Audiobooks discussion
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Where do you get your audio content and what device do you use to listen?
Oh - and Audible has apps for Android and Blackberry too.
John wrote: "The book-as-one-long-file works on certain devices, that have bookmarking (and a display to show where you are in the book as well). For instance, the sansa clip+ has a bookmarking function, so you can interrupt a long book for other listens and come back where you were; it has a progress bar, but no readout of time remaining, so you'd have to remember (roughly) the length of the book, although if you'd been away a while, you could plug the device into the computer to get that number"My clip+ shows the time for where I am in the book, well, in the file really as it does it for each file rather than a book as a whole.
If the book is one long file the time stamp will progress from 00:00:00 (beginning) to the end, 15:30:00 if 15.5 hrs long.
But if the book is divided into many smaller files each of those files begins at 00:00:00.
I find this feature handy to get back to a place if I've got to go forward or back. Does yours not do this John??
I can't wait for my new clip+ to arrive this week! Audio books on the Nano are ok, but not my favorite device for them. I miss my old PDA, a Dell Axim that finally gave up the ghost on holding a charge and while a great device, is too heavy really.
How exciting! I love my clip+ so much LOL I hope you enjoy yours :)
aprilla wrote: "John wrote: "The book-as-one-long-file works on certain devices, that have bookmarking (and a display to show where you are in the book as well). For instance, the sansa clip+ has a bookmarking fun..."I don't think I quite understand your comment? Yes, the clip+ gives time elapsed, but unlike the Fuze and other devices doesn't display time remaining also. I was mentioning that for folks who decide to switch to another item in the meanwhile, go back to a long single track book, and might be confused or frustrated that they don't know exactly how much time is left (say they "recall" it's a 13 hr book, but it's really just under 12, so ends abuptly for them).
Again, I post this all over the place, but it bears repeating: to have the exit-and-resume feature enabled, you need to either tag the file as an Audiobook before transfer, or have it sent specifically to the "audiobooks" folder. A history, mystery, fiction-tagged book in the Music folder will NOT resume at the place left off if one exits the book for some reason (including, I believe, loading or deleting other items while connected to the computer).
Oh! Oops!I didn't understand that others showed two times (gone and left). I thought maybe yours wasn't showing any time and could be set to show it... 'fixed' as it were.
A newer site that focuses on books from small or independent publishers is Iambik. You can find them at http://iambik.comFull disclosure -- I also record for them. However, don't let that scare you off! There are many other voices there if my voice or choice of books is not to your taste and I do recommend them. :) Iambik is preparing to release their third set of lit/fic books in approximately 2 weeks. The current new selections are SciFi/Fantasy.
I just bought a clip recently due to all your love here and I too love it!
I splashed out and bought an AC charger for mine.I'm sure you guys probably are aware, but when the device is plugged into the computer, you can see the % of battery charge available by clicking on its icon.
Heidi (don't listen to me) wrote: "I just bought a clip recently due to all your love here and I too love it!"Yippee another Clip lover! Hope it goes well for you. I had spare USB leads so I bought a Travel USB plug for charging the Clip+ so now I just pull the lead out of the plug and into the computer, then back again (keeping the small one that came with in my handbag). Works a treat. And as the plug has a variety of removable plugs for various countries we can go anywhere :) ... if we could LOL
I posted this with another groupI am looking for good horror/ghost stories but having a hard time finding on Audble.com
any recs?
@Michael, not sure whether they're on Audible.com as I use the UK site, but what about The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson), The Little Stranger or Dark Matter by Michelle Pavey. All ghost stories.I haven't read the last one, but it's on my 'to listen' list. I read The Little Stranger recently and really enjoyed it. Creepy and multi-layered. And the Haunting of Hill House is a classic.
I get my audiobooks from a mixture of Audible.co.uk and my local libraries. I've also found out that another local library offers Oversdrive titles, but I'm not too keen as they are so restictive and Apple-centric -- most of their titles won't play on my MP3 player. Then again, Audible's titles won't either -- but at least I have my Kindle for those, but it's not quite as portable, sadly.I've been comtemplating buying a suitable MP3 player or Ipod, but just not something I can justify at the moment (and not sure I want to really).
@Alison I know you checked my book list and saw I have read all three. I liked Dark Matter very much but it's not your typical ghost story. Isolation and loneliness are a big part. I also feel (ladies please don't take offense) that it is almost a man's book. There are no female characters whatever and concerns an all male expedition to the polar edge.Don't know if I should have said that.
@Alison iTunes will convert files to mp3 and then they will play on your mp3 player. My player's the same with certain files and I convert them this way:* Import (or find) file(s) in iTunes Library Music
* Right click on file(s)
* Select 'create mp3 version'
iTunes creates the mp3, it takes a little bit and 'pings' when complete. It gets to be second nature after a few turns.
Then I tag the file to be genre 'Audiobook' cause that's what my player likes. Actually I do more tagging (title, author etc) but only because it's my way LOL I use Mp3Tag for this, free and easy.
I don't use a iTunes to move the files to player so how you get them to your player is up to you!! (I drag and drop)
Would spare you thinking about a new toy, and let you have more choice if it works... worth a try.
I Get my books from Audible.com and from my library through Overdrive. I listen on my iPod and iPad. I love being able to get Audiobooks from my library! I can get them, listen to them, and then not have to store them on my computer, especially when it's a book I won't listen to again.
I get my audio from audible.com, weread4you.com, iTunes, second hand vendors online (CDs,) libraries (CDs) and, direct from Blackstone Audio.
I listen on a 2005 30G Video iPod (using a Griffin RoadTrip FM transmitter in the car,) an iPhone 3Gs, on my PowerBook (laptop) and on my home computer (mini-Mac.)
I have two different headsets, but I prefer the older Grados S60s (non-clamping, excellent delivery) and am about to pop for a pair of Grado traveling headphones.
I listen to digital dnloads, apps, CDs and MP3-CDs.
I listen on a 2005 30G Video iPod (using a Griffin RoadTrip FM transmitter in the car,) an iPhone 3Gs, on my PowerBook (laptop) and on my home computer (mini-Mac.)
I have two different headsets, but I prefer the older Grados S60s (non-clamping, excellent delivery) and am about to pop for a pair of Grado traveling headphones.
I listen to digital dnloads, apps, CDs and MP3-CDs.
Ipod all the way and i get mine from Audible... they are having a sale now for summer also with great savings. I love that place.
I'm using this thread - rather than start another - to let Audible folks on a monthly plan know that you can suspend your billing for up to three months if you're backed up. In my case, I have so many Overdrive and ripped-from-CD books, in addition to the Audibles I haven't read yet, that I decided to call and ask about it. The rep specifically confirmed that absolutely nothing would change as far as my membership status is concerned: I can still spend my present credits (which are indeed forfeited at actual termination), as well as buy items at the lower "member" rate during this period.
That's good information, John. I have an annual membership and was wondering what would happen to my membership and library if I took a year's break. I should give them a call.
The maximum is three months to suspend.
You can only suspend your Audible membership once per year, however. You can also "cancel" your account without losing your library or wish list. I've done both at various times, and rejoined when I wanted.And to stay OT -- I listen on my iPod touch 4th generation. Love it. :) And I use Sony earbuds, I forget the technical designation but they cost a whole $10. I've tried several brands, but they work the best for me. And since I usually need to buy new ones at least two or three times a year (I end up dunking em in water, or shorting em out, or just plain losing em), I don't waste money on more expensive ones.
I just sent off a pair of Skullcandy ones -- they cost more but you only pay postage to them to get a replacement pair.
I just started listening to Faceless Killers on my Sansa Clip+ and am finding it a better device for car listening than my Nano, I can actually maneuver the function keys safely while driving to quickly stop (turn off) and rewind a bit if I hit traffic and lose focus. Thanks for the advice on getting it!!
What size do you have? I find 4GB (without an optional SD card) holds a lot of books!
on another note, my local library announced recently that they are discontinuing Net Library access on 16-July as they await the new format of the EBSCOhost platform. I hope they bring it back. Perhaps there is a delay in converting...
I assume it's a transitional gap - luckily, one book I've been eagerly awaiting (the latest in the Bree Beaufort paranormal cozy series) just came through the other day.
I have the 4GB size too. It seems to have TONS of space even though the audible.com format 4 files are pretty big. John wrote: "What size do you have? I find 4GB (without an optional SD card) holds a lot of books!"
Ann wrote: "I have the 4GB size too. It seems to have TONS of space even though the audible.com format 4 files are pretty big. John wrote: "What size do you have? I find 4GB (without an optional SD card) hol..."
Enjoy your Clip+ Ann! I'm still lovin' mine :)
I've got a 4GB too and while I have a SD card I don't normally use it, but it'll be useful for travelling. Usually I have 6 to 10 books on the 4GB, tons!
I even tried an Audible book in Enhanced format on my Clip+ once, just to see if there was a noticeable difference from Type 4 -- there really wasn't.
Ann wrote: "I was at my local branch library sale yesterday and they were selling all of the cassette versions of their audio book collection for $1 each. At first when I saw all of the audio books on shelf after shelf my heart started beating faster...."It's not too hard to convert audio cassettes to mp3, though a bit time consuming. With a jack-jack cable plug one end into cassette player headphone socket and other end into computer sound card line in, and with free audio software Audacity or similar (I like Wavosaur) play the cassette and the software will record it onto computer. Then save as .wav or .mp3 depending what you'll do with it.
I've never done it for an audiobook but I have done it for home recorded cassettes we want to keep, sing-alongs, kids singing I'm a little teapot! and such ;)
I've done it for audiobooks AND for CD's that have jammed when I've tried to copy them. Recording a whole book from cassette is rather a pain, IMHO.
Most of my books are from Audible, enhanced format. My device is iPOD classic. I use a Bose sound-dock or use Sony earbuds. I'm happy with all of them.
I wish I had extra credits left on Audible.com I get 2 a month and buy when they have their 30% off sale and still need more credits. This time of year seems like there is alot of new books coming out on my wish list. I don't think there is much difference in the 4 format and enhanced so I would rather not waste the room since I rip alot of CD's into MP3 format also.
As for Horror Books have you listened to Alex Kava? My husband just gave me some of his but I haven't listened to them yet I think they are suppose to be horror? I have so many dang audible books I haven't gotten to yet I actually keep a book list of what I have and what I have listened too. I know i'm pathetic LOL
Wendalyn wrote: "I wish I had extra credits left on Audible.com I get 2 a month and buy when they have their 30% off sale and still need more credits. This time of year seems like there is alot of new books coming ..."You sound very experienced with Audible so I have a few questions because I use their service. I am still sort of new to Audible.com, but I did notice recently that Audible will not allow you to stock pile over 6 credits and will charge you for the NEW credit without really adding one should you be at their maximum (6). That is not my question it is more of an observation...here goes my question...How do you get two credits a month at Audible.com? Do you pay double? Happy listening!
No, not double at all, about 50% more ($22 for two credits) -- it's a freely available option, not some "grandfathered in" plan that no longer exists.
Cynthia wrote: "..here goes my question...How do you get two credits a month at Audible.com? Do you pay double? Happy listening!"
There are several different membership plans. Go to the Audible webiste, then click on "account details", then click on "change my membership". That'll show you the different plans that are available.
John wrote: "I even tried an Audible book in Enhanced format on my Clip+ once, just to see if there was a noticeable difference from Type 4 -- there really wasn't."I have been on bed rest since April, and have been listening to my audilebooks on my computer, but I know that I need something portable for when I go home...I have read all your posts in this thread and am wondering about this clip+ that I hear folks raving about. Again another question...what is the best way to purchase one of these gadgets? What kind of accessories should might be helpful? Again, thanks for your help!
I bought mine online from Tiger Direct, although they sell them at Best Buy, etc. The unit recharges via USB cable to the computer, but I paid around $10 online for a kit that included a screen shield (it's a small screen, so woo hoo to that!), a silicone "case" (skin), which could prove useful if one drops it on a hard floor or pavement, and an AC charger, that works with any micro USB cable (the kind the Sansa uses). As a minor point, the battery indicator starts dropping at a fairly rapid clip much below half - from 100% to 50% full is significantly more playing time available than the remainder.I bought the 4GB model and it holds lots of books. I come nowhere near needing to get a micro SD card for it for extra storage!
I bought my clip at Amazon. I have the 2 gb one and think it is more than adequate. I have 6 audiobooks on mine right now and have yet to get close to my storage limit.
Although I have a micro SD that I thought I would use in my Sansa clip, I've never had to use it, either. It's amazing how much these little guys can hold.My clip is red. :)
Mine is also red -- I used Tiger Direct as Best Buy only had black and purple! I think right now I have at least 10 books on it.
I think I bought mine from Woot. I'd have to look at my online receipts to be sure but they had it for sale in a bunch of colors.
I got my Sansa Clip+ at Best Buy. It was the last one in the store (of any color) I ended up with blue but I like it. My first choice was purple but the blue matches a lot of my clothes including my favorite jeans. :) It clips onto clothing and is so small that I can fit it into even my small purses. It is 4GB and holds a lot. It is compatible with Overdrive library audio.
The only problem I have had is sometimes it won't pause and I have to turn it off and back on again. However it hasn't lost my place. Has anyone else had this problem? Maybe I just have a glitch in mine. Can't complain much for only 50 dollars. :)
I haven't noticed a problem with pausing. My quibbles are that I can't go between two different podcasts, but have to power off and on again; between two books, or between a book and a podcast are fine. It's also slightly frustrating not being able to scroll up through book titles, only down. But, those are quite minor things.It's so tiny it gets lost in my shirt pockets, though the earbuds fill out the rest of the space.
Thanks, John. I guess it is just a glitch. Oh well I will deal with it until it dies on me and by then they will probably have a new model out and I can upgrade. :)
Mine pauses fine - sorry yours doesn't :(
The main use I find for the pause button would be that I do so when switching to another file (book).
Mine's 4GB and I've never had a problem pausing. Mine's purple, my bro-in-law took my black one as he wouldn't use purple LOL The only accessory I would think essential is a USB wall plug.I've bought a few and used eBay, but only new ones, not refurbished, and have had no problems, touch wood.
I only use it for audiobooks.
Cynthia, the Clip+ has a 'sleep' function you may find useful if recovering and tending to fall off... you can tell it to turn off after a certain time so not to miss too much or have to rewind too far. I use this nightly.
Audiobooks
Books mentioned in this topic
11/22/63 (other topics)The Notebook / The Wedding (other topics)
The Passage (other topics)
Faceless Killers (other topics)
A Prayer for Owen Meany (other topics)
Within seconds, I had it downloaded onto my iPad. It looks great!
If you (like me) used iTunes to load your audiobooks onto your iPad/iPhone, the app will recognize them but you can't delete them using the app, and I think it said that it won't track info on them. Once I finish listening to the ever-so-lengthy A Prayer for Owen Meany, I will delete all my audiobooks on iTunes and then download them again using the app.
The app looks like it has some great features.