Audiobooks discussion
Technical stuff
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What do you use to listen to audiobooks?
I'm dedicated to my Clip+ but it got lost in the car and I haven't been able to find it, quite a mystery. So I took out my spare, a new Clip Sport Plus. My habit is to listen with ordinary earbud, singular, I snip one side off.
First problem was when earbuds that did work on the Clip+ would not work on the Sport, I presumed they were dead so broke out new ones. Pity. They worked but when I snipped off one of the buds I couldn't hear anything on the player. Now, it could be it has a preference for which side would be cut, but the Clip+ never minded (or I've been lucky for over 10 years). I guess I could get over this....
Next thing. It was plugged in all night from around 1 am until 8 am. I decided not to bring to work with me so left it at home, off and unplugged. When I tried to listen just now (9pm) the battery was dead (Bluetooth is off).
I need to find that Clip+.... not liking the Sport :(
I'm currently using my Sansa clip Mp3 player but love the freedom of bluetooth speakers. Does anyone use an mp3 player with bluetooth capabilities?
I dug out my old Clip+ recently, just before running across this discussion. I like the alternative to using my phone to listen to everything; also, I put books on the player with cover art that I'm not really thrilled with.Was surprised to learn that they put out a firmware upgrade a couple of years ago, long after the item had been technically discontinued.
Still haven't found my Clip+ that I thought got lost in the car. Feeling very 'woe is me' :(Maybe the Sport Plus doesn't like mp3 books having multiple files - despite the fact files for each book are contained its own folder resume goes back to file 1. When you scroll (it only scrolls down, not up) to the correct file you do get the start/resume option, even after it's been connected to computer.
I'll combine any books with multiple files into one file, see if that's better. I found MP3DirectCut (free program) did this easily for me, I have not finished the book I combined yet but so far it's fine.
I'll accommodate myself to it (or maybe not) but I won't ever consider it a 'great little player'
I bought a Sansa Clip a decade or so ago, but it lasted only a short time. I did research online, and the problem that caused my Clip to cease working was a common problem with the wiring. I decided I’d never again buy a Sansa MP3 device. I moved to a Sony product and then to Apple products. Sounds like the Clip+ is made better than the old Clips.I use an iPod Touch most of the time; I have two (6th gen) so that I always have one charged and ready to use. I use my iPod Classic sometimes for books, but just books that are rereads for me and put on the device long ago because I don’t feel like going to the trouble of loading other books onto that device. I occasionally use my Android phone.
I find the Clip+ devices to work wonderfully with Overdrive for Windows (I have Windows 8.1). I have several of them, purchased when Amazon was dumping them for $35. One is getting a hokey battery and will only play 5 parts before a recharge. I have one Rockboxed for music because it plays .flac lossless files so well with a 64 Gb microSD card, no sound distortion on the output. I also have an iPod nano 3rd gen and a 7th gen for Audible books. They have a much better battery life, even the 3rd gen I bought in 2008 has a great battery life still (and I have used it a lot).
Nothing beats the Clip+ devices if you are using Overdrive for Windows. The files don't expire.
I will have to experiment with any firmware upgrade on one of them, as the old ones with old firmware work so well without it.
Be nice to your Clip+!I swear, this Sport Plus is finding ways to irritate me. If I pause it for a few minutes, not longer, it will resume from where it paused. Any longer than just those few little minutes and it will not resume, it won't respond at all.... I have to plug it into power to wake it up, when it will be at the right position and will play when I press pause/play.
And more of a minor thing, rewind doesn't pick up speed. A pest with a single file audiobook.
Grrrr
I'll be researching after Christmas. I'll see if I can find out if the chip that was in the Clip+ is being used in some other player or if they just stopped making it altogether.... I hope not.
I wonder how hard it would be to make one that suits what each of us wants, personally.
I love my old Sansa Fuze's for audiobooks. I hope they never die, but I have been having problems with them occasionally. I have tried my Android phone and ipad. I like using them with bluetooth, but I don't like streaming books and have had issues with that.
I may have posted this earlier in the thread, but if you love a device that is outdated technology, you can probably buy a backup or two on eBay. I did that with Walkman cassette players and more recently with the tiny iPod Nano.
I'm finding that the clip+ plays audible books just fine, but I'm having trouble with the audible software getting them to load.
I see, I imagine that may happen with my iPod eventually. It seems Audible (and every other service) wants us to stream from their site. Maybe they get more info about us that way, or they can show advertisers how long we spend on their site?
I had to give up on the Chip + after two of them gave out on me (after a couple years of heavy usage for each) and couldn't find one for less than $300 on Ebay. Finally got an iPod and while I don't love the convenience as much as the Sansa (it's like I'm carrying around a second phone, which is annoying), I have figured out how to keep files from expiring and to use the system. It works with blu-tooth as well, which is REALLY nice, since I got so tired of snagging my headphone cord on things all the time. Has a really short range for the blu-tooth though, unfortunately.
Robin wrote: "I see, I imagine that may happen with my iPod eventually. It seems Audible (and every other service) wants us to stream from their site..."I download books via WiFi from Audible, RBdigital, and christianaudio. After they are finished downloading, I turn off WiFi to save battery power, and then I listen to the books. I turn WiFi on again when I want to return or download more books. When I go on trips out of the country where I don’t have any WiFi or cell service, I download books to various apps and am able to listen to them.
I have streamed a few books from Audible but only books that were free listens for Amazon Prime members. I don’t like to stream books.
Audible books can be downloaded to iTunes so that they can be listened to on Apple devices without using the Audible app.
I've been reading a lot lately, to see what people had to say about various mp3 players for audiobook listening. Nearly everything has Bluetooth now, and it seems to vary a lot in strength. One person even said that when they walked the swing of their arm would lose Bluetooth range.... but some say they get about 10 feet.
I've said this before but I love my Sansa's. Several years ago I bought two Clip Plus models and they have been going strong. I have had them act like they died but found directions online for rebooting them which worked each time. This year I bought two Sansa Clip Jam's since my other model is no longer available. I've been really happy with them too.
Like John mentioned though I'm having some issues transferring audible files to them. But have found a work around by using File Manager in Windows Explorer and am just copying the files from my audible folder into the Sansa folder which has been working.
It irritates me that audible and the library with their Libby app are pushing streaming via their apps. I don't have a fancy expensive phone and don't want to be pushed into getting one. I prefer my Sansas for listening. I plug them into earphones, my car or my portable bose speaker and am completely happy.
Someone once mentioned buying a used android phone to use as an audio player. You can download your Audible or Overdrive book to it using WiFi. I suspect that almost everyone knows someone with an old smartphone, that they no longer use.
My problem using a device with Bluetooth is that when the player jostles at all in my pocket or bag the connection hiccups. This may sound wierd, but a specific instance where Bluetooth comes in handy would be visiting the lavatory on a plane with the book continuing to play at my seat.
I like bluetooth for cordless headphones. They don't get hung up on anything and I can keep my device in my pocket or the counter when I'm working around the house or at my desk when I'm working in my empty classroom. I never thought of getting an old smartphone. I might have to try that as it seems everything is going app based.
John wrote: "My problem using a device with Bluetooth is that when the player jostles at all in my pocket or bag the connection hiccups. This may sound wierd, but a specific instance where Bluetooth comes in ..."
Not weird at all (ask me how I know) ... but the Sansa Clip is so handy it just goes where ever you go ;)
aprilla wrote: "John wrote: "My problem using a device with Bluetooth is that when the player jostles at all in my pocket or bag the connection hiccups. This may sound wierd, but a specific instance where Blueto..."
Indeed - I can keep a tiny Sansa in my shirt pocket while ... otherwise occupied, but a phone is more clunky.
I have 3 Creative Zen MP3 players that are still going strong, I hope I can keep them going for I love how easy they are to use and lightweight. I did get a smart phone this summer and have used bluetooth headphones with it. But I don't like to use them so much, they make my ears hurt even at low volume. Might have to use a speaker (have a small one) and see how it works but would be inconvienent to say the least.
aprilla wrote: "Be nice to your Clip+!I swear, this Sport Plus is finding ways to irritate me. If I pause it for a few minutes, not longer, it will resume from where it paused. Any longer than just those few lit..."
Update on Clip Sport
I no longer have to plug it in to wake it up. The middle button has to be held down for several seconds, 4 or 5, to wake it up and then you can resume. Case of read the manual.
The slow (no increase in speed) ff/rw is still irritating.
It writes a .POS file for each mp3 file accessed. For a book with multiple files there is one for each mp3 in its folder, single file books get just the one .POS file. I presume .POS to be for position. A few minutes into a book looks like this in Notepad:
8^ ñô í ÀÊ1î
I don't know how the Clip+ did it but it didn't write files to the book folders. I wonder if these POS files are 'connected' to the Sport or if they will travel to another player, remembering position. This amuses me :)
When it comes to the end of a book it starts it again....
sigh
If you all could take a minute, could you help me listen to my mp3 audiobooks, Not in iTunes?I use Apple products. I cannot find an audiobook player that lets me select speeds or jump back or forward a little, or bookmark, either.
What would I need to buy to get that capability without mortgaging the purple cow? I would need to be able to transfer from a MacBook.
It sounds as though Listen and Smart Audiobook Player would suit, but what device would I need to use them?
Are there smaller alternatives to a Samsung Galaxy phone? Those Sansa Clip+ sounded good, but I didn't notice anyone talking about speed control. Am I reading that right?
I am so very frustrated with iTunes. Please, if you can tell me, do!
Thanks in advance!
jz
I understand your frustration with iTunes. I think I only found the Sansa players in my desperation to not use iTunes and therefore not my iPod (which I gave away).Can you just connect the Galaxy to your computer and drag and drop your mp3 audiobook's folder to the Galaxy? Then try playing it in any player... I think most phones will play mp3s.
The Sansas aren't a bad option for audiobook listening, read about the current ones to see if any appeal to you. Possibly if I met the Sport before having got so used to the Clip+ I wouldn't be having any issues with it, and reading about others I doubt I'll find one to suit me better...
I've never owned an Apple device - what's the issue with ipod and iTunes?
It might be different now, my experience was a long time ago. Memory remembers it as the most frustrating experience, for the length of time I used it, bad enough that I won't ever have iTunes installed on a computer again.
Well then ... a smaller, used cheap android phone capable of handling Smart Audio Player? I splurged for the premium version. It has speed control, 10 second and 1 minute rewind/FF options, and bookmarking.
John wrote: "I've never owned an Apple device - what's the issue with ipod and iTunes?"Itunes was what made Ipods good. At least way back when. But then it got bloated. Tinkered with constantly. Still works OK and it is what I use. I may upload Media Monkey to an Ipod at some point. Not looking forward to converting my audiobooks though.
As long as you are on an apple device iTunes works just fine, for me anyway. It is terrible on windows (or it was when I still was on windows years ago).
Perhaps that's it, I was on Windows.I had used Apple computers (work, not owned) without issue so I don't blame it on Apple machines, just the method. It was too convoluted for something that should be simple to do.
I just got a new-to-me MacBook Pro. What they've done to iTunes lately is change part of the layout, and it's ridiculous to find things. Steve would have a fit. It's messy. I'm planning on down-grading one operating system to see if I can get the former version back. I've used it since it came out, and I can change things to suit me in all the other versions. Right now, I'm just not in the mood to have to integrate another version into my devices, or my brain. If it ain't broke...
I'm still using previous versions of iTunes on other devices, and really, how many do I have to memorize? I can't afford to throw out electronics that still work. Not everything is backwardly compatible.
So, thank you, John, I think you've got the right idea.
I'm trying to find an old android cell phone that no one else wants to load up with Listen or Smart Audio Player. I looked for clips, iPod shuffles, and all kinds of tiny mp3 players, but none that could load Listen or SAP, that I could tell. And the prices have jumped since they've gone out of production. Kinda like pagers. Remember pagers? Every dealer and pimp had one back in the day. (according to the movies I saw then. lol)
There are some sweet deals on new android phones on the Chinese connection to the internet. $60 and up, and delivery in three weeks. They can do everything, even if I don't want to use them as a phone, because they have wifire. Of course, if one of my friends gets a new phone for Christmas, I'm not too proud to take hand-me-downs. Hint, hint.
I still use my iPhone 3, which is nearly 10 years old, with the original battery, to listen to mp3s now. But, capacity of 8G is not ideal for travel. New software is not available for it, either, AFAIK. So, no Libby or Overdrive, and no speed control.
SanDisk has a new memory stick (iExpand) that wraps around the base of newer iPhones or iPads, to add 128G of storage to those devices while it's plugged in. The other end of it is a usb connector, so you can transfer files easily from computer to iOS device. There's an app for that, too. Sweet and cheap, and tiny. Very tiny, and easy to lose. I've got a change purse dedicated to thumb drives now. It was around $53 when I bought it last week.
I personally do not like transferring a lot of stuff over the cloud. Security issues bug me, so thumb drives and cables are my friends.
Thanks, everybody.
Maybe look into Tracfone for a relatively cheap Android that handles the Smart app (and Overdrive?), where you only need to buy a small amount of minutes at a time, as a combination mp3 player and backup phone.I don't change the playback speed myself, but just checked the option on the smart player to see the possibilities. It goes from .5 to 3.0 with about a dozen or so gradations in between. There's a bookmark feature (in addition to resume) and a sleep timer as well as the mentioned 10s and 1min FF/Rew increments.
That sounds perfect, thank you. I use my iPhone 5 as a hotspot, because there's no internet where I live, and not much of a cell phone signal, either. For serious stuff, I have to go into town to the coffee shop or the library. A Tracfone may just be the thing so I don't have to unplug and carry.
Kathleen wrote: "Someone once mentioned buying a used android phone to use as an audio player. You can download your Audible or Overdrive book to it using WiFi. I suspect that almost everyone knows someone with an ..."I use my old iphone 5c - not a lot of memory, but I manage. I only use if for my audiobooks as you said, using WiFi. The best part about it is the battery. It lasts for days after one charge. My iphone 7 battery can't compare!
Roz wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Someone once mentioned buying a used android phone to use as an audio player. You can download your Audible or Overdrive book to it using WiFi. I suspect that almost everyone knows..."Oh, girl, I hear you. My iPhone 5 that I use as a notspot (yes, intentional, because it's nearly as slow as dial-up) has so much battery power that I can't believe it.
As a solution, I went to China via the tubes of the internets. lol
I found that there are countless sites offering things like the iPod shuffle, the 'Clip' and the other mp3 devices that allow you to insert a micro-card loaded with books to listen to, and they have even better battery performance, according to their blurbs, because they don't have to keep the phone stuff powered. We'll see. Mine are 'in the mail' according to the site I ordered from.
The imitation Shuffle cost $5.99, and the fancier long body one whose name escapes me now was $16.99.
I love Apple. I've been a customer since 1982. Most of my computers have lasted me 9 years. I've repaired and released to other people many others. I still have my Pismo that was delivered as a refurb during the Nisqually earthquake 2/28/1999, and it is still fun to play Tetris and other games from the past on, while keeping my writing impervious to hacking or spyware. The software is perfectly adequate for my needs, because, really, do we really need all those 'enhancements' that make life more complicated?
That said, China builds wonderful rip-offs.
There have been a few audiobooks that I just could not take at the narrator's speed. When a friend discards an old android that will use Smart Audio Player, I'll listen to that book there.
In the meantime, though, I use my computer at home, with excellent bluetooth speakers, or, if I should get to be out of my house, I'll use the devices mentioned above with the amazing invention that I found that wraps around your neck, has four speakers, and earbuds, and can connect to your phone or mp3 player by bluetooth.
I am in awe, and am content.
JZ wrote: "If you all could take a minute, could you help me listen to my mp3 audiobooks, Not in iTunes?I use Apple products. I cannot find an audiobook player that lets me select speeds or jump back or for..."
Check out Bookmobile. Great app that provides all the features you would expect in an audiobook app.
Chad wrote: "JZ wrote: "If you all could take a minute, could you help me listen to my mp3 audiobooks, Not in iTunes?I use Apple products. I cannot find an audiobook player that lets me select speeds or jump ..."
Thanks, Chad. I'll check it out.
Things have changed with Apple. I used to be able to get all my apps on my computer and load them onto my phone, but that's all changed now.
The new 'improved' iTunes and software is bloated and unfriendly. Steve would have a fit.
I listen to my audiobooks on my iPhone.
I use audibles and scribd (two month free promotion - free ebooks/audiobooks). Loved them both. Sometimes, I use youtube as well.
Angela wrote: "I use audibles and scribd (two month free promotion - free ebooks/audiobooks). Loved them both. Sometimes, I use youtube as well."Thanks, Angela. I've never heard of scribd.
Since I've finally made it to #398 on the waiting list for Becoming at my library, out of the many, many copies they've ordered, and I anticipate a wait for nearly 5 months, I'm thinking that it's time to consider a few trial memberships for audiobooks. I can't conceive of any service that isn't offering it then.
Go, Michelle.
Bill (Just a) wrote: "John wrote: "I've never owned an Apple device - what's the issue with ipod and iTunes?"Itunes was what made Ipods good. At least way back when. But then it got bloated. Tinkered with constantly. ..."
I've used Media Monkey for my ipod for 5 years and it works great. Everytime I used iTunes it would delete files even when I had the settings changed so that wasn't supposed to happen...,.,Grr.
That said, I only use ipod for music and podcasts. Audiobooks are on my Creative Zen player.
FYI, if you have an Echo but no Audible account, you can sign up for a new free membership using your echo and get 4 free credits to start... two up front and two more a few days later when your payment plan is verified. You do have to have an Amazon account. This offer lasts until Feb. 8 and becomes a Gold membership at the end of the month--which you then begin paying for. You can cancel at any time.I use my Echo most of the time to listen to audiobooks, especially now that Alexa has four playback speeds and can read up to 150% of normal speed. While I sometimes wish for a 175% or 200% increase, I'm happy to at least have the two faster speeds that are now available. :)
Recently, I broke down and bought my first Kindle ever! Until then I had been reading eBooks on a combination of Sony ePub readers and Kindle Fire tablet. I decided to go with a refurbished Paperwhite 3, as the Bluetooth Audible, inverted text ability, and waterproofing meant nothing to me. So far, I like it a lot.My point in posting here in this thread is to ask whether either yourself or someone you know has used their Kindle specifically to listen to audiobooks as a desirable feature, since the newest Paperwhite is being highly-touted with that? I have some short books on my tablet, but don't use it very often for audio. For one thing, when I have tried to put it in my bag and then been traveling or out and around town, whenever any jostling of the contents has come up, the Bluetooth tends to skip.
Looking forward to your input, folks!
Well, I don't have a Kindle, although I've got a Fire Tablet. In any case, I'll answer to say why I wouldn't bother to load an audiobook onto a Kindle (or buy one, so I could). First, I don't switch between text and audio. With any book, it's one or the other. So the ability to WhisperSync on the same device as I switched media would be useless to me. And then the Kindle, whether PW or other, strikes me as an inconvenient player to listen to an audiobook. I want something that will fit into a pocket and something that will stand a jostling. Kindles are too big and fragile to be ideal audiobook players.
Really the only argument I could make in favor would be that it would be one fewer device I'd have to take along with me while out and about and that would be worth something, but not enough to justify having a Kindle for me.
John wrote: "Recently, I broke down and bought my first Kindle ever! Until then I had been reading eBooks on a combination of Sony ePub readers and Kindle Fire tablet. I decided to go with a refurbished Paperwh..."I just bought a Paperwhite this week myself and was wondering about the audiobooks myself.
I have used Kindle for audiobooks and love it. I do switch back and forth between reading and audio. I can plug the auxiliary cord into my car for longer drives, but I like to actually read at night as my way of winding down. I should add that I hear it's even better now with the new Kindles. My ancient Kindle keyboard has audio capabilities...which is the only reason I haven't retired it.
I have two Kindles, and I use my Paperwhite daily. I listen to audiobooks almost daily. The only time I’m interested in switching between reading and listening is when the audio is messed up and I want to read what I would otherwise miss. I always have more than one book going, and I don’t mind switching from one book to another. I have no desire to listen to audiobooks on a Kindle. I have three iPods for that and an Android phone that I can use when I don’t want to take an extra device with me, and they’re all smaller than my Kindles.
Denise wrote: "I have used Kindle for audiobooks and love it. I do switch back and forth between reading and audio. I can plug the auxiliary cord into my car for longer drives, but I like to actually read at nigh..."I just want to be clear: you go back and forth between print and audio within the same book?
I'm left wondering whether that is the "target" activity of the newest model (that does NOT feature simultaneous immersion reading) or whether it would be folks who might want to read a print book, and listen to a different one, finding it convenient to have them on the same device?
Denise wrote: "I have used Kindle for audiobooks and love it. I do switch back and forth between reading and audio. I can plug the auxiliary cord into my car for longer drives...My ancient Kindle keyboard has audio capabilities..."It sounds like you’re referring to text-to-speech capabilities with the device reading the Kindle book to you, which some older Kindles had. Is that right?
The new Paperwhite has Whispersync capabilities, which means that if you have both the Kindle version and the Whispersync for Voice Audible version of a book, you can use the Paperwhite to read the Kindle copy or listen to the (usually) professionally narrated Audible copy that you have and also go back and forth between the two. And you can also listen to any Audible book you own or you get through Kindle Unlimited. At least, that’s how I understand it.
Audiobooks
Books mentioned in this topic
Becoming (other topics)On Basilisk Station (other topics)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4LGVUO/...
I listen to books at work and in the car and music when I work out so I probably have earbuds in my ears 50-75% of my day. I have sensitive hearing so I find myself keeping them in even when I'm not listening to anything. They're very comfortable.