The Sword and Laser discussion
Broke, but still considering Audible - is it available for Android?
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audiblepodcast.com/sword
There is an Audible app for Android. You don't need the app, all books can be downloaded and played by almost any phone/music device/computer.
I'm unsure of the price structure for Bangladesh but in the US it is US$14.95 for 1 credit a month and US$22.95 for 2 credits a month.
Most books are 1 credit. But there are some books that are 2 credits.
Mod
2 of the best known are:
http://www.gutenberg.org/
https://librivox.org/
I'm sure others could name a few more good reputable free sites.
also: http://podiobooks.com/
Tassie Dave, I don't know about that code, S&L isn't sponsored by Audible at the moment. Audible does offer 1 book free when you sign up though. But you don't have to subscribe to get cheap audiobooks, if you're careful. A lot of times if you buy an ebook from Amazon you can get the audiobook also for very cheap. With a daily deal book, this can sometimes work out to less than just an ebook (like the deal book is $2.95 and add audio for another $1.95 or something). Or there is Kindle Unlimited which includes some audiobooks for $9.99 a month, but I haven't checked out the choices, so I don't know how good that is.
And many libraries are adding the ability to download audiobooks, you'll have to check.
Another thing you might try is a short story podcast. There are several - Escapepod for SF, Podcastle for fantasy are ones I know of - and those are free to listen to.
One thing to keep in mind that I learned is if you cancel without having used the monthly credits you've accumulated, they will be gone. I have a backlog of credits that I haven't used and I'm going to have to suck it up and get a bunch of books so I can cancel.
Mod
If you can't afford it though, I'd suggest signing up for the free month (you can do it even w/o the sword code these days). Then cancel saying it's too expensive (though I think any reason works..just not 100%) and they will offer you 3 months at half price.
You end up with 4 books of your choice for like $25. Then you can cancel and do the stuff other people have suggested.
I got pointed in the direction of Overdrive, which is supposed to let you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library assuming they participate. But so far, I've found it very difficult to navigate. When I access it from the computer, I get options that I can't get from the mobile app. I haven't taken the time to sort it out and/call them for help, yet. https://www.overdrive.com/
On your computer you see both MP3 and wma audiobooks. The app on smart phones only plays wma files and that's all it shows you. If you borrow a wma book on your computer, it won't show in the app. You will need something like a Sandisk player or a Windows formatted iPod to listen to it. Overdrive will eliminate all wma audiobooks from its catalog by this spring so this is temporary. You can always go to your local library for help.
David wrote: "On your computer you see both MP3 and wma audiobooks. The app on smart phones only plays wma files and that's all it shows you. If you borrow a wma book on your computer, it won't show in the app...."Thanks for the tips, David! For me it's not critical because I can afford my ebook habit. I'd still like to make the switch, though, because saving money is always good, and it would be nice to support my local library again. But dead-tree books are straight-up not as convenient for me.
I'm another user of Overdrive, both the audiobooks and the ebooks. Once I got used to looking for mp3 books if I wanted to use them on my android phone, it all worked out. No need for monthly fees, access to plenty of good books, and ways to request books they don't already have. Libraries are awesome.
Yep, you don't need money to check out audio books from your library with Overdrive. I find their app really easy to use. If your library doesn't use it, see if a neighboring library will issue you a card. I pay $25 per year for a library card from the city next door because the county library branch in my city sucks.
Oh yeah, there's always Librivox. They take public domain books and, by way of volunteers, read them into audio. Quality varies based on who's reading, but there's some good stuff there.
Thank you people so much for having this discussion. I had no idea about this Overdrive thing! My library definitely participates and I am going to be making much use of it. I would never have known about it if it wasn't for you wonderful people!
Most library systems offer reciprocal borrowing privileges to neighboring systems. In the DC area you can have access to 10 different Overdrive collections. Book selectors have different priorities. It is worth making the effort to get accounts from every system you can. Especially now that Overdrive.com has a search across multiple systems feature.
Recently, I was listening in on a preview to an audiobook. Great narration, It was the "33 Strategies of War" by Robert Greene. I was mesmerised, and sucked in. It would be so good to not have to use my eyes by reading on the computer, or my Kobo mini. I would get to "listen" to the stories unfold.
However, I'm unsure about the price, the montly cost. Also, whether I can access my account easily through my android phone - A Samsung S2, or my laptop. I really do love the world of words, and to hear it unfold would be almost an otherworldly experience. Sorry if I sound a bit weird, but I really want to know if this is a worthy step to take, given both the technology I own, and the expenses involved. I normally don't buy books, and just stick to my Kobo, or have to lug myself to a library. I know this would improve things, but am worried about the cost and the tech involved.
Any and all responses will be highly appreciated. Thanks.