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Original poster

Audible, or cheaper alternatives? How do they work?

35 replies

sunflowerblue · 13/08/2017 07:58

Can I have a technophobes guide please.
I'm on a mission to generally simplify life (Marie Kondo I guess, but my own take on it).

I've started walking lots for exercise, and planning to start running again soon, and I've just started reading again after a bit of a break (just read the thread on 'going off' fiction, this was absolutely me! But all of a sudden I'm back in love with books). So I want to combine the 2, a 3 hour walk in the middle of nowhere with my favourite book being read to me sounds like bliss!

Would anyone mind explaining it to me please? I've stuck with music cds in the car and house up til now, and I'm ready to join the 21st century, but a bit lost and overwhelmed!
How does Audible work? How do I go from signing up to something on my laptop to walking with a story being told in my ears? Are there cheaper alternatives?

I need an idiot's guide Confused

OP posts:
scaredofthecity · 13/08/2017 08:18

try the library. My library uses overdrive and I can download audio books to my phone.
Also podcasts, you can download these as well, I really recommend serial to get you started.
Both download straight to your phone, no laptop required.

MrsNai · 13/08/2017 08:18

Audible has a great range and you can download the app then listen via your phone. As they do a free trial you could test it out.

ThursdayLastWeek · 13/08/2017 08:16

No a phone or iPad is fine. I think you can only access your library via the app but I'm happy to stand corrected.

I think you can have the app on 4 or 5 devices maybe?

Just try it!

Original poster
sunflowerblue · 13/08/2017 08:15

Do I need an MP3 player?

OP posts:
Original poster
sunflowerblue · 13/08/2017 08:14

Do I have to choose one place to download it to/from? Or could I download something onto my phone last minute if I feel spontaneous, or do it at home from the laptop if I'm being organised?

OP posts:
ThursdayLastWeek · 13/08/2017 08:13

Oh yeah I love podcasts too.
I don't find they use up too much battery on your phone, but if you've downloaded them you can always turn on airplane mode if you're worried.

ThursdayLastWeek · 13/08/2017 08:11

I use Audible and love it.

The subscription comes out of my account via direct debit every month and buys me one credit.

That credit is cheaper than a lot of the audio books in their site, but they also do very good offers that change monthly. They frequently have sales (but one get one free for e.g.) and the daily deal email. These Ines are worth spending real money on and using the credit for something newer/longer/better.

Once you buy a book it's in your 'cloud' and you download it to your device to listen. That's what's so good about having it in your phone for reasons toy described OP.

I listen walking the dog, running, doing chores or cooking, in the car. It's by far the subscription service I get the most out of.

Original poster
sunflowerblue · 13/08/2017 08:07

OOh responses so quickly! Thankyou!

Won't podcasts eat up my phone batteries though when I'm out?
I tried them briefly (My Dad Wrote a Porno! Was all the rage in the running groups last year....)

OP posts:
HoofWankingSpangleCunt · 13/08/2017 08:05

Audible works on a subscription basis. I use it for my DS as stories (currently Harry Potter) help him sleep. I get 1 credit a month which can get one book.
A free option is listening to podcasts. Do you have a smart phone? If so download an app such as podkicker. There are podcasts on absolutely everything. I've listened to podcssts about helping my ASD Ds and ones about history. "Stuff you missed in history class" is one of my favourites. Plus there are plenty thay might interest you regarding simplyfying your life. My dog walks have been transformed. I think there are also fiction ones available.
It can be a bit confusing at first so feel free to come back here or pm me.

abc12345 · 13/08/2017 08:02

I think I can get audio books for free from my library. Might be worth asking at your local