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Member since 6/30/05
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Posted on: 7/24/10 12:01 PM ET
Our public library has Overdrive Media Console V 3.2. I love to listen to audio books and especially whilst sewing or housecleaning etc.
Does anyone have some advice about how much storage to purchase, what features to look for, any brands that you might recommend etc?
Our libraries hard copies of audio books is starting to dry up and they are going to this system. There is a lot of choice! (books and storage devices)
Budget is not too much of a concern, however, user friendly is!
We have a PC, with lots of storage and I want to emphasize the need for portability. (use in the car, travelling, walking, housecleaning, sewing etc, etc)
Thanks,
Helen
  
Member since 5/11/03
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Posted on: 7/24/10 12:53 PM ET
In reply to sewbehind
Are the files compatible with iTunes? If so, an iPod
may be just what you need. Does the library offer any suggested devices?

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Kim
  
Member since 3/27/08
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Posted on: 7/25/10 8:00 AM ET
I listen to audio books all the time. An average novel is about 1 GB, so a 2 GB Ipod will hold 2 books, an 8 GB, 8 books, etc.

I have an older 2 GB Ipod nano which for me is not ideal for audio books. I'm planning on upgrading to a 16 GB nano. The next size up is the 32 GB one which is a different model and has a lot more bells and whistles and is larger in size.

I like my Ipod but don't have any experience with other devices. I do sometimes get frustrated with it because if you are mid book and need to charge the Ipod, it loses your place, sort of.

If you go with an Ipod make sure you buy the latest "generation" of one. I think they are on the 5th now for the Nano. Amazon has the 16 GB nanos for around $150.

I'm not sure what kind of books you like but I could recommend some good romance novels ;-) The narrator makes ALL the difference.

eta: You won't really need to store much except when you are listening or plan to listen. I used Overdrive through my library as well and when a book selection expires you have to delete it, it becomes unusable. We have a 14 day check out. But, my issue with the 2 GB Ipod is that if I have a couple books that expire around the same time I can't put them all on my Ipod to "save" them so to speak.
-- Edited on 7/25/10 8:03 AM --
-- Edited on 7/25/10 8:13 AM --
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http://kimsewsilly.blogspot.com/
  
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Member since 12/31/03
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Posted on: 7/25/10 9:43 AM ET
I have an 8 gig Sansa MP3 player that works very well for audio books- I think I have about 8 books on there right now. I also have an IPod touch and download audio books on that. I use Overdrive and our public library system.
Both the mp3 and the ipod "keep" their places when I charge or switch to other apps.
I know that not all devices work as well with Overdrive, but once you get it working you will never look back!
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Connie Bontje
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Desperately trying to keep ahead of my pattern, fabric and dressform collection!
  
Member since 6/28/03
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Posted on: 7/25/10 7:15 PM ET
I have a 16 GB Ipod and it has plenty of room for my books and music. I like that I can use headphones, or play it through the aux channels on my radio and in my car. One thing you sould check before buying your device is if it is compatible with your library's audio books. Until very recently, my library didn't support ipods and some of the books are still not transferrable to ipod.
Good luck with your search, but fair warning, this is addictive! I've even "borrowed" my sister's library card because her library has a much larger selection than mine.
  
Member since 6/30/05
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Posted on: 7/27/10 10:34 AM ET
In reply to Izzie
I'm okay with it being addictive. I can think of worse ways to spend your time.
Thanks everyone for your comments. Connie, I appreciate your words particularly since it would be the same system that I would use. I am off to get a 'device'. Thanks so much.
Helen
  
Member since 10/29/03
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Posted on: 8/5/10 2:08 PM ET
In reply to ConnieBJ
Quote: ConnieBJ
I have an 8 gig Sansa MP3 player that works very well for audio books- I think I have about 8 books on there right now. I also have an IPod touch and download audio books on that. I use Overdrive and our public library system.

Both the mp3 and the ipod "keep" their places when I charge or switch to other apps.

I know that not all devices work as well with Overdrive, but once you get it working you will never look back!

Connie, thanks for this info. I want to get a MP3 player to use for audo books & I'm looking at getting the 8 gig Sansa, so glad to know it works well.


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Beverly
  
Member since 3/27/08
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Posted on: 8/6/10 9:54 AM ET
What I meant by not keeping their place sort of is that if I'm on a Part 4 for example, if I plug it in to charge it, when I go back it's at the main menu. If you remember you were on Part 4, you can go to it and it will start you where you left off, but you have to remember which Part your were on.

The other thing is that if you downloaded a new book during that time, then Part 4 may not be Part 4, but Part 12 or something pushed back so the second book downloaded goes to the 1-8 part section. Does that make sense?

Maybe I'm doing something wrong, maybe it's my Ipod, it is an older version.

I definitely recommend getting at a minimum 8 gigs or a 16 gig one. My 2 gig is a pain in the rear. Sometimes you have to wait awhile to get a book and if the time expires that you can download it, then you lose it and have to re-request it.
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http://kimsewsilly.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 10/29/03
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Posted on: 8/14/10 10:20 PM ET
Got my Sansa MP3 player yesterday& downloaded my first book today. I listened to part of it while doing some hand sewing today. I like this new toy! When the weather cools down, I plan to start walking again & this will be great to use.
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Beverly
  
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