Speaking of Audiobooks: How We Listen
In many ways, listening to an audiobook these days is far simpler than six years ago when I first discovered my love for them. At the time, I still relied on a cassette tape player and frequently changing tapes or turning a tape over to side B were all necessities for listening. I never thought to be annoyed or saw stopping what I was doing to attend the cassette player as an inconvenience.
Now, most of my listening is via my iPod and downloading audiobooks rather than waiting for one to come by mail is not only extremely convenient but immediately gratifying as well. No longer do I need to check to make sure I’m not missing any tapes before beginning a book, nor do I spend time wondering if I kept them sitting in the sun too long. Rather than loading that box of tapes (and usually a rather large player) in the car for a trip, I just drop a very small device in a specially sized pocket in my purse or clip it to my shirt and I’m off. But give me a grueling night of technical challenges on my laptop when I’m attempting to download my latest purchase or, dare I say, a loss of my hard drive, and I find myself wishing for the – yes – simpler days of a cassette tape player.
Strange as it may seem, CDs never played a large part in my audiobook listening experience. I have listened to books on CDs and still do, but rarely. I hung on to audio cassette tape technology as long as possible before graduating directly from tapes to my iPod (an MP3 player). I was so accustomed to changing/turning tapes that I saw CDs as rather inconvenient, especially since I found those discs difficult to back up just enough to re-listen to a certain passage. Nowadays I usually copy a CD audiobook to my computer which then allows me to download it to my iPod for easier listening and reversing if required.
Cassette tapes are still a part of my life since I own a large collection of great romance audiobooks in that format in addition to the fact that some audiobooks are available only in cassette format. But finding a new cassette player may prove to be a real trial since many retail stores no longer stock such items – especially in any sort of portable form. After hunting unsuccessfully for a replacement player two years ago, I purchased one through eBay and it was quite affordable. I guess tape players are considered relics these days – at least here in the United States. On the other hand, I still see a number of new audiobooks available only in cassette tape format as I look through the new releases each month but those are usually produced outside of the U.S.
Today’s selection of listening devices however is vast and goes far beyond my simple experience of cassette tape player, CDs, and iPod. And that’s what we’re discussing today. What is your preferred device(s) for listening to audiobooks? Is there one type or brand of listening device that you recommend over another?
As I looked at a list of audio devices that utilize downloads, I found 18 brands of MP3 players and I am sure there are more. What, you may ask, is an MP3 player? It’s very technical if you want to know the entire story but here is a shortened answer from PC.MAG.com:
A digital music player that supports the MP3 audio format, which started a revolution in online music downloads and distribution. All portable music players, the iPod being the leading brand, support MP3 along with one or more other audio formats.
As I continued looking, I discovered many more listening devices such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), cell phones, various eBook readers, GPS (Global Positioning System – that was a surprise), as well as Book Port and Braille Plus for the visually impaired. And then there are the less complicated downloads to your computer solely for the purpose of listening (from that computer) either through ear buds or its speaker.
Another audiobook device we are seeing more of these days is the preloaded digital audio player, a ready-to-go digital audiobook or more simply put – one player dedicated to one book with no required download. The emphasis here is ease as the only listener requirement is to start playing the device. Unfortunately when you are finished with the audiobook, you are finished with the player as well (although you can listen to it again). I have no personal experience with this product and doubt I will anytime soon since it is relatively expensive. (Jane Castle’s recently released Obsidian Prey runs $23.09 for unabridged CDs at Amazon while the download costs $18.37 for non-members at Audible.) However, the preloaded digital audio player format for the same book carries a price tag of $69.99. There are opportunities online to trade your preloaded digital audio player in for another (at a cost).
Although I have a lot to share about romance audiobooks, unfortunately I can offer little in the way of expertise on choosing an audio listening device. I walk the audio path my two adult children laid for me several years ago when I was presented with an iPod and told there was a better way to listen to audiobooks. So, I am merely acting as a conduit here, hoping that you all will not only share your choice of listening device but interesting facts, praises, or cautionary statements for the various devices available. Hopefully, those of you looking for your next listening device can also ask questions and gain a better understanding of the numerous choices on the market today.
Reads From the Past
Untamed – Elizabeth Lowell
Anne Flosnik’s lovely voice was striking and drew me in immediately but her narration lacked the necessary speech variation for many of the secondary characters. However, the heroine’s beautifully accented voice was completely distinguishable from the hero’s almost husky monotone and sometimes that’s all that counts in a romance audiobook. Recalling that Untamed was one of my favorite historical romances in 2002, I was thrilled to find it available in audio earlier this year. My enjoyment was not curbed by the narration and production, but rather the worn out Medieval formulas. Listening to Dominic’s determination to train Meg just as he tamed his peregrine sounded harsher than I recalled when reading. Regardless, it still rates a “listen to another day” since I don’t think I will ever forget how much I loved it seven years ago.
Gentle Rogue – Johanna Lindsey
Narrator Laural Merlington’s portrayal of hero James more or less ruined the audio version of this 1990 romance favorite. Not only did the hero’s rough, uncomfortably deep voice resemble a much older man but his laugh sounded exactly like the devil’s “Ha, ha, ha” in the online game Slingo (and believe me, that’s hard to overcome). And while I found the print version very humorous when I reread Gentle Rogue just two years ago, I failed to see much humor in the audio version. The fault was the narrator’s failure to grasp the required timing and cadence of speech to effectively depict James and Georgie’s amusing verbal games, causing those encounters to fall flat and sound absurd rather than funny.
No Place Like Home – Barbara Samuel
As far as narration goes, Kristine Thatcher ranks slightly above average in my book but, combined with its touching story, this one is a sure-fire success. Romance is only one feature in this tale of returning home to a large family and bringing a dying friend along. This is one audiobook that has stayed with me for years and memories of bad boy Malachi, the heartthrob brother who has come to ease his brother’s dying, made me want to hear it all over again – on cassette tape no less!
Reminder
The first week of November, our Speaking of Audiobooks column will be dedicated to the audiobook versions of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. Please plan to join us in discussing this memorable series as we highlight the audio aspects of books 1-4.
Time for Your Thoughts
What is your preferred device for listening to audiobooks?
Is there one type or brand of listening device that you recommend over another?
What interesting facts, praises, or cautionary statements can you share with us concerning the choices for audio listening devices?
What advice do you have to offer the audio enthusiast who is looking to purchase a new audio listening device?
What do you see as the simplest audio device for those who are wary of downloading books?
And, as always, what are your latest audiobook successes or failures?
Ending Notes
See you later this month when we take a look at new audiobook releases for November. In the meantime, you can find me whiling away the hours happily listening to Diana Gabaldon’s Drums of Autumn in final preparation for our November discussion.
-Lea Hensley
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Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
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I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)Have you tried the ipad? you can get one free at FreshGiftCard.com
Anne, so I guess we’ll all be surprised together when Fire and Ice pops up at Audible! I’m downloading Cold as Ice right now and I did eventually get used to the Black Ice narrator, but she was a little too polished for Chloe as I envisioned her. I have to rhapsodize about how much I lovelovelove Ice Blue. It’s become my favorite Ice book thanks to big degree to narrator Gabra Zackman. She’s freakin’ perfect for the book. How does a woman do a sexy hero voice? I dunno, but she’s nailed Takashi. It’s so good that I relisten to it often…it’s my #1 comfort listen. I know exactly where the airplane bathroom scene is the counter, and revisit it often.
My iPod classic 80 is the workhorse for audiobooks and lately I’ve been thinking of her as Sweetie Dahling (thanks, Patsy Stone). Sweetie Dahling was also the name of my recently deceased 20-year-old Volvo. Time to move on.
Anne – naming my MP3 players – what an idea! I have just now started with a second player and it has the rather boring name of iPhone. So, my player names consist of the plain old iPod or iPhone. However, my 4 GB iPod is getting smaller and smaller (especially after this discussion) and I discovered it can’t play Audible’s new Enhanced format either. New Christmas request to DH – iPod with lots of capacity as well as the ability to play enhanced format. Then I can start naming!
Oh, and I forgot the main question. I listen on an Ipod Classic with 120 gbs (lots of movies and music on there as well). It just had to be replaced and I knew I’d go nuts without it so I bought a refurbished 4 gig Nano, which helped me survive but was waaaay too small. I need to have more than 4 gigs of books. I like to have a lot of choice when I’m starting something new, and if I’m getting sleepy I like to switch over to something I’m familiar with and particularly fond of, like the second half of MINE TIL MIDNIGHT or SUNSHINE.
They’ll only let you buy three extra credits (mine went for the two ICE books and a Kleypas contemporary). Considering that I think I’ve bought around 30 books it would probably be worth my while to get the one year plan. But then, I bought 8 books when they had the $4.95 per book sale for selected titles (Crusie and Krentz and Quick among others).
Anyone name their mp3 player (you’re given the option in Itunes)? My first was Big Mama, the Nano was Silver Savior (guess what color it was) and the new one is Beautiful Bertha (from Big Bertha. I call my massive Swedish sewing machine Big Berthe).
Even I didn’t know they were finally going to put BLACK ICE out on audio. I was beyond thrilled. Plus, this week they put out COLD AS ICE. As soon as I finish with TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT I’ll be listening to them, since they did a stellar job with the other two ICE books (as far as I’m concerned).
Now if they’d only do my historicals. I’m on a historical jag right now, having just listened to all of Judith Ivory’s and then resorted to reading the ones not on audio, and I’ve decided she’s almost the equal of Laura Kinsale, which is high praise indeed.
Lea AAR – This was my first unabridged Davina Porter listen of Outlander, but way back when audios weren’t so available (or affordable), I purchased and listened to the abridged cassettes of the first four Outlanders by Geraldine James who also does an outstanding job. I’m about to start Dragonfly soon.
Diana – While I was listening to Phil G., I kept thinking he would do much better to just speak his females in a normal tone of voice rather than try to sound like a girl.
Cold as Ice by Anne Stuart appeared in Audible’s romance section this morning (10/14) but I see its release date was the 13th. Did anyone see this release on Audible prior to today in some other announcement, list, etc.?
Just trying to get a better handle on the Audible new release puzzle.
Lea, email today from Audible. You may purchase 2 for $22.95 or 3 for $34.41. Guess which one I bit on.
I’m not loving the narrator for Black Ice. Chloe is supposed to sound young and naive, not like a game show spokesmodel. Narrator is very actressy.
katie bug – I haven’t been around for most of the day but if you find you need more help with Audible, feel free to keep asking – I may even be able to help (a little). But other than not finding new releases all that easily, Audible is user friendly and I have taken advantage of their Customer Support in the past. I don’t know anything about Phillips GoGear.
Diana – did Audible notify you by email of this special? I haven’t received notice (as usual) but I don’t have extra credits right now. But you are waiting on your next credits as well, right?
thank you katyco! you made me feel i can do this. I signed on to audible and i got a phillips gogear for free if i signed on for 3 months. I have broadband so we’ll see how it works. i’m excited!What do you know about the gogear? i think the model is called sacks?
katie bug – If you have high speed internet, it should only take a few minutes to download a book. If you’re using dialup, it will probably take hours. I recommend getting an mp3 to download your books to. It doesn’t have to be expensive. You can get some good deals on the internet. I got my refurbished Creative Zen for about $30 and it works great. You do have to have a computer for Audible. You will have an account where you buy credits and use them on the books you want. If your a member, the prices are lower and they have member only sales. It may sound overwelming at first, but it’s very easy once you get the hang of it.
Extra credit sale at Audible going on now through Oct 30.
OK I need help! When I try to download a book from my library it takes hours!! If I download from audible how long does it take?? Whats the best device to use. Do I need my computer to download from audible? Will I need cds? I just want it to be easy. HELP!
Thank you Katyco for the correction on WMA!
Jo-Ann, yes! Gigante’s reading of women creeps me out! Why does he do that breathy drag thing?!
Katie, I have some Linda Howard gems (All the Queen’s Men, Mr Perfect, Now You See Her, and Open Season) on old wobbly cassettes. I may be contacting you for help in converting them. They’re no longer available and go for exhorbitant prices on eBay.
Currently listening to Shades of Twilight and have Black Ice next up. I lovelovelove Ice Blue, but Ice Storm was killed by the narrator. She was going for some kind of European accent and succeeded only in making the hero sound like Pepe LePew. I’m out of credits til the 17th and that annual deal is tempting. I’ve taken advantage of Audible’s infrequent credit sales a few times.
Sorry katyco – statement on Library audiobooks should read:
But there is also this little caveat:
•OverDrive WMA Audiobooks can be transferred to Apple devices (where permitted by the publisher) using OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer) for Windows.
I guess that means some Apple devices use WMA. Oh well, I’m not going there right now.
MarissaB – Doesn’t that annual membership sound tempting? Since I buy 90% of my audiobooks from Audible, it makes total sense to me. Now to convince the other wonderful person in my house of that as well…
Jo-Ann W – Phil Gigante doesn’t work for me every single time I listen and Dream Man was one that was average for me on the Gigante scale. But because his voice is so deep, I have to wrap my mind around the fact that his heroines are going to sound a little goofy at times. But it’s a trade off I’ve come to accept – eagerly.
Was this your first time to listen to Outlander?
katyco – thanks for the correction on WAM. I do know about WMA (not a lot but recognize that). My library offers OverDrive WMA Audiobook titles and OverDrive MP3 Audiobook titles. But the MP3 downloads come with this little caveat:
•OverDrive WMA Audiobooks can be transferred to Apple devices (where permitted by the publisher) using OverDrive Media Console v3.2 (or newer) for Windows.
And I start thinking – too confusing for now and never process it further!
GammaTST – thanks for the Just Added info. I’ll now add that to my other daily searches on Audible – all in an effort to buy their product! Can’t they get that we only want to find ways to buy their audiobooks?!
Peggy P – I guess in some ways I’m lucky to have just one small iPod Nano since that makes life simple. But what a deal you have going on!
So Lea. $229.5 for 24 credits, renewable at any time you run out of credits. Hmmm……..
That would sure build up your library fast, plus allow you to tune out the world for most of time you’re awake. ;-D
I haven’t gone the Audible route yet, since I don’t have as much time to listen to audio books as I’d like and since I’ve found my library’s free downloads sufficient to keep me entertained. Plus I’ve felt free to “”toss”” if I’m not enjoying the book or reader. I also have found enjoyable listens I might never have tried if they weren’t so readily available, such as Kate Wilhelm’s Barbara Holloway series (I’m an Anna Fields junkie). If I have the need to listen to a specific book, I can usually get it physically from my library system and have the ability to listen to it in whatever format it comes it – cassette, CD, or MP3 CD.
As for MP3 players, I have a number of devices I can download to, including my Palm Treo and 2 Sandisk Sansa’s which have now been dedictated to music only since they were older purchases and pretty small in size. Currently I’m using my two Creative Zen Stones which I just love because of their physical size which is tiny and the price was great (about $25), however, the ones I have are only 1GB each which is why I have 2 of them. Depending on the books I can usually fit about 4 books on each. Since then, they have come out with a 2 and a 4GB but sadly are no longer being made and are available through secondary markets only. The downside of my Stones are that they have no navigation window so you sometimes have to do some creative searching, but it works for me. Some models of the newer ones have a navigation window and a built in speaker. Did I mention I collect MP3 players almost like I collect books??? I’ve got my eye on one of those 4GB with the window and speaker….
Because of my library use (and several other considerations) I never, ever considered an iPod though my library system just did start making a very limited selection of audiobooks available for the iPod.
My recent listens were Outlander (great performance) and Dream Man by Linda Howard. I was very excited to try Phil Gigante who was praised here so much, but I ended up not liking his reading at all. His male voices were very, very good, but I found his overall narration stale and his woman’s voice was just too masculine and breathy and made me cringe every time she spoke. So darn, not a new reader for me. Oh, and I listened to The Breakdown Lane by Jacquelyn Mitchard – good book, and another great reading by Anna Fields.
I love these columns!
My preferred device for audiobooks is my Creative Zen-V Plus. It’s a 2GB and I can put about 5 or 6 books on it at a time. I have an Ipod but don’t use it for audio books because it is not compatible with all downloads from the library.
Lea – I think maybe Lynn meant WMA not WAM. My library has two formats for audiobooks. MP3 and WMA and Ipod is not compatible with WMA. But my Zen will work with both file formats.
My routine when I want to listen to a book is to first see if it is downloadable from NetLibrary. If not, I check to see if my local library has it on cassette or CD. At my library, Georgette Hyer books are only available on cassette. Then if I can’t borrow it, or if I want to have it in my personal library, I use my Audible credits.
MarissaB – I use a fanny pack to carry my CD player when working around the house. It looks a little wierd, but it works.
Right now, I’m listening to the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr narrated by Therese Plummer. They’re about ex-marines in a small California town. They’re love stories but they’re also about real life subjects like teen pregnancy, alcoholism, and spouse abuse and I’ve gotten really attached to the characters. Robyn Carr puts a lot of humor and wisdom in her stories. I’ve learned a lot and been entertained.
With Audible, you can have 3 computers and/or 3 devices activated on an account. So all three of my accounts are activated on my Creative Zen since that’s my main player and also my Creative Muvo is activated. When I download books from any of the three accounts they all hit my AudibleManager software and show up there and then I can load them onto either player.
I wish I didn’t have 3 accounts…believe me, trying to remember which library has which book is a pain! But one is more than 10 years old and the monthly rate is $11.95 for 2 credits! The other account is not that old but the rate is $14.95 for 2 credits, so as long as I don’t cancel or change the accounts the monthly rate cannot change. I think the current offer is $14.95 for 1 credit.
Audible will not let you combine the libraries or convert the accounts into one – I’ve called them about it. I like the idea of paying the yearly fee and having all the credits available to use and have thought about doing it myself but just can’t give up my good monthly rates!
Katie Mack mentioned that she burns books from her PC to CDs to back them up in case her PC dies.
An alternative would be to use a flash drive:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=flash+drive
They are relatively inexpensive, are available on the web and in Walmart, do not require any other hardware, connect to your PC thru a USB port, and can store anything that your PC holds. To save to it, simply click and drag from Windows Explorer.
I use this method now to backup photos, e-books, Quicken, documents, etc. I can bring this flash drive with me wherever I go, plug it into any computer with a USB port and have access to everything in it. They are so small and ligt, that I keep one on my keychain.
I have had the same issues with Audible and new releases, customer service does not have a clue of what will be available even if you ask about a specific book. I was irked more than once to have pre ordered a book on MP3 CD only to find it released by Audible on it’s release date after I had specifically asked Audible if it would be.
So now I wait until the release date to actually see if they will have the book, so far they HAVE had the book I wanted each time. I have also found that I must wait until about 1:00 p.m. my time (Mountain Time) before I search for the title. If I look before noon it has not been listed yet.
Also if a book is released on a Saturday you won’t see it listed on Audibles site until Monday.
I have found that by searching “”Just Added”” every couple of days that none of the Romances get past me as can be the case if you just search under Romance and they have not categorized the book properly. Eventually they do get them under romance but I have found more than one earlier by searching Just Added first.
I was told by Audible customer service that “”Just released”” covers only the brand new releases. While “”Just Added”” covers everything new in Audible format which means previous releases in other format types ie: cassette or CD that are not considered “”new””.
LindaLou – are you familiar with audible.com? It is not only an affordable choice for most audiobooks but also carries the best prices I have found for the Outlander series (at least the first four books). At Audible, you will find a Device Center (upper middle of Home page) which provides further information. Glad that we have been help and please post questions as you continue to look for your device.
PeggyP – Interesting that you have 3 separate accounts at Audible – does that mean you must have 3 separate players? I recently asked the folks at Audible about a plan to purchase more than the 2 books a month allowed with my Platinum membership and was told that I needed to purchase the Annual Platinum plan which is 24 credits for $229.50 ($9.56 per credit instead of the $11.47 per credit I have on the regular Platinum). Only problems is full payment is required up front and that may make DH eyes get just a little too large. But what’s great is that you can renew that annual membership at any time to receive yet 24 more credits. I’m seriously thinking about doing it and attempting to sell DH on the idea of saving money (although I think he will see it as what it is – buying more books!)
Lynn – What is WAM? Tried to Google it and didn’t come up with anything. Is that usually required to download books from the library? I have wanted to download from my library to my iPod – do you know if that is possible?
Diana – I did find Shades of Twilight the day it was released on Audible. IMO, the most effective method for finding most of Audible’s new releases is: Go to the Romance section, then View All Romance Titles, and then sort by Release Date. Unless a romance is categorized incorrectly, it’s pretty thorough. And please let me know if you discover a better way!
I listen mostly on an iPod classic. I’ve had bookmarking problems with the new enhanced format – which sounds great btw- on my iPhone. Although they don’t tell you the enhanced format is compatible with iPod. The mp3 player I got last year died and Audible no longer sells it, so I just loaded my mp3 CDs onto my iPod and prefaced the title with a Z as a playlist so they’re all together. I take off the ones I won’t listen to again by unchecking and synching thereby making room for new ones.
I often think that Audible is run by idiots. Very pleasant idiots, but idiots all the same. They miscategorize romance as everything but romance. I have had more success by running author searches than anything else. Yesterday I found Shades of Twilight by searching Linda Howard. Was it on the romance new releases page? Why funny you should ask! Nooooo. I have no idea how to crack their system. I don’t understand how they think. You’d think they’d know what romance readers are looking for since every other book seller on the Internet seems to get it.
I have a 2 GB Creative MP3 player, and a huge dinosaur that is a Creative Jukebox and is 40GB!!! Even though it’s enormous (my children make fun of me) it fits in my pocket and I can keep tons of books on it. I always have at least 2 extra in case I run out on a long drive. I also listen while I take my walk…I hate to walk but listening to my books is my reward. I didn’t consider the Ipod because I can download books from my library from my home computer but the device has to has WAM. After 3 weeks the book disappears from my device. Most often I take CD audiobooks out of the library and put them on my MP3 player until I’ve gotten around to listening to them. I love my MP3!!!!
My favorite column on this site now…glad to see an update!
Does anyone remember when with your new Audible subscription you got a free MP3 player? Oh, those were good times and the reason I now have 3 separate Audible accounts! With separate libraries of books…what a PITA now! But a free player…that was just so cool! Of course the players were 256 MB (which barely held a whole book) but they were free and at that time, state of the art.
Now I have a couple of players and you can have up to 5 (I think) authorized on an Audible account. My fav is my Creative Zen 8 GB player, I have all the available Outlander books on it plus a bunch of other books & music and it’s still only half full. What I don’t like is that you recharge the battery through your computer USB port … that’s OK, if you remember to do it! I have other Creative players that use a AAA battery – this is better as I can always just buy more batteries no matter where I’m at.
I’ve mentioned before that I have a long commute (1.5+hours a day) so having a selection of books available is critical – there’s nothing worse than being stuck in traffic with nothing good to listen to! Of course, when I get to work at a critical point in the story I sit in the parking lot like a doofus until I get to a good stopping point.
My recent good listens are John Sandford’s Virgil Flower’s books – Dark of the Moon and Rough Country and I’m planning a re-listen to An Echo in the Bone soon. My next listen will Roberta Gellis, A Mortal Bane, recently recommended by a friend who knows I love a good medieval.
Good listening to all!
P.S. Looking forward to November’s Outlander discussion, my all time favorite comfort listen (besides any JD Robb… oh no! don’t tell Diana).
As a several-years lurker and lover of the AAR website, I have finally ventured online to say thank-you! for this discussion. It couldn’t be more timely for me as I contemplate the purchase of audiobooks other than those I have delighted in listening to from my public library. CDs, while functionally simple and accoustically perfect, are also appallingly expensive. I am glad to learn of the ease of downloadable books and especially appreciate your comments, Lea and MarrisaB, for their specificity regarding format and device. Since I am particularly interested in acquiring the Outlander series, I very much look forward to that discussion here.
Whoops, just realized that the software link in the instructions is out of date. Here’s a different set of instructions that I think are better (more detailed), plus there’s a working link to software that is compatible with Vista: http://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-Cassette-Tape-to-Computer
Unfortunately I’m not aware of a way to convert without playing each tape through, so for books like the Outlander series which are available on Audible, I’d definitely do what you did. But for audiobooks on cassette that aren’t available as mp3s, or are expensive, or for whom you don’t like the narrator, I’d convert.
Plus, with this recording method, you can walk away from the computer while the cassette just plays, so you won’t have to actually sit there the whole time.
Sorry, I meant audio boosk. That’s what I get for typing in a hurry. :) Each card even included the length of the audiobook in hours and minutes — and probably explained the format as well.
Katie Mack – As I was hitting the submit button, I saw your last sentence about the instructions! Sorry! You had already anticipated my question. Thanks so much.
katie bug – I’m so glad to hear your praise for Devil’s Cub. I have it on audio and have yet to listen to it. I’m really going to have to adjust my mind to those heavy accents and it helps to hear you enjoyed it.
MarissaB – My daily Audible search goes something like this – Romance – All Titles – Release Date. At least I see all of the latest releases the day of – or at least I am fairly certain I do. Their Coming Soon listing is a joke IMO. I have thought about contacting Customer Service or even a higher authority asking for an upcoming list. When it comes to the number of new release romance audiobooks that I am able to track (after the fact), Audible by far has the largest number.
Katie Mack – I hadn’t thought about the preloaded digital audiobooks for libraries. Definitely agree about that being a fantastic idea. I also thought it would be a good idea for someone the age of my parents who want nothing to do with computers. And Playaway does have an exchange program that appears to be pretty good.
I am very interested in learning more about the MP3 format for my cassette tape collection. Any suggestions where I might look for such instructions? My son-in-law volunteered to copy my first four Outlander books on tape (I don’t know how) but he was going to have to actually play them to record them – all 150+ hours. They were very affordable on Audible so I purchased again instead of putting him to that trouble. I am very eager to learn more about this.
Lea – Forgot to mention: have you ever considered converting your cassette audiobook collection to mp3 format? It would be a good idea not only for future convenience, but because those cassette tapes will eventually wear out.
Here are instructions from CNET: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6450_7-5020866-1.html
I listen to audiobooks exclusively on my mp3 player – a 2GB Zen Nano Plus that I purchased 4 years ago and still works perfectly. I have an armband for the player, which is great for when I’m exercising, and I use a set of Sony noise-canceling earbuds to block out background noise. I have an Audible subscription, plus I also frequently download mp3 audiobooks from the library’s website, and it’s all a snap. So easy.
Of course I’m a little paranoid that some catastrophe will happen and I’ll lose the mp3 audiobooks I’ve purchased (hard drive crash, etc.), so I burn them all onto CDs as a backup.
Re: preloaded digital audiobooks. For individual users, I agree that these are too expensive and probably not a great option. But I think they’re fantastic for libraries. My local library system has a whole selection of these available for patrons, and I think it’s a great idea. Especially since many patrons are not be able to afford such things as mp3 players, computers, etc.
Anne, are you sure those are audiobooks?
When I read ‘downloadable e-book’, I thought of a Word or PDF document. There are websites that sell e-books for Mobi, Sony, etc. digital readers similar to a Kindle.
I saw something new in a book store last night — downloadable e-books sold via plastic cards, all displayed from a rack. (You download the titles via a code, which you reveal by scratching off a small area on the back of the card. I don’t know if there are any format limitations or limits to the number of downloads.)
In the store I visited, the rack contains dozens of titles on two sides, with multiple cards available for each title, but takes up very little space. Also, the prices were great, usually $14.99 for the unabridged title, sometimes $19.99 for a longer book. Each card shows the cover art and indicates if it is unabridged, plus they include an access code and the length on the back. The books included nonfiction, fiction, etc., but each genre was color-coded so you could easily scan the cards for fiction or specific types of nonfiction.
Has anyone else seen one of these displays, or is it only found in some specialty stores? Have you tried one of these? Would you like to see this option in more stores? The stores must love it because they can now keep many more audiobooks within a smaller space. And the lower price means more customers will be interested. :)
Lea, I have had the same problem with Audible future content that you have.
When I was waiting for Dead and Gone, Charlaine Harris’s latest Sookie book, Audible did not list it in Coming Soon. Being a real fan, I e-mailed Customer Support and asked them if they were going to be carrying the audio version. If yes, then I wanted to know when it would be available. I told them I was willing to wait for the audio (I just love Johanna Parker’s performance), instead of buying the Kindle version. I think I made it very clear how eager I was for this book.
Customer Support replied that they would be researching this with their Content Department and get back to me. Two days later, another e-mail arrived that said I would get notification from the Content Department themselves. Nothing was said about whether or not they would actually have the book.
The harcover release date arrived. I checked the Just Added and New Releases lists. .I used their Search box. Nada. Nothing. Zip. No notification from the Content Department either. So I bought the Kindle book at 10 that morning. At 3 PM, Dead and Gone was displayed on Audible’s Home Page as one of the featured books – you had to scroll down to see it. It was still not on any of their lists, nor was it search-able. So if you didn’t scroll down on their Home Page, there was no way you could know that the book was available.
I called Customer Support and complained. They were very apologetic but they also said that the lack of notification, both on and off the website, has been an ongoing problem with their Content Department for quite some time. ARGH*@##! I hope they enjoyed reading my unflattering comments in the Customer Survey they sent me after.
Sorry, I know this does not sound hopeful for you. Perhaps you should contact Customer Support? Maybe you’ll have a different experience.
I just listened to “”The Devil’s Cub”” and just loved it!!! Also listened to “”Handle with Care”” by Jodi Picoult narrated by a full cast. Really good but really sad.I use whatever it takes. CDs for HWC and cassettes for TDC. I don’t know how I can do my mundane tasks anymore without my audio books!!!! I’m so glad WTT got picked for discussion and I’m really excited for the “”Outlander”” series too.
Just want to clarify the difference between a book on CDs and a book on MP3 CDs.
MP3 CDs contain a compressed format of anything on regular CDs, i.e., a 12-CD audiobook can be stored on just one MP3 CD.
CD players have to be MP3 compatible to play both regular and MP3 CDs. The CD players in cars are mostly not MP3 compatible. My 2005 Honda Accord cannot play MP3 CDs.
Books on CD have to be converted to an MP3 format before they can be loaded onto an MP3 device like my Sandisk or an iPod.
Audible.com has something like an MP3 format (compressed), but they have bundled it with other software (including security) that allows the selection of audio format (i.e., sound quality) and the breaking up of long books into parts (e.g., Outlander is downloaded in 4 parts). The security portion of an audible book does not allow the transfer of content from one device to another. (At least, I was not allowed to load books onto my daughter’s MP3 – audible detected the difference in our devices.)
Hope this helps.
Another note concerning new releases. As you may know, I search and search for upcoming releases – not current releases – to publish each month. I have yet to find a reliable method of finding Audible’s upcoming releases and therefore always miss a good number. This month there are more than usual that failed to make the New Releases for October column. Has anyone figured out a way to take a peek at Audible’s future romance releases?
Also, Big News for Anne Stuart lovers. BLACK ICE was released at Audible this week. I have been watching for it and found no release news before the fact. But it is here and the sound sample sounds great!!
MarissaB – thanks, those are exactly the type of thoughts and facts I was hoping for in today’s discussion. I had no idea that certain versions of Windows were required to run the latest version of iTunes. As an iPod user, I’m given the option of downloading the latest version and usually do so although I may wait awhile. I can’t recall being forced to do so for an update but I have Vista and my iPod is almost three years old – so, who can decipher all of that!?
Glad to hear about Powder and Patch since I have a long term (very long) plan to listen to as many Heyer books that are available.
What device do I prefer for listening to audiobooks?
I started with cassette tapes and wore out 3 players before I moved on to CDs. I was happier with the CDs because the sound didn’t get distorted through age/overuse like the tapes. Toting the CD player around the house while doing chores was cumbersome and I had to replace players that were ruined after dropping on the floor several times. I actually purchased wireless headphones that I could listen to all over the house and garden while the CD player remained immobile in the house. The problem with that was I couldn’t adjust volume or rewind/forward in the book without actually going to the CD player. And the headphones were huge and fell off my head whenever I bent over. Then my daughter introduced me to her MP3 player, and my world changed.
I have a 2GB Sansa Sandisk M250. It is 6 years old, plays the same as it did when I first bought it, is very portable, and is more affordable than an Apple IPOD. It does not require iTunes for downloading books from the web or for transferring books from MP3 CDs (just click and drag from Windows Explorer). With the 2GB, I currently have 3 MP3 audiobooks and 15 books from audible.com on my Sandisk, that’s more than 144 hours of listening. This MP3 also uses 1 AAA battery. I use rechargeable batteries, which last about 8 hours, and when one dies, I swap it out and resume listening in less than a minute. It is fatter than an IPOD and the newer Sandisks, but at least I don’t have to wait for it to charge at a wall socket before I can begin listening again. (I have insomnia, so charging my device overnight would rob me of its use during those fatiguing, frustrating hours that I listen to hubby snore blissfully beside me.) It also has an FM Radio, which IPODs do not.
IPODs require iTunes (correct me if I am wrong) and the newer IPODs require the latest version of iTunes, which then requires certain operating systems or service packs on your PC. I have an older PC with Windows 2000 and had to return a gifted 8G IPOD Nano because it needed a version of iTunes that required Windows XP or Vista. That meant buying a whole new PC, which was totally out of the question for me.
I am currently listening to Powder and Patch by Georgette Heyer, performed by Jamie Glover from audible.com. What a fine listen it is! The male and female voices do not differ very much, but the masterful performance of Glover allows you to distinguish between the characters easily. There is a lot of French spoken by the … well, French characters, and I am glad I am listening to Glover’s expert French accent, rather than stumbling through a read of the same passages. Georgette Heyer’s transformation of the lead male character from the masterful country bumpkin to the elegant fop of 18th century England was just hilarious. The talk of his toilette alone makes my morning ritual inconsequential. Men with rouged cheeks, drawn eyebrows, powdered wigs, pink stockings with cherubims, etc… OMG! The story is filled with memorable and lovable secondary characters, too. I highly recommend this one.
I have also listened to A Personal Devil by Roberta Gellis, performed by Nadia May. This was a pleasant, easy listen. It is a detective story based in the 12th century. You don’t need to listen to attentively to get what is happening. It is satisfying enough to maybe want to listen to the rest of the series.
My next listen will be Voyager from the Outlander series.