Audio Books-A Rant

[DJ]

I love to listen to books on MP3 (CD) as I walk and do mundane chores, around the house.

So, I decided to buy a Sony "WalkMan" MP3 player. It was a good price and I bought it from Amazon. Nice product. Half the price of an iPod. Lesson learned!

A few weeks ago, I decided to sign up for Amazon's book club and download books (MP3) for my player. I did this because I have EXHAUSTED my local library.

Low and behold, Amazon and "Audible Books" does NOT support any product but iPod and some BlackBerry! What??? I have two BB's but the battery life is pathetic and they do not support my needs. They are very selective on what product they support.

I have an issue with that. If you/me are willing to BUY a download, at least they could make it available to all brands. An MP3 is an MP3-right?

Apparently, Amazon, and their software provider(s), are in a bit of a "snit".

So, here I am, willing to buy downloads and NOPE-you can't use them.

Yes, I know there is a way around everything (burning CD's, etc.) but that is ridiculous.

I just think that there is a golden opportunity for an American company to clean up. But, here we are with "software" issues. STUPID.

So, I'm due for a new phone. I guess I will go with Verizon's version of the "Smartphone".

Another part of my rant is that Amazon "Audible Books" cannot guarentee me that their books will work with the Verizon version of an Apple Smart phone.

Huh? AAARGH!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Audio Books-A Rant

I think you are confused about the Verizon iPhone compatability.

Looks like they can be converted to MP3 with a DRM convertor. They are trying to control the sharing of the MP3 files all over the net.

 

[DJ]

Re: Audio Books-A Rant

I think you are confused about the Verizon iPhone compatability.

Looks like they can be converted to MP3 with a DRM convertor. They are trying to control the sharing of the MP3 files all over the net.

Neither Verizon "Smart Phone" or Amazon will concur.

So, I guess I go back to "hard copy". Too bad for Verizon/Apple and Amazon. I can get all the Hard Copy I want-free-sort of. I pay taxes to keep that enormous building open. At least I don't have to pay those guys, after tax money to just listen.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Audio Books-A Rant

Neither Verizon "Smart Phone" or Amazon will concur.

Guess I was thinking you were saying Verizon iPhone and you were actually thinking a more generic Verizon "smart phone".

What is weird is that I did some searches and there seemed to be many ways to get the Audible books converted to MP3. I know it would take some time for each book. I take it you don't want to go through that hassle?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Audio Books-A Rant

I've used a Creative Zen for years and it has always supported the Audible format.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Audio Books-A Rant

Neither Verizon "Smart Phone" or Amazon will concur.

So, I guess I go back to "hard copy". Too bad for Verizon/Apple and Amazon. I can get all the Hard Copy I want-free-sort of. I pay taxes to keep that enormous building open. At least I don't have to pay those guys, after tax money to just listen.

For free mp3 books go here:

http://librivox.org/

 

[QC]

Re: Audio Books-A Rant

For anyone concerned about Copyright violations, this from the site noted by Solittle: we can only record texts published before 1923

 

[oops!]

Re: Audio Books-A Rant

glad someone else likes audio books.......i thought it was just me.

play them on long drives.....fantastic stuff