All you long distance drivers/commuters/travelers I could use some experienced input.

My wife likes to listen to books in the car on her way to and from work. She has been trying to get the latest books from the library but ..budget constraints keep them from buying many.

So I suggested she look into the ipod or ??? and download and listen to the newest ones offered from (now Amazon) and I am sure other sites.

I think the questions are:

1. What is the best unit for this function--the newly released model with artificial speech or the standard ipod or....

2. What would be the easiest connection process/accessory?

3. What would the best book sites/sources be for recorded?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Hi! The slickist set up would be the new Amazon “Kindle” book. It has an audio output jack. This would allow you to do a lot more than just listen to books. You could get books from Amazon at almost any location you happen to be at as long as there is a cell phone tower around. It would also allow you to check your Email. The Ipod adapter from Coastal Tech has an audio only input which is what I use with the Ipod. By using this connection with the Ipod audio out jack, you can keep full functionality of the Ipod or you can plug in any other device with an audio output (ie. the “Kindle”). The only draw back to this set up is that you are running on Ipod internal battery power. When I’m not using the audio jack input chord, I keep it stored in the console storage box.

Of course this is not a cheap solution but then the XLR is not exactly inexpensive. The "Kindle" costs about $350.00. I have one and it is well worth the money considering you can use it in many ways.

Hope this gives you some ideas, and thanks for all the help you give to the folks on the site.

Jack

Jack:

I am familiar with the Kindle and thought she would like one but at this point she is not interested. She is still in the "grieving process" about losing the printed page and feel of a real book.

So I thought the ipod would expose her to the benefits of the latest books at a reduced cost without having to fight the library thing.

Then when the time is right she could have a new Kindle in her future.

I am going to continue researching the alternatives to see what may be best....for her.

Thanks agian!!

The Ipod is a good choice. You can purchase audiobooks from iTunes, Amazon, or Audible.com
It will remember where you stopped the book and its easy to use.

I used to have a 4hr commute... audiobooks were a lifesaver.

The iTouch would be the best and it has all sorts of apps that she could load on it. Plus would give her internet access if she connected to a wifi signal.

RuffHaus:

Thaks for the input. I a planning on going over to the local Apple store and extracting their suggestions as well. I just may end up getting off of the hook for her birthday present if this little project works out right.

Thanks again.