knows I'm really jus..."

Thanks for making me chuckle, Thomas!


message 102: by Susan (last edited Feb 26, 2016 09:27PM) (new)

Susan (paegan) | 3 comments http://www.amazon.com/Bose-SoundSport...

I have a bag full of earbuds that I don't like. Finally found the Bose earbuds at one of their outlet stores. Although pricey, they are absolutely the most comfortable earbuds I've come across. And they stay put!!

I listen to audiobooks on an iPod touch or my iPod 160GB iPod classic. I have two of the classics, hoping to extend their lives as much as possible as Apple no longer makes them.


message 103: by Marilee (new)

Marilee (hatchling) | 97 comments Susan wrote: "http://www.amazon.com/Bose-SoundSport......"
I have a box of earbuds that are all disappointing in one way or another… uncomfortable, won't stay in, poor sound… etc. I had a rather expensive earbuds that worked well, but I managed to destroy them [lesson… don't step on earbuds, they don't take to it well] and I haven't found the exact same ones for sale elsewhere… probably discontinued and as we all know, different models even within a brand are not necessarily going to work the same or as well.

I'm toying with small actual earphones, but just as with the buds, fit is important, but also weight and given my record, sturdiness. Anyone have any suggestions? I've tried my DH's Bose noise cancelers, but they're big and I don't want to completely cut out all ambient noise.


message 104: by Melanie♥ (last edited Feb 29, 2016 10:57AM) (new)

Melanie♥ (meliaann) | 19 comments I like my Bose On Ear headphones. They are not noise cancelling but I love the bluetooth connection to my audiobook phone app.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/bose-soun...

eta....a bit pricey, but I used my AmEx reward points =)


message 105: by Marilee (new)

Marilee (hatchling) | 97 comments Thanks for the info.

I think I'll have to go into the dealer and try some out. I'm still a bit on the fence as to whether I want on or over ear headphones. I know I want Bluetooth connectivity though, which jacks up the prices and they must be comfortable when I'm walking.


message 106: by Mara (new)

Mara Pemberton (marapem) | 233 comments My iPhone and computer.


message 107: by Liz (new)

Liz iPhone with the Axis360 library app...lets me check out library books through the app, and also listen to them


message 108: by Robin P (new)

Robin P | 1727 comments Can you try out earbuds if they're the not the super expensive type? I'd want to wear them for a while to see what they feel like as well as testing the sound. I got burned on a couple of cheaper ones in the past but didn't feel I could return them after I had used them.

I always used to use an over-the-head set but it's bulky. However, the newer iPod earbuds I find pretty comfortable and I really like having volume & on/off controls right in the cord.


message 109: by Specs (new)

Specs Bunny (specsbunny) | 494 comments Robin wrote: "I always used to use an over-the-head set but it's bulky. However, the newer iPod earbuds I find pretty comfortable and I really like having volume & on/off controls right in the cord. "

Yes, they're comfortable and usefull, but they die on me within a year, months often. I have a love/hate relationship with the things.


message 110: by Niki (new)

Niki Rogers (nikireads) | 10 comments I always use my bluetooth earbuds with my iPhone. I can turn them off with a touch of my finger and there are no cords in my way or catching on things when I work. I have finally found a set that is inexpensive, stay charged for many hours (about 10 of continual use) and have great sound but if my kids call for me I can still hear them.

http://www.amazon.com/SoundPEATS-QY7-...


message 111: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3922 comments WOW! Look at that sale price folks!


message 112: by Grumpus, Hearing aide (new)

Grumpus | 473 comments Niki wrote: "I always use my bluetooth earbuds with my iPhone. I can turn them off with a touch of my finger and there are no cords in my way or catching on things when I work. I have finally found a set that i..."

John wrote: "WOW! Look at that sale price folks!"

Great offer. I'm buying one. I did notice that the price changes depending on the color, but still an awesome price.


message 113: by Specs (new)

Specs Bunny (specsbunny) | 494 comments Niki, can you easily skip backward or forward, it all looks so tiny.
And, how long do they last (how long ago since you bought them)?


message 114: by Lynne (new)

Lynne | 10 comments Thanks John! I'd been looking at wireless earphones for the last few weeks so this is a very timely sale for me. I just ordered mine.


message 115: by Niki (new)

Niki Rogers (nikireads) | 10 comments Specs wrote: "Niki, can you easily skip backward or forward, it all looks so tiny.
And, how long do they last (how long ago since you bought them)?"


I've been using the first pair I bought for at least a year. I only bought the next two because I always want a pair charged and ready to go. They have lasted far longer than any wired earbuds I EVER bought. I have liked them so much!


message 116: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3922 comments A while back yours truly, fumble fingers, loaded a prepaid debit card with more money than intended. So, that was used to buy this item. If I find I like it, and the price is still pretty much the same, I'd be willing to get a second one as well to have a charged one handy.


message 117: by Specs (new)

Specs Bunny (specsbunny) | 494 comments Thanks Niki!


message 118: by Niki (new)

Niki Rogers (nikireads) | 10 comments John wrote: "A while back yours truly, fumble fingers, loaded a prepaid debit card with more money than intended. So, that was used to buy this item. If I find I like it, and the price is still pretty much the ..."

Make sure when you get them that you try the different tips and stabilizers until you find the one that keeps them in your ears. It is a system that I was unfamiliar with but now that I have tried it, I love it. The stabilizer makes all the difference.


message 119: by John, Moderator (last edited Mar 14, 2016 08:28PM) (new)

John | 3922 comments Unfortunately, the pair I ordered died completely almost immediately, so I returned them for a refund. I got a similar pair from a different brand which seem fine. I carry my Kindle Fire in a tablet compartment deep inside my bag, so these should work great listening to books that way, with the bag completely shut! The balance was off a bit with my phone, but I was able to adjust that via ACCESSIBILITY --> HEARING (after some online searching).


message 120: by Grumpus, Hearing aide (new)

Grumpus | 473 comments Niki wrote: "Make sure when you get them that you try the different tips and stabilizers until you find the one that keeps them in your ears. It is a system that I was unfamiliar with but now that I have tried it, I love it. The stabilizer makes all the difference. "

I love the QY7s that I got last week. They are among the best sounding I own. I was unfamiliar with the stabilizers and when they came in the package, I did not know what to do with them. An internet search showed me what to do with them and they make all the difference in the world. Happy customer here.


message 121: by ❉⊰Gayle⊱❉ (new)

❉⊰Gayle⊱❉ (ziastar) | 8 comments I have purchased a Samsung Gear 2 Sport watch. Is there a way to listen to audible books and audiobooks from the library on it? I have LG Tones as my Bluetooth headphones.


message 122: by Shirley (last edited May 12, 2016 08:37PM) (new)

Shirley (shirleythekindlereader) | 493 comments John wrote: "Unfortunately, the pair I ordered died completely almost immediately, so I returned them for a refund. I got a similar pair from a different brand which seem fine. I carry my Kindle Fire in a table..."

Thanks John I didn't know what would work with my Kindle Fire while I am waiting on buses. Ordered a pair with fingers crossed.


message 123: by Mara (new)

Mara Pemberton (marapem) | 233 comments My iPhone & Computer!


message 124: by Kristie (new)

Kristie | 2212 comments I have been using inexpensive bluetooth headphones for several years now. They've worked just fine for my needs. However, I have a fairly chatty/noisy work environment, and I have a couple plane trips coming up this spring. I also uncharacteristically have some extra cash burning a hole in my pocket (thanks to winning one of my fantasy football leagues this season).

Anyway, I'm toying with getting some of the fancier noise-cancelling bluetooth headphones. My husband has the Bose QuietComfort 35 and is pleased with them. There are also some new Sony NC bluetooth headphones that have good reviews. Just thought I'd resurrect this thread to see if anyone's gotten any of the higher-end bluetooth headphones lately and what they think of them. (I'm not a fan of earbuds.) Thanks!


message 125: by Melanie♥ (last edited Feb 17, 2017 03:07PM) (new)

Melanie♥ (meliaann) | 19 comments I love my Bose on ear Bluetooth headphones. They came in a lovely teal and white color and fold for ease in taking along in my handbag. Link in post 105.


message 126: by Kristie (new)

Kristie | 2212 comments Melanie♥ wrote: "I love my Bose on ear Bluetooth headphones. They came in a lovely teal and white color and fold for ease in taking along in my handbag. Link in post 105."

Thanks Melanie! The link says they're no longer available, but I'm sure they are awesome.


message 127: by aprilla (new)

aprilla | 254 comments I still use my Sansa Clip+ with earbud (I use one side and cut the other off). I tried various more and less expensive earbuds, headphones and headbands and found none that feel or sound better or last longer so use cheepie buds. I do like a volume control on the wire though.
I have two Clip+ and alternate them when one decides to have a time out - which they've done (not often) since the day I got them. I use a retractable aux cable in the car and won't consider a car without an aux outlet :)
This has been working great for me for many years.

Lately I was looking at alternatives though I hope not to have to change. However the new Sansa Sport+ has Bluetooth which could be interesting. The Sport+ has a 20+ hour battery but that is wired, no mention of with Bluetooth earbuds, so I think I won't be experimenting. Why mess with a good thing, though the Clip+ has got VERY expensive!


message 128: by Inishowen (new)

Inishowen Cailín (inishowencailin) I use my SanDisk Clipjam and Betron noise cancelling earbuds when I'm outside.
I use Ted Baker headphones while listening at home. They are really comfy and have good sound quality as well. Sometimes I bluetooth my audiobook from my Kindle Fire to my clock/radio.


message 129: by Robin P (new)

Robin P | 1727 comments Just bought my 4th iPod Nano 6th gen on eBay. I ran over one, drowned one, and now lost one. I am sure it's somewhere in my house. They are so darn small (about 2 inches square) but that is also their benefit. I own an iPhone, iPad, and Kindle. But they are all too bulky to keep in a pocket in my opinion. With the damaged ones, I could buy a replacement at the Apple Store for about 60.00, otherwise you can't buy them, except 2nd hand. I don't need a fancier player with video or other features.


message 130: by Melanie (new)

Melanie Fraser (melaniefraservoiceuk) | 130 comments My Philips over the ear headphones are the most comfortable - light and soft - and the sound quality is excellent.


message 131: by aprilla (new)

aprilla | 254 comments Robin wrote: ".... I ran over one, drowned one, and now lost one. I am sure it's somewhere in my house. They are so darn small (about 2 inches square) but that is also th..."

Thanks for the chuckle :)
Love that about the Clip+ too, small and light, and a great battery.


message 132: by Donna (new)

Donna | 228 comments Kristie wrote: "I have been using inexpensive bluetooth headphones
...
Just thought I'd resurrect this thread to see if anyone's gotten any of the higher-end bluetooth headphones lately and what they think of them. (I'm not a fan of earbuds.) "


Kristie, I've had Sony-MDRZX770BN headphones for over a year, and like them. Being over the ear headphones, they block out a reasonable amount of noise, but I don't use the noise cancellation feature often; the few times I tried, it didn't seem to help much but maybe it was the type of noise (my husband and his brother playing a computer game over skype, very loudly!). If you have a Costco membership, they have a much better price than Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRZX770B...

If you decide to reconsider earbuds, take a look at the non-noise cancelling bluetooth earbuds by LG - they do a great job of blocking out ambient noise. I've found them to be way more comfortable than my other bluetooth earbuds, and best of all, they never fall out of my ears (because the hardware is in the piece around your neck, the earbuds are very light).
https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics...


message 133: by Kristie (new)

Kristie | 2212 comments Donna wrote: "Kristie wrote: "I have been using inexpensive bluetooth headphones
...
Just thought I'd resurrect this thread to see if anyone's gotten any of the higher-end bluetooth headphones lately and what t..."


Thanks for the tip, Donna! I am a Costco member, but I just looked online and didn't see these available anymore. They do have a couple other ones, however, so I might look into them.


message 134: by Specs (new)

Specs Bunny (specsbunny) | 494 comments Donna wrote: "If you decide to reconsider earbuds, take a look at the non-noise cancelling bluetooth earbuds by LG - they do a great job of blocking out ambient noise. I've found them to be way more comfortable than my other bluetooth earbuds, and best of all, they never fall out of my ears (because the hardware is in the piece around your neck, the earbuds are very light).
https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics...."


They look like what I've been looking for recently. Is it easy to operate (e.g. skipping back in your audio book, upping the volume)?


message 135: by Donna (last edited Mar 01, 2017 06:18PM) (new)

Donna | 228 comments Specs wrote: "Donna wrote: "If you decide to reconsider earbuds, take a look at the non-noise cancelling bluetooth earbuds by LG - they do a great job of blocking out ambient noise. I've found them to be way mor..."

Specs, the features I use work well (at least with my device, iPhone 6): they pair quickly, volume is easy to adjust, there's a pause/play button and they're not very prone to interference. I like that they announce the battery level (High, medium, low) when you turn them on, and they vibrate to indicate they've paired.

They have a button that skips forward or back 1 "track", and it's conveniently placed, but I never use that feature on earbuds - I assumed it would always jump a whole chapter. Just tested this feature though and it looks like it jumps 30 seconds on some books (M4B files created with Markable from CD's or Overdrive MP3's) which is exactly what I want; I didn't realize that was possible. It jumped a whole chapter on an Audible book unfortunately. This feature probably works the same on all earbuds, so nothing special here, but glad your question made me try it out ;-)

Editing this post: my husband just pointed out that the skip button behavior is probably partly dependent on the app too, and he's right - the same M4B book skips forward 30 seconds when I'm listening through Bookmobile, but 3 minutes when I'm listening through iBooks.


message 136: by Specs (new)

Specs Bunny (specsbunny) | 494 comments Thanks Donna (&husband)! Really helpful info.
This is exactly what I need, so I'm going to order these this week.

I discovered that with my Sony earphones (biggies) the Audible app conveniently jumps back 20 seconds -my choice in the app- and now I know the LG will do this as well - nice!


message 137: by Donna (new)

Donna | 228 comments Thanks, you're right, the LG button jumps 30 seconds in the Audible App when Control Center is set to "Jump Seconds", and "Jump Forward/Back" is set to 30 seconds.

Audible books (aax files) played in the Bookmobile App still only jump by chapter using the LG button.

Maybe the forward/back button on most (all?) headphones/earbuds gives the same results, but those results vary depending on the file and the app.


message 138: by Specs (new)

Specs Bunny (specsbunny) | 494 comments It's the app. The standard Apple podcast app does not jump seconds, but takes you back to another podcast :(
Really tiresome app, Apple!


message 139: by Karen (new)

Karen | 74 comments I'd appreciate assistance from Ipad users. I'm buying my first ipad- ipad pro. Can I use audible on this?


message 140: by Julesy (new)

Julesy | 96 comments Karen wrote: "I'd appreciate assistance from Ipad users. I'm buying my first ipad- ipad pro. Can I use audible on this?"

Yes, you should be able to download the free Audible app from the App Store.


message 141: by Karen (new)

Karen | 74 comments Julesy wrote: "Karen wrote: "I'd appreciate assistance from Ipad users. I'm buying my first ipad- ipad pro. Can I use audible on this?"

Yes, you should be able to download the free Audible app from the App Store."


Thank you.


message 142: by Robin P (last edited Mar 16, 2017 06:19PM) (new)

Robin P | 1727 comments You can listen right from Audible or, if you also have a desktop or laptop computer, you can download audiobooks to iTunes, then plug in your iPad to the computer and choose which books to put on it.


message 143: by Rayne (new)

Rayne (raynebair) | 15 comments I use my iPhone for all my audiobook listening. apps are either Hoopla, Overdrive, Libby or Audible, depending on where I got the audio from. I love my LG Tone Bluetooth earbuds. They are the only ones I've found that actually stay in my tiny little ears. And they are noise cancelling, so very nice at work. And I don't risk throwing my phone to the floor when I'm washing my hands at the sink and go reach for the paper towels. ha! I did that a lot before when I was using wired earbuds.

When driving, I connect my phone to my car's Bluetooth and listen via the car speakers.


message 144: by Mara (new)

Mara Pemberton (marapem) | 233 comments It gives the story depth and I can do other things such as cook, wash dishes, sweep floor, etc. while listening to a book.


message 145: by Gail (new)

Gail | 10 comments I love having books on my phone...it's always with me and I don't need to carry (or forget) another device. Wireless earbuds are on my wish list. I use Overdrive and can't keep up with all the holds from the library.


message 146: by Faith (new)

Faith | 506 comments I use the Audible or overdrive apps on a kindle fire with headphones. I used to use an Amazon echo, but it doesn't work with overdrive and I can't speed up the narration.


message 147: by Specs (new)

Specs Bunny (specsbunny) | 494 comments Gail wrote: "I love having books on my phone...it's always with me and I don't need to carry (or forget) another device. Wireless earbuds are on my wish list. I use Overdrive and can't keep up with all the hold..."
Last week I "lost" my iPhone and someone switched it off soon after - couldn't find it anymore. Apart from the shock, I missed my audiobooks the most. Luckily I still have my old one that is working more or less, so I could easily download my current read in the (older) Audible app.

Hope to be up and running on my new phone tonight, presently busy syncing everything back.


message 148: by Karen (new)

Karen (kvelthaus) | 9 comments I use car speakers when in car or head phones otherwise


message 149: by Karen (new)

Karen (kvelthaus) | 9 comments mysteries,suspense and romance. Most recently Catherine Bybee Weekday Bride series.


message 150: by MissSusie (new)

MissSusie | 2423 comments I've started to use my Alexa more often I can listen to Audible books directly from the Alexa and I listen to Overdrive books on it via bluetooth.


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