Audiobooks discussion

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Archives > Where do you get your audio content and what device do you use to listen?

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Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (awesomevegan) | 58 comments Julie C wrote: "I have 2 clip + (16GB storage)devices they are small and light with a decent screen. I use them with Sony Ericsson phone ear buds which I wear round the back of my neck, that way they don't get cau..."

I have a Clip +. People do love it. I love mine! Does using additional storage on the memory cards affect anything as far as how it plays or how you access the books? I hope that makes sense. I was thinking of getting a card for mine since it is only 4GB right now and I can fit about 6 - 10 books on it at most. It depends on the book. I have 2 Harry Potter books waiting for me on there now so it is near packed! :)


message 252: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments I've only recently started using a storage card on mine. If you're going to put a book on there, it is essential that it be properly tagged as an audiobook, otherwise no bookmarking feature (it should resume okay, like any other file).


Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (awesomevegan) | 58 comments John wrote: "I've only recently started using a storage card on mine. If you're going to put a book on there, it is essential that it be properly tagged as an audiobook, otherwise no bookmarking feature (it sho..."

Thank you. Are you referring to using an additional program to apply the tags?


message 254: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments Not really, no.

Windows handles it fine for me - select all of the book's tracks, and then at the bottom of the screen there's a tagging option, where you can enter (or change) the genre to "Audiobook" (audio book as two words seems okay, too).

Also, I forgot to mention that if you don't do this the books won't show up with the rest of your books in a single Audiobook list - you'll have to go looking for them elsewhere in the directory.


Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (awesomevegan) | 58 comments John wrote: "Not really, no.

Windows handles it fine for me - select all of the book's tracks, and then at the bottom of the screen there's a tagging option, where you can enter (or change) the genre to "Audio..."


Thank you very much. :) I will try that if I get a memory card.


message 256: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments One thing I forgot to mention: after you've changed the genre, be sure to hit Save (on the right)!


message 257: by Julie C (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments I never have a problem locating files and folders just remember to name the Books and Authors and they will show up somewhere.


message 258: by Julie C (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments Awesomevegan said 'I have 2 Harry Potter books waiting for me on there now so it is near packed! :)

I have all 7 books on one of mine. They are my next big read sorry 'listen'!!!!!


Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (awesomevegan) | 58 comments Julie C wrote: "Awesomevegan said 'I have 2 Harry Potter books waiting for me on there now so it is near packed! :)

I have all 7 books on one of mine. They are my next big read sorry 'listen'!!!!!"


Wow! That is a LOT of space. I used a program to combine the little files (from the CDs) into larger "Parts" like the Overdrive ones are. It gives me a better idea of how far in the book I am and I can't stand the tiny files. I have read the first 3 already. So I have 4 and 5 waiting. Also thank you for your input on my questions.


message 260: by Julie C (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments I took 17 books on one device when I went on my hols.

Get a 16GB micro SD card the price isn't much different from a smaller one.


message 261: by Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (last edited Oct 26, 2011 10:11PM) (new)

Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (awesomevegan) | 58 comments Julie C wrote: "I took 17 books on one device when I went on my hols.

Get a 16GB micro SD card the price isn't much different from a smaller one."


Thank you! I will try to get one soon. I want one for if I go on a vacation or just to not have to keep adding more all the time. I have been going through about 2 or 3 books a week. Sometimes more. Depends on the length of the books.


message 262: by Sanela (new)

Sanela (sanelasameric) | 1 comments RCHK LIRC wrote: "I have an account with audible.com and have just downloaded the audible.com app to my iPhone which now allows me to use my iPhone as my audiobook device. I'm wondering what other good options peopl..."

I use bit torrent app do download ebooks. And I listen to them on my phone.


message 263: by Alan (last edited Oct 29, 2011 01:38PM) (new)

Alan (alanmintaka) | 207 comments John wrote: "If both models were available, I'd get another Clip+ myself."

As the great Norm Crosby says, "I resemble that remark!"

Right now the 4GB Clip+ is going for about $5.00 cheaper than the 4GB Zip on Amazon. The Clip+ is a great player and for a $5.00 savings it's the better deal.

However....

For me it will also depend on the plastic belt clip. After a long time of use (for an MP3 player that is), the plastic clip broke off my Clip+. It still functions fine so I've been reluctant to do anything about it. It's just a hassle sometimes juggling the player to get at the FF/RW controls.

There are accessory belt clips for the Clip+ that you can buy for a hefty price, or you can try your luck with one of the generic types floating around. To be honest, I haven't tried either one. The Clip+ accessories were too expensive when I looked, and the generic types looked more like Fuze than Clip+ size.

There are a lot of home-grown belt clip replacements too. I tried a few of those but they didn't last long.

So for me, if I were going for a new player just to get the belt clip, I'd want to check out the Zip's belt clip to see if it offered any advantages over the Clip+'s belt clip. (it's tough talking about belt clips and Clip+ in the same context without getting everything confused)

Does anyone have experience yet with both players, and/or the Zip with its belt clip? What's the Zip's belt clip made out of and how is it attached to the player?

The Clip+ belt clip is plastic, attached to the player with a metal spring - BUT the little spring housing loops on the player and the belt clip are plastic. Those are the things that break.

Have a good one,
Big Al Mintaka


message 264: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments Al - sorry, but can't help you there as I keep the player in my pocket!


message 265: by Julie C (last edited Oct 29, 2011 03:24PM) (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments I clip mine to my shirt and use short earphones. Clips on the Clip+ are sturdy.


message 266: by Julie C (last edited Oct 29, 2011 03:46PM) (new)


message 267: by Julie C (last edited Oct 31, 2011 11:24AM) (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments Had a busy afternoon transferring all listened to audio books on to my second portable hard drive. I had filled one 350GB hard drive so have had to separate them into two groups. As a rough guesstimate I now have almost 450 audio books stored now.

This way I can listen to them again in the future.

I am truly an addict.


message 268: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments I thought I was bad with a fraction of that amount!


message 269: by Julie C (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments I also have some on CD that I haven't transferred yet.

And some I have forgotten.

This way I can share with friends. We swap MP3 players back and forth through the post and load them up.


message 270: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments Earlier today, I stopped by the store to check out the Clip Zip ... the black looks okay, but the metal plate on the control panel for the color models is gross!


message 271: by Julie C (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments How does it compare in size and weight?


message 272: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments I pulled out my Clip from my pocket to compare, and from what I could tell (the Zip was in a large-ish box), they are pretty much the same, except that they squashed the control wheel from a circle to a rectangle (oblong) to make room for the expanded Zip screen that displays cover art.


message 273: by Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (last edited Nov 01, 2011 01:31PM) (new)

Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads) (awesomevegan) | 58 comments I managed to rig up a little mesh bag and an eyeglass lanyard together and I wear my clip + (and the excess cord from the earbuds in the bag. I wear it around my neck now. I want to get a second one while they are still available because I am not liking the looks of the controls and the larger screen on the Zip.

Where can I get short earbuds?


message 274: by Julie C (last edited Nov 02, 2011 10:10AM) (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments I use Sony Erricson phone ear buds One long and one short cord worn behind the neck and clipped to my shirt.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_s...


message 275: by binter (new)

binter | 218 comments Julie C, you may be my new hero. I'm with you though. I like to rip my audiobooks so I can share with friends (one thing I really hate about Audible). I keep a folder of Fiction and one for non-Fiction and I keep them on 2 external hard-drives (backups are good).


message 276: by Julie C (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments Never been a hero to anyone before!! I am humbled.

Thank you


message 277: by Julie C (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments Has anyone come across EBSCHOhost in the UK


message 278: by Contrarius (new)

Contrarius | 373 comments Alief wrote: "Julie C, you may be my new hero. I'm with you though. I like to rip my audiobooks so I can share with friends (one thing I really hate about Audible). I keep a folder of Fiction and one for non-..."

Keep in mind that this is illegal -- it violates the US Copyright Act.


message 279: by Thelma (new)

Thelma | 1 comments OK...confession here...I am just now evidently joining the 21st century. I have a Kindle which I love, and just bought an IPod this weekend for my music. I want to try a few audio books...and just bought a cheap one from Itunes. These audiobooks are quite expensive. Question..from reading here and elsewhere, can I check out audiobooks from the library and rip them to my Itunes so I can listen to them on my Ipod? Sorry if this is a stupid question. TIA


message 280: by Julie C (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments Why do they make them copiable then and not locked so that they can be played but not copied????????????


message 281: by Contrarius (new)

Contrarius | 373 comments Julie C wrote: "Why do they make them copiable then and not locked so that they can be played but not copied????????????"

Whatever protective measures they do or do not take have nothing to do with the legality involved. For comparison -- even if you leave your car unlocked and leave your keys in the ignition, it is still illegal for anyone to steal that car from you.


message 282: by Contrarius (new)

Contrarius | 373 comments Thelma wrote: "Question..from reading here and elsewhere, can I check out audiobooks from the library and rip them to my Itunes so I can listen to them on my Ipod? Sorry if this is a stupid question"

Strictly speaking, it is illegal to make any copies of copyrighted audiobooks. However, IMHO nobody is gonna haul you away if you make one copy for your own use -- especially if you erase that copy once you return the CDs to the library.


message 283: by Julie C (last edited Nov 07, 2011 01:05PM) (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments I cannot think of anyone I know who listens to Audio Book CD's on a CD player any more. So by simply copying onto an MP3 player I must assume by your comment that the law is being broken.


message 284: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 1546 comments If you are using it for your own personal use I don't know what difference it is if you listen on CD's or convert it to listen to on your mp3 player. I actually listen to audiobooks on CD a lot from my library and if it is almost overdue I put the remainder on my mp3 player so that I can return the CD's to the library. Once I am done I delete it from my sansa.


message 285: by Contrarius (last edited Nov 07, 2011 03:07PM) (new)

Contrarius | 373 comments Julie C wrote: "I cannot think of anyone I know who listens to Audio Book CD's on a CD player any more. So by simply copying onto an MP3 player I must assume by your comment that the law is being broken."

Generally, copyright law allows the leeway for a private owner to make ONE copy of a work (e.g. audiobook) for their own private use (for example, as a backup). Sharing that copy with other people, or making multiple copies, is definitely illegal.

Here's Audible's official policy:

"Audible Content License. When you purchase Audible Content, Audible grants you a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to download or stream such Audible Content to your computer and/or your AudibleReady device(s) solely for your personal non-commercial use. You may also copy any of your Audible Content onto a CD or other tangible media device once. You agree to not otherwise copy, reproduce, distribute or use the Audible Content other than as expressly set forth herein. You will not sell, transfer, lease, modify, distribute or publicly perform the Audible Content in any manner and you will not exploit it commercially. You agree to not decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer the Audible Content, or modify the Audible Content or create any derivative works therefrom. The license to the Audible Content you purchase will continue for as long as your copy of Audible Content exists pursuant to these Audible Purchase Terms and Conditions. "


message 286: by binter (new)

binter | 218 comments Contrarius, can you explain a bit more of this to me? Here is where I lose the plot...

If I buy a book (not electronic), I can then lend it to my sister. As far as I know, we have broken no law. Why am I breaking a law when I want to loan my e-book or audible book to her?

Please believe that I am not trying to give you grief or shoot the messenger. I just don't understand the concept. Thanks!


message 287: by Contrarius (last edited Nov 07, 2011 08:20PM) (new)

Contrarius | 373 comments Alief wrote: "Contrarius, can you explain a bit more of this to me? Here is where I lose the plot...

If I buy a book (not electronic), I can then lend it to my sister. As far as I know, we have broken no law...."


It can be confusing, I know. And believe me, I'm not a big fan of these laws. My brother (who is a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property rights) and I have big debates on this issue.

The issue is whether you make and distribute copies of the book/audiobook. In the case of a dead tree book, you might make Xerox copies. That's illegal, if you copy the whole book and distribute it. When you're dealing with electronic media (mp3s, pdfs, and so on) you have computer files instead of paper files -- so when you copy the computer files, you are copying the book/audiobook just as though you Xeroxed it.

As the Audible policy points out, most people accept that you can make ONE copy of that file for PERSONAL use only -- as in making a backup. But as soon as you copy that file multiple times, or copy it once to give that copy to somebody else, it's treated the same as if you made that paper Xerox copy to give to a friend. It violates Copyright. That's why it's **called** "Copyright" -- literally, only the holder of the Copyright has the right to make copies.

So -- say you download an Audible audiobook and load it in your ipod. You listen to that audiobook. Then you lend your ipod to your sister so SHE can listen to the book. No problem. You haven't made any extra copies of the book. It's treated just the same as if you loaned the dead tree book to your sister. But if you make a copy of the audiobook so that your sister can put the book on HER ipod, then you've violated copyright by making and distributing an extra copy of the file -- just as though you made a paper Xerox copy of your dead tree book. You now have two copies, the one on your ipod and the one on hers, and that violates copyright. You are only legally "allowed" to have one personal copy of the book at a time (not including your backup copy, which as I mentioned is generally allowed). And you are very strenuously not allowed to distribute extra copies of the book.

I hope this helps!


message 288: by Shirley (new)

Shirley (shirleythekindlereader) | 493 comments Contrarius wrote: "Alief wrote: "Julie C, you may be my new hero. I'm with you though. I like to rip my audiobooks so I can share with friends (one thing I really hate about Audible). I keep a folder of Fiction an..."

When I contacted Audible they said I could "share" my account with (I think they said) up to 4 people. I share with my sister and was so grateful that was possible. I was mailing books to her and that is costly even with media mail.


message 289: by Shirley (new)

Shirley (shirleythekindlereader) | 493 comments Julie C wrote: "I cannot think of anyone I know who listens to Audio Book CD's on a CD player any more. So by simply copying onto an MP3 player I must assume by your comment that the law is being broken."

I still listen to CD's and cassettes. :)


message 290: by Julie C (new)

Julie C (goldwinger) | 81 comments I wrote "I cannot think of anyone I know'

I dare say you do and I hope you enjoy doing so.


message 291: by Carol/Bonadie (new)

Carol/Bonadie (bonadie) | 115 comments I thought I was the only one who quoted this old Norm Cosby bit! I know I'm in the right place now....


As the great Norm Crosby says, "I resemble that remark!"



message 292: by Shirley (new)

Shirley (shirleythekindlereader) | 493 comments Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I thought I was the only one who quoted this old Norm Cosby bit! I know I'm in the right place now....


As the great Norm Crosby says, "I resemble that remark!"
"


I thought "anyone I know" included discussion acquaintances which is why I commented in the first place ... will be more careful in the future. I really do understand my comments are welcome in some discussions.


message 293: by Carol/Bonadie (new)

Carol/Bonadie (bonadie) | 115 comments @Shirley: I was commenting on an old message # 266 from Alan that I just came across while catching up, didn't mean this as a response to your or anyone else's post.


message 294: by Janet (last edited Nov 13, 2011 10:16AM) (new)

Janet (justjanet) | 338 comments My old Creative MuVo has bitten the dust so I'm thinking of asking for something new for Christmas. I get most of my audio from the public library which uses Overdrive in WMA format. Here is a list of compatible devices
http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/

Does anyone here have a recommendation?

I already have a Blackberry...is that a viable option?


message 295: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments I have a Creative Zen Nano Plus, which I really like, so I feel your pain. I suggest you get a Clip+ while you can, or a Clip Zip if you can't find one of those. If you re-tag the files as "audiobook" (from history, mystery, etc.), you'll have the tiny portability of your MuVo, with genuine bookmarking.


message 296: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 1546 comments I love my sansa clip but was thinking of getting a ipod touch because I am too cheap to get a smart phone and date plan and it seems like a good alternative since it has wifi.

Anyone have any opinions on the touch (4g)? I see that per Overdrive I would be able to get both mp3 and wma audiobooks on it which is very important to me but I don't really know anyone who has one. p.s. I will still be using my clip at night since it is so small :)


message 297: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments Do Overdrive WMA's expire on such devices though?


message 298: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 1546 comments John wrote: "Do Overdrive WMA's expire on such devices though?"

No clue! That is why I am asking. :) Like I said I will still be using my sansa for some stuff I just wanted a portable device to watch stuff and check the internet when I am out of town. I was considering getting a Kindle Fire or Nook Color but those don't seem to have Overdrive WMA compatibility (the Nook has MP3, but most of my books are WMA).


message 299: by John, Moderator (new)

John | 3917 comments I use my Cowon D2 when traveling as it plays videos as well as audiobooks - I like its feature of giving total time of the track; I don't use it much at home as the ON/OFF is kind of clunky (you have to stop the item via touch screen first, and then turn the switch to OFF).

My library is dragging its feet on getting NetLibrary back after the Ebsco switch-over, although I was assured last time I asked that it'll happen. Those WMA's definitely expired on my D2!


message 300: by Heidi (new)

Heidi | 1546 comments I am not very excited abut the EBsco switch John. It has been really difficult for me to sync things onto my sansa or my sony phone because it is all encrypted. I downloaded their software but it is NO where as easy to use as the Overdrive software. They also expire your items in your wish list after a certain amount of time which I see no need for and some of the audiobooks in my previous wishlist aren't even an option anymore. I have not heard of the Cowen - I will look at it. Thanks :)


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