Free Audiobooks from the Library
July 8, 2009 by IndyLux
Filed under Review, Windows Home Server, Zune
I recently discovered that my public library system in Indianapolis is now using a service called OverDrive to distribute digital audio books (as are many other libraries). After downloading a small Media Console you log onto your local library page and search for books. Some are available immediately and some you can add to your queue and receive when it’s available.
The console is clean and self explanatory. Books are downloaded in parts and stored on your machine. I chose to store the files on my home server which can be selected in the preferences. From the console, you can transfer the books to your portable audio device (a Zune in my case). Some titles can even be burned to CD from the console.
As you can see, I checked out a copy of The Call of the Wild by Jack London and was able to transfer it in under a minute. I synced my Zune and was off on my bike ride to work listening to a great audio book. I have 3 weeks to listen to it before I have to renew the item with my library.
I listen to several podcasts that have Audible.com as an advertiser. I tried it once as a promotion, but didn’t want to pay for a long term subscription. OverDrive is a fantastic FREE alternative that may not have the same selection of books, but will certainly keep me occupied for quite some time.
-Story by IndyLux (Chris Lux)
Thanks so much for posting this! Thanks to you, I have discovered a vast new resource for audiobooks for my daily commute. And the price is right! The system is great and was very fast in porting to my iPhone. I have had Audible for a number of years and while I enjoy that service, the quality, convenience and functionality of this rivals Audible’s. Quality is certainly a key concern. I have had some poorly performed books on Audible that I just couldn’t tolerate listening to (e.g., Lonesome Dove). So far, so good with the Overdrive setup. I like the way the player displays on the iPhone, especially the 30 second replay and the way the chapters are broken down. All-in-all a great service!
I should have said “poorly recorded” or “poor audio quality”, especially in Lonesome Dove’s case. Of course, Audible would likely credit the account without any issues, as I have found them to have very good customer service. My point was that the quality of the Overdrive audio has been very good and rivals that of Audible, in my experience. Pretty impressive for a ‘free’ service. YMMV.
Thank you very much for the imformative article.
Audible Coupon