Audible

terri · Audible

I just wanted to put a link to this site, which is where I have been getting talking books from! Its really easy to join, and although you do have to pay, I think its pretty good value, and of course, you can knit whilst you listen Very Happy

slowasasnail

I second that. I got into this after you mentioned it before Terri. I have spent a happy afternoon making resources for school this week listening to my latest on my ipod. Its great. Very Happy

terri

I've been listening to brideshead revisited, it was really good too!!!!! I picked that after joining the knit the classics blog, cos I do like to read but knitting has taken over, so audio books seemed like a pretty good compromise Very Happy

Sprite64

Another Audible fan here too!

slowasasnail

I still have a credit and can't decide which book to get next. I started with a Marian Keyes. Easy listening to see how I got on with it. Didn't realise that the book was so long though...

terri

The first one I got was the woman in white, and I listened to it for a few mornings walking to work, I enjoyed that!!!
I wish though when I had joined that I had opted to sign up for the 12 months and get the free ipod, cos I've had about 8 months now anyway, and my ipod is getting old Sad

terri

forgot to say that the woamn in white is a dramatisation, so only about three hours!!!! I noticed that alot of the unabridged stuff is VERY long!!!!

slowasasnail

Yeah. The first book I got is 14 hours. It only takes me 10 minutes to walk to work so its taking ages to get through.

terri

I got "Marley and me", which I listened too while I waa doing the house work for a couple of weeks!!! That was about 6 hours I think, but even dh would listen for a while to see what "Marley" was up too! very sad at the end though Sad

slowasasnail

I've looked ay that one. Might get it.

CJ

I've bookmarked the site, not that I've got an ipod or anything yet!! Are they only compatible with ipods, do you know, cos that might tip the balance in favour of ipod rather than sony Wink

terri

I think you can use most mp3 players CJ Confused

you can defrinately download software form the site if you have another make, but there wasn't a big long list! You get the ipod free if you sign up for 12 months you know! I wish I had done that now, cos I've been listening for about 8 months now anyway Shocked

CJ

ooo, thanks, am off to look at the free ipod now. Wink

pictish

I've just had a look and am very tempted Cool

The free ipod is a great offer.

CJ

I'd like to say that I joined on Monday and have downloaded my month's 2 books already. Laughing

I went for the premium listener, as I'm sure I'll get through at least 2 books per month. Rolling Eyes

And I've already listened to a third of johnathon strange and mr norrell. Very Happy

we've got war and peace next - dh choice!!

And just this very moment, my free ipod shuffle has arrived by courier. Shocked

yay!! Actually, the shuffle is for DH, I'm getting a 8GB nano. Twisted Evil

So, of course I had to download an album from istore, and am now listening to Ben Mills. Embarassed

Actually, it's very good. Razz

terri

I got jonathon strange and Mr norrell for this month too Very Happy

CJ

good minds think alike Wink

it's good isn't it? I want to play with the ipod, but it's sooooo small I might break it, so am waiting for DH to sort it out tomorrow as he's on lates tonight Sad

My ipod nano might come tomorrow too as it was dispatched yesterday. Very Happy

terri

I rang on tuesday and upgraded my subscription to the 12 month so I could get an ipod for DH, should come tomorrow then??? or maybe monday!

slowasasnail

I am only having one book a month but yesterday I finsihed Januarys book. Don't think i'm ready to upgrade yet.

CJ

you may well get the ipod tomorrow, fingers crossed!!!

dreamcatcher

Thanks for the link to this site, I'm quite tempted to join and get the free Shuffle Very Happy

CJ

my free shuffle is charging right now Very Happy

dee

Im listening to Jeeves and Wooster at the moment, their a favourite of mine I have 6 jeeves, seem to be building quite a library Very Happy

dreamcatcher

I just joined Audible today, looking forward to the free Shuffle Very Happy

The offer for Basic Listener + free Shuffle appears to end on the 2nd of April in case anyone was thinking about it.

jessica

i have been listening to books via Audible for some time now , was subcribing to Audible.com before they had a .co.uk. I am surrently listening to Nightwatch by Sarah Walters, who wrote Tipping the Velvet, it is very good. I have amongst other things listened to White Oleander read by Oprah Winfrey, which was excellent. Be interested to know what other listening books you have all enjoyed. Oh dear been to the pub for 5 hours typing is hard work.

terri

I like to listen to thrillers while I'm knitting, or crime type novels. I really enjoy the trial and retribution talking books, the storyline is always really good and not too much concentration needed if you're doing something else! "Marley and me" was a good one jessica, I think you'd enjoy that one Very Happy

CJ

I was doing a wish list earlier, and it's now up to 45 books. Shocked

I'll be a member for ages at this rate, cos I can get 24 titles each year. Laughing

pictish

Just joined the trial for this but haven't got an ipod yet so not sure how I'll listen to my book Laughing

Trying to persuade Mr Pictish an ipod is essential Wink

I've got Bernard Cornwell's Harlequin cos I haven't read that series yet.

terri

I just play mine on the computer Very Happy

pictish

I'm going to burn this onto a disk maybe but it's taking ages to download maybe cos I went for the highest quality Rolling Eyes

terri

I normally go for the highest quality one too, and it takes 5 minutes or so, sometimes a bit longer!!!

pictish

Well maybe it's our broadband Confused

It's been 30 mins so far at least - it's an unabridged one.

terri

Mine never take that long Shocked

How long does it say is left on the timer thing???

pictish

It's just finished and that's just the first half - maybe it's busier at night Confused

The 2nd half is saying 1hr and 12 mins Laughing

I think each bit is 89megs

terri

Are you burining it onto cd at the same time???

pictish

No but the site's crashed 95% into the second download so maybe it was the site having a problem Confused

terri

Maybe! I've never had that problem before, they're usually quite quick Confused

CJ

I had a problem downloading to start with - you won't believe how long it took to get war and peace - all day. Shocked

But DH had a look and it wasn't the website as our internet was slow for all downloading in general, a problem with our BT broadband connection. Evil or Very Mad

there was a loose cable or something and once he fixed that, downloading was very fast indeed. Wink

I'd check the speed of your connection first and see what that's like. HTH and you get it sorted.

pictish

Hmmm we're with BT and we can only get the basic broadband here not a superfast one. Will try again this morning - the whole thing froze last night and we couldn't get the disk out of the pute and the site was down too Shocked

Thanks CJ - I'll get Mr Pictish to check the connection Razz

pictish

It downloaded fine this morning so must have been the site Cool

CJ

glad to here it Very Happy

of course, it could still have been BT problems, cos they never tell you!! Wink

pictish

Well and we had a new line put in after that builder pulled ours down recently Twisted Evil

CJ

what book(s) have you gone for this month?

pictish

It's just my 14 day trial but I've gone for Harlequin by Bernard Cornwell - I love his books and haven't read this series - The Grail Quest - yet Cool

CJ

I've actually got that book to read, but not started it yet since joining audible. I'm listening to the collaberators by reginald hill (the dalziel and pascoe bloke). it's good, I think I read it many years ago when I was at school too Wink

pictish

I've got it as well as a 'real' book Wink

CJ

worrying thing is, since joining audible, I haven't picked up a book at all, except my OU stuff!! Shocked

and I'm getting a pile of books I should be reading. Rolling Eyes

pictish

I think it's easy to get out of the habit of reading the real thing Rolling Eyes

Listening is so much easier to fit in.

A little pink ipod shuffle just slipped into my basket while I was ordering the shopping at Tesco Razz

CJ

oooo, the pink one is so cute. Very Happy

DH loves his. He said it's a bit tricky to find the start of the book, if you have music on there as well, so when he went away for the week he took off all the music and just put on war and peace. Laughing

pictish

I was wondering how that worked Confused

But I just couldn't resist when I 'found' them on the grocery bit of the website Laughing

It should be arriving in the next hour. Hope it's not just in a carrier bag with the potatoes Shocked

CJ

he said you just have to keep skipping the titles till you get the one you want. but when you stop it, it restarts where you left off, if that makes sense. Very Happy

you'll have to have a good hunt through the veggies before you let the man go then. Laughing

pictish

It's just arrived and it's BEAUTIFUL heart

So tiny and I daren't get it out of the case cos it's stuck down. Better wait till Mr Pictish gets in or I might break it Wink

I hadn't realised it was SO small Shocked

CJ

yay - glad it's safe. Laughing

I was surprised by how small it was too, but at least you can clip it to you so it doesn't get lost. Wink

Woollywarbler

They're brilliant and the battery lasts quite a while too. I've got a 20gb one which I use at home permanently plugged into the hifi sound system but use my pink shuffle when I'm out and about. I'm doing alot of walking at the moment (WW pedometer!) and find it's the best one as it's so easy to clip on, not only that, so lightweight. I can either clip it inside my jacket if it's cold or even to my bra strap if I'm wearing a teeshirt Laughing

That way all anybody sees is just a set of headphone wires....well you never know do you?
I've got about 90 minutes of fast paced walking music loaded and The Olive Harvest (Audible) and the little shuffle isn't even half full. Love 'em Very Happy

pictish

Can't wait to try it Cool

jessica

Just got an email from Audible they have a couple of nice Sale books on this month only £3.99, very good value isn't it. I am currently listening to Nightwatch by Sarah Walters, really good listen.

pictish

Do you buy individually then Jessica?

jessica

yes at the moment, I did do the subscription a few years ago, but found i was getting a backlog of books so when the UK one opened i just bought individually. I don't listen enough really for a sub. Good though aren't they

jessica

your little pink ipod sounds lovely, i use a Creative Nano, which is battery operated the batteries last for up to 8 hours so good for long journey's.

pictish

Yes this is it here Cool

but pink

jessica

ah now i recognise it as one i saw someone using on the train last week. Had a lot of trouble with my creative to start with insisted that they take it back and got another one which fingers crossed is great. Audible seem to have very regular sale's on, very good value.

pictish

Ooooh it's up and running Laughing

- but downloaded the 2 parts of the book and it seemed to put the second part in front of the first Confused

Not sure the earphones will stay in either if you're moving about - maybe the fault of my ears tho Laughing

But it IS a gorgeous wee thing lovehearts

. And the sound quality is excellent Cool

.

Woollywarbler

I only download the parts I want, listen, delete and then do the next bit as and when I need it.
I know it puts them in order on my bigger ipod but I haven't tried more than one part at a time on the shuffle. If that's the case, then I'll carry on doing just that. The books stay in your archive with Audible so you can download them whenever, even if you no longer subscribe. Once you've paid for it, it's yours.
If you do have a problem with the earphones and you probably won't, then go get some of those that sit around the back, clipping over your ears, if you know what I mean. They're quite cheap unless you want to pay a bit more. Our local Currys had quite a few to choose from. The only thing I can't do with those though is lie down! I walk for miles with mine in and I used to be quite funny about things in my ears Smile

Tracy

pictish

They'll probably be ok when I start using them Tracy Cool

But I'll try Curry's if not thanks. And it's good to know your audible file is not just a one-off download type of thing as well.

sandrab

pictish

It's all a bit too exciting Laughing

I listened to it yesterday and it is totally gorgeous - the sound quality is fantastic on this little thing. I'm managing ok with the earphones but I couldn't be sure of them if I was walking about I don't think Confused

But the Bernard Cornwell is beautifully read and so graphic it's almost like watching a film Shocked

n

I have asked for this for Christmas.
They are still offering the free Shuffle and my out-laws who are lovely peeps are going to buy me some "books" for it too.

Can I ask a couple of questions?

The man in the apple shop told DH that it would only hold a few chapters... I don't think that sounds right at all.

Is it easy to "flip the pages" so you can go back to where you stopped. I don't want the shuffle to shuffle my chapters for me!

n

sandrab

n, the shuffle definitely holds a whole book and more. I am currently listening to a very long book and there is plenty of room for it and my music on my Shuffle.

It also starts up again where you last stopped listening in the book, so you can carry on from where you left off. You just have to make sure the "shuffle" button is switched off (haven't left mine on yet, so don't know it actually makes a difference, but better just to leave it in the off position in case!)

n

Oh good.
I knew there had to be a way of not-shuffling somehow, otherwise the potential for accidentally "reading" the last page of the book would be HUGE!!!

TBH I may just put books on it. I'm a real sucker for a good read and I think that's more likely to get me out for a brisk walk and a few Chapters in the morning than the delights of my cd collection is.

Any good book suggestions?

I see they've got Prunella Scales reading "Cranford".

n

Auntie Noo

n I filled my shuffle up and it took - 3 parts of Daughters of Fire - 8 hours each, 2 parts of the time travellers wife (I think 8 hours each), and the first 3 unabridged chronicles of narnia. Unforotunately I then decided I didn't like it and have bought a much cheaper mp3 player that is better for me, but it holds loads! --- ooooh they were all in highest quality too.

n

Can I ask what you didn't like?
I haven't ordered it yet, and it has to be me who does it because those would be my log in details.

n

Auntie Noo

I didn't like the fact that there is no screen, so you can't see what you're listening to - I know that sounds kinda daft, but it really annoyed me! I bought this instead....Sandisk M240 which works with audible. It's bigger too, which for me was better.

Auntie Noo

n what I would do if I were you would be to start queueing books - I'm sure you don't need to give any credit card details or anything for that....... if you get to 12 quite easily then sign up for the year and the ipod thingy anyway - if they're going to give it to you free you may as well (I gave mine to a friend, she was soooooo excited!) then you can see how you go - if you can't get to 12 then buy the £10 one I put above and just sign up on a month by month basis.

pictish

When I joined they were only giving away the Shuffle if you joined the Premium Listener thingy which was 2 reads a month so I just joined the standard one at £7.99 a month and ordered a shuffle from Tescos with my shopping - think it cost £45. I LOVE it and it holds HUGE amounts - I listen to the unabridged ones and have no probs getting it all on. And the sound quality is superb. The only thing I found was the earplugs are not that secure so I'm not sure I could use them outside or walking about - but I think I've just got little ears Laughing

n

I was thinking of the 2 reads a month anyway.
I listen to Radio 4 when I'm dyeing but I'm an appallingly bad gym-go-er and I think having a book to listen to would make me do more walking. I wouldn't listen in the house, I have the radio for that, but I could make it my treat for getting off my backside and getting outside for an hour a day. Laughing

n

pictish

I think it's a great idea n!! The Shuffles are the tiniest and most beautiful things ever Laughing

Beautifully finished - I bought a pink one heart

franney

I started queueing books, with a serious thought to sign up but i listened to a couple of the preview pieces and i've found out that i don't like being read to by American men - i switch off and don't listen Sad

so i've decided not to bother as it's going to be too much hassle finding books i will like that are read by people i will like Shocked

Auntie Noo

I did think that too Franney, but I've got used to it - I've found with each book that I need to listen to it for th first time for at least 45 mins.... to get into the book and used to the voice, once I'm hooked then I'm ok!!!!!

n

Audible have a free book offer, available to everyone, not just audible people (!).

It's Persuasion read by Greta Scacchi.

I heard about it through the Book Depository.

n

pictish

Well I got that bookmark too n but I cannot find the download on Audible can you? Confused

melody yarns

A quick earphone question... I have the titchiest ears going (!) an the earplugs that you get with MP3 players just won't stay in my ears at all and they hurt them Sad

Did someone mention smaller that are available? And are they suitable for a grown-up with baby sized ears?

n

Go to audible.co.uk/persuasion

Then make sure you are logged in as a user.

Click to download.
When it comes up with the download it has a checkbox saying use a credit (or something like that)... UNCLICK the box and then download.

And if all else fails, phone them up on the freephone number 08000825100 ... this is how I found out how to do it! They were very helpful.

n

pictish

Thanks n!!!

pictish

Seems to be working!!! Thanks n. It's one of my favourites!!

Debs the earpieces on the shuffle are too big for me too Confused

probablyjane

For anyone with Cranford withdrawal symptons I can reccomend Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. It's also read by Prunella Scales who does a wonderful job with the voice characterisations as you would expect. I have almost finished listening to it even though it's over 20 hours because I've been playing it on the computer and not watching telly - it's that good!

Sprite64

n

I'd like you all to take a deep breath and sing with me... to the tune of "We are Sailing" by Rod Stewart.

We are charging,
We are charging,
With the i-pod in its dock.
The lights a-flashing,
Pretty orange.
So I'll be off soon,
Round the block.

n

n

Next verse...

There's a green light
There's a green light
Time for downloads
Lots of fun.
First Jane Austen
Michael Palin
So excited.
Want to come?

n

iPod Laureate designate 2007

cazzie

Bit late to the party here Rolling Eyes

Like the look of Audible - I rarely get time to read books - but maybe I could find time to listen - while ironing etc - off to investigate.

Thats for info about smaller ear pieces - DD finds hers too big Very Happy

IckleKazza

Ive just joined Audible and I love it! Its perfect for me, I love to read but with everything else I like to do as well there never seems enough time. Ive just finished Marley & Me, I loved it (I cried at the end though, very sad)

Sprite64