Registered: Oct 2001
Location: Macau
Posts: 52

Audio Books

Recently I had an eight-hour bus ride over rough semi-rural roads, and found that trying to use my visor to read just ended up getting me nauseated. Audio books would be a great solution for such situations. I have seen the Audible Advisor module's review and it looks pretty interesting, but the price is pretty steep. I would appreciate any feedback and suggestions related to using audio books.

One specific question for Audible Advisor users. Is it possible to to store files on a CF or SM card and transfer them in if I run finish what is loaded on my module? That would make it much more useful, although of course you would need the free space on your visor. I don't take my computer with me when I can avoid it, so alternative ways to load content would be useful.

It also seems that it should be possible to load audio books on to an MP3 module. Has anyone tried that? What are some good sources for audio books other than audible.com? Is is possible to convert "book on CD" content to audiobooks for a visor? Or does encryption technology pretty much make it impossible?

Any input is appreciated!
Thanks!

Registered: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 4

I use the Audible Advisor module and really like it. Depending on which web link you use, you can pay $49 (with subscription) or get it for free (with subscription). I chose the latter <g> (try www.audibleadvisor.com). Even though you need to sign up for a year, I think it is a pretty good deal. For $12.95 per month, you can pick any book they have and any of the subscriptions they offer (you can switch each month). I chose The New York Times which is ready to go early in the morning for download. It's nice to have someone reading me the paper every morning!

With the Audible Advisor, you can save the files in the module or on your Visor. I haven't tried putting them on another card but that's a good idea. When you initially load them from your computer, you would have to put them on your visor and then try to move them to your extra card. The software built in to the module does come with a file mover application to shuffle files (any file, not just audio files) between main memory and module memory but when downloading files from your computer (using their special program), you can only save to main memory or module (the Audible Advisor module has to be in place to do the downloads).

I've also made MP3s from audio books on CD. They play like any other MP3 so if you have an MP3 player, give it a shot. It is less convenient because you'll have to convert the books yourself. But if your library has a good selection of book CDs, it would be an inexpensive option.

Barron

Registered: Nov 2001
Location: CA
Posts: 47

Re: Audio Books

quote:

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Originally posted by traveler
Recently I had an eight-hour bus ride over rough semi-rural roads, and found that trying to use my visor to read just ended up getting me nauseated. Audio books would be a great solution for such situations. I have seen the Audible Advisor module's review and it looks pretty interesting, but the price is pretty steep. I would appreciate any feedback and suggestions related to using audio books.

One specific question for Audible Advisor users. Is it possible to to store files on a CF or SM card and transfer them in if I run finish what is loaded on my module? That would make it much more useful, although of course you would need the free space on your visor. I don't take my computer with me when I can avoid it, so alternative ways to load content would be useful.

It also seems that it should be possible to load audio books on to an MP3 module. Has anyone tried that? What are some good sources for audio books other than audible.com? Is is possible to convert "book on CD" content to audiobooks for a visor? Or does encryption technology pretty much make it impossible?

Any input is appreciated!
Thanks!

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__________________
Experience is what happens when something unexpected comes up.

Registered: Oct 2001
Location: Macau
Posts: 52

Thanks for the advice! Sounds like a good option. Now I have something for my Christmas list, although I think my family is beginning to think I have the world's most expensive PDA when you include springboards and other accessories.

Registered: Nov 2001
Location: CA
Posts: 47

quote:

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Originally posted by traveler
...although I think my family is beginning to think I have the world's most expensive PDA when you include springboards and other accessories.

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Actually, it's inexpensive when you consider the fact that you'll use these devices and their applications. Many people buy big screen TV's for the sole purpose of 'watching' shows and movies, and their price tags are in the kilo-buck range. You don't hear others complaining about that very often. Bigger screen, more expensive and same resolution as a 13in. Go figure...'nuff said.

__________________
Experience is what happens when something unexpected comes up.