Ereader with audiobook compatibility

mmread · 11-16-2010, 09:23 PM

I am very new to ereaders. I will most likely use the ereader to get free library reading material. I mostly read 1 book a month but during holidays and travelling, I read more. I see that my library offers audiobooks but majority of these are .wma rather than MP3. Are there any eraders that support .wma and/or MP3?

I was hoping to spend less than $100. Or do I have to buy 2 devices? I would like to have an ereader that can handle a sd card or a USB card on the side. I was at B&N and was told that I can connect an expandible device by removing the back. That seems weird to me.

Or are there any ereaders that can automatically read the book for you outloud like the GPS?

MLXXXp · 11-17-2010, 09:26 AM

The Ectaco Jetbook (not Lite) and the similar Aluratek Libre have a headphone jack and can play MP3s (also concurrently while reading a book on the screen, if desired). They both have an SD slot for books and audio. They handle the Adobe reader DRM used by most libraries. These devices are covered in the Ectaco jetBook forum.

edbro · 11-17-2010, 09:37 AM

The Sony's can play mp3s. A used PRS-505 is still a good option. Quality machines.

jbcohen · 11-17-2010, 10:29 AM

Indeed mlxxxp is correct. Sicne the two are so similar I would recommend buying based on two features: 1) the jet book lite supports more formats then the Libra Pro does; 2) Price - the aluratek is less then the jetbook, although its the same price as the jetbook mini.

tubemonkey · 11-17-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmread

I am very new to ereaders. I will most likely use the ereader to get free library reading material. I mostly read 1 book a month but during holidays and travelling, I read more. I see that my library offers audiobooks but majority of these are .wma rather than MP3. Are there any eraders that support .wma and/or MP3?

I don't know of any ereaders that support WMA. Most only support MP3. The Kindle has the best audio coverage - MP3, Audible, and text-to-speech.

Why not get an MP3 player that supports MP3, WMA, and Audible? That way you have all bases covered for audiobooks. That's how I listen to them. I use a Sansa Clip+. High quality, yet inexpensive.

jj2me · 11-17-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I don't know of any ereaders that support WMA. Most only support MP3. The Kindle has the best audio coverage - MP3, Audible, and text-to-speech.

Why not get an MP3 player that supports MP3, WMA, and Audible? That way you have all bases covered for audiobooks. That's how I listen to them. I use a Sansa Clip+. High quality, yet inexpensive.

Agree. Just to be clear, you need support for protected WMA (like the Clip+ supports) for most library audiobooks, not just unsecured WMA support.

The Clip+ is a particularly good recommendation, as it's so small. You must ensure that library audiobooks get loaded in the Clip+'s "Audiobooks" folder in order to get the resume function.

tubemonkey · 11-17-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jj2me

Agree. Just to be clear, you need support for protected WMA (like the Clip+ supports) for most library audiobooks, not just unsecured WMA support.

The Clip+ is a particularly good recommendation, as it's so small. You must ensure that library audiobooks get loaded in the Clip+'s "Audiobooks" folder in order to get the resume function.

Thanks for the clarifications.

If anyone's interested, the Clip+ 4GB will be a Black Friday item at Best Buy and RadioShack for $30 ($20 below retail).

Leep · 11-17-2010, 03:06 PM

iTunes will convert wma to mp3. It takes a while, but does the job nicely. There are some other freebie software apps that should do the trick as well.

cheers

jj2me · 11-17-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leep

iTunes will convert wma to mp3. It takes a while, but does the job nicely. There are some other freebie software apps that should do the trick as well.

Yes, iTunes can convert unprotected WMA files to MP3. But it does not convert protected WMA files like library audiobooks, which are what the original poster was asking about. Library audiobooks come in either protected WMA or (unprotected) MP3 formats (in a ratio of about 5:1 or so, depending on your library). None are unprotected WMA files.

fjtorres · 11-17-2010, 06:49 PM

Actually, there *is* a way to do what the OP wants.

The Overdrive reader app for Android supports library audiobooks.
http://www.overdrive.com/aboutus/get...cleID=20091221
So if you don't mind reading on a 4" screen an Android phone can give access to both library text ebooks and audiobooks.
In the next few months, Overdrive wil be releasing their App for Windows, Macs, and iOS so at some point the iPod and iPad will also do the trick.

There is at least one Android-based color ereader (the Pocketbook IQ) that is open enough to allow installation of Android apps so, if you can get your hands on the Overdrive app, you'd be in business; it's a 7" LCD-based reader retailing for US$139.

If Overdrive gets their App onto the NookColor App store that would also be an option.

boswd · 11-17-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Thanks for the clarifications.

If anyone's interested, the Clip+ 4GB will be a Black Friday item at Best Buy and RadioShack for $30 ($20 below retail).

the sandisk sansa clip+ is THE best hidden jewel in the mp3 world. It simply is the best.
Whenever I see anyone wanting to buy an ipod shuffle or even a nano, I just shake my head and think, people people there are soo many better choices out there. and the Clip+ is one of them.

but to answer the op, just about all ereaders support MP3, your iTunes or even your Windows Media Player can covert unprotected if need be.

ProfCrash · 11-17-2010, 07:47 PM

If you mainly listen to books, why not get an MP3 player?

mmread · 11-17-2010, 08:30 PM

I see on Black Friday that the
Aluratek = $90
Sony PRS 300 = $100
Sharper Image Literati = $85 - Seen but not operating
Pandigital = $95 - $126 - Seen but not operating
Nook w/wifi = $100 - i don't like

I don't know where to find the Jetbook or Pocketbook in a store.

I "hear" from my Elves that I may get a Samsung Epic or Transform for Cmas. But I don't think I want to use this as my ereader. So from above, which should I get?

I will get the MP3 on BFday!! I see the Sansa Fuse with the 1.9" screen will be $60. I'm not sure if the 1.9" is even worth the extra $$.

fjtorres · 11-17-2010, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmread

I don't know where to find the Jetbook or Pocketbook in a store.

Pocketbook is mostly available online (unless you live in Kansas City or Seattle).
There's a preview video of the IQ here:
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/201.../#comment-1027

Jetbooks can be found online at several sites and J&R.

If you want to see the reader at a store you're limiting your choices to just a handful, none of which support Overdrive at anything near the quoted price.

Leep · 11-17-2010, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Yes, iTunes can convert unprotected WMA files to MP3. But it does not convert protected WMA files like library audiobooks, which are what the original poster was asking about. Library audiobooks come in either protected WMA or (unprotected) MP3 formats (in a ratio of about 5:1 or so, depending on your library). None are unprotected WMA files.

With the later versions of Overdrive Console, or Net Library (these are the library audio book equivalents of ADE) and an approved device (I use my iTouch) you will be able to access library WMA audio books. I use them all the time...but as I mentioned, be prepared to start the transfer and go and do something else for an hour. It takes forever.

The iTouch does do ebooks as well, but don't think I would recommend the small 3" screen for ebooks even though my husband doesn't mind it.

cheers

11-16-2010, 09:23 PM	#1
mmread Enthusiast Posts: 38 Karma: 78 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: none	Ereader with audiobook compatibility I am very new to ereaders. I will most likely use the ereader to get free library reading material. I mostly read 1 book a month but during holidays and travelling, I read more. I see that my library offers audiobooks but majority of these are .wma rather than MP3. Are there any eraders that support .wma and/or MP3? I was hoping to spend less than $100. Or do I have to buy 2 devices? I would like to have an ereader that can handle a sd card or a USB card on the side. I was at B&N and was told that I can connect an expandible device by removing the back. That seems weird to me. Or are there any ereaders that can automatically read the book for you outloud like the GPS?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Audiobook Chaptering	Chirishman	Amazon Kindle	3	01-26-2023 12:45 AM
Audiobook management for kindle2?	estrial	Amazon Kindle	0	07-26-2010 04:58 AM
Jumping between e-reader and audiobook?	Kilarney	Workshop	5	01-22-2010 03:44 PM
Audiobook Conversion for Kindle	Chirishman	Amazon Kindle	0	08-03-2009 02:59 AM
Compatibility?	Egghead	Sony Reader	4	06-16-2006 07:01 PM

11-17-2010, 09:26 AM	#2
MLXXXp Enthusiast Posts: 37 Karma: 88 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada Device: Aluratek Libre, Nokia N800	The Ectaco Jetbook (not Lite) and the similar Aluratek Libre have a headphone jack and can play MP3s (also concurrently while reading a book on the screen, if desired). They both have an SD slot for books and audio. They handle the Adobe reader DRM used by most libraries. These devices are covered in the Ectaco jetBook forum.

11-17-2010, 09:37 AM	#3
edbro Banned Posts: 640 Karma: 4911 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Grapevine, TX Device: iPad4	The Sony's can play mp3s. A used PRS-505 is still a good option. Quality machines.

11-17-2010, 10:29 AM	#4
jbcohen Wizard Posts: 3,025 Karma: 11196738 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Piper College Device: Samsung A21	Indeed mlxxxp is correct. Sicne the two are so similar I would recommend buying based on two features: 1) the jet book lite supports more formats then the Libra Pro does; 2) Price - the aluratek is less then the jetbook, although its the same price as the jetbook mini.

11-17-2010, 03:06 PM	#8
Leep Guru Posts: 739 Karma: 1018859 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Near Seattle Device: kindle1, K3, K3G (thanks MR), iTouch, Kindle Touch	iTunes will convert wma to mp3. It takes a while, but does the job nicely. There are some other freebie software apps that should do the trick as well. cheers

11-17-2010, 06:49 PM	#10
fjtorres Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,732 Karma: 128354696 Join Date: May 2009 Location: 26 kly from Sgr A* Device: T100TA,PW2,PRS-T1,KT,FireHD 8.9,K2, PB360,BeBook One,Axim51v,TC1000	Actually, there is a way to do what the OP wants. The Overdrive reader app for Android supports library audiobooks. http://www.overdrive.com/aboutus/get...cleID=20091221 So if you don't mind reading on a 4" screen an Android phone can give access to both library text ebooks and audiobooks. In the next few months, Overdrive wil be releasing their App for Windows, Macs, and iOS so at some point the iPod and iPad will also do the trick. There is at least one Android-based color ereader (the Pocketbook IQ) that is open enough to allow installation of Android apps so, if you can get your hands on the Overdrive app, you'd be in business; it's a 7" LCD-based reader retailing for US$139. If Overdrive gets their App onto the NookColor App store that would also be an option.

11-17-2010, 07:47 PM	#12
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	If you mainly listen to books, why not get an MP3 player?

11-17-2010, 08:30 PM	#13
mmread Enthusiast Posts: 38 Karma: 78 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: none	I see on Black Friday that the Aluratek = $90 Sony PRS 300 = $100 Sharper Image Literati = $85 - Seen but not operating Pandigital = $95 - $126 - Seen but not operating Nook w/wifi = $100 - i don't like I don't know where to find the Jetbook or Pocketbook in a store. I "hear" from my Elves that I may get a Samsung Epic or Transform for Cmas. But I don't think I want to use this as my ereader. So from above, which should I get? I will get the MP3 on BFday!! I see the Sansa Fuse with the 1.9" screen will be $60. I'm not sure if the 1.9" is even worth the extra $$.

Advert

Advert