What every audiobook junkie oughta know - Where to buy audiobooks #audiobooks

What every audiobook junkie oughta know!

Where to get audiobooks.

 

I'm putting together a guide for some of the best places to find good deals on Audiobooks.
But first let me tell you a little bit about the different formats, so it can help you decide which is the most convenient for you and your life style.

Downloads

IMO the best and most convenient format, find the book download to your phone or computer and you're listening. 
These  are done in most cases as an MP3 file, and I say most cases, because some vendors, like audible, encode their files with an especial technique that results in the file extension .aa - These types of files can not be converted to MP3, thus making them harder to share as you would share any regular song formatted as an MP3 and they will only play with your iTunes or the audible manager software. 

CD format

They do have the best sound quality, but the size of the file (WAV) is the biggest, resulting in each book having 10-15-25 + CDs, not very convenient, especially if you want to listen while you are doing other things besides driving. Also, this is the most expensive; however, these are easy to share, and you can also sell them or give them away as you would a regular book.

MP3 CD

These are my second favorite, right after downloads - Because an MP3 (usually a CD-R or CD-RW) file is a lot smaller than a wav, an entire book can fit on one CD, a lot more convenient and a lot easier to upload to the computer if you want to use iTunes or Media Player to transfer them to your device; nevertheless, they still more expensive than a regular download, but you can also share, give it away or sell it when you are done.

You have to make sure that your car or your device plays MP3s before you buy them. Older CD players and cars won't play this format.

Casstete tapes 

Who still uses these?






Now that you know all about formats, I'll give you some links to the best places I have found to shop. All these on line stores have sales, some you have be a member to enjoy and get the discounts, but others have occasionally great deals, and are worth keeping an eye on. 

Places I shop.

Audible.com - Membership
Audibooks.com - Membership
Tantor Audio - No membership
Amblings Books -No membership
Downpour   - Membership
Audiobook Stand - No membership
Itunes - No membership
Audio Go - No membership 
Tales 2go - For children


Rent them like movies (Netflix style)
Simply audiobooks


 Free Audiobooks:

Books Should Be Free
Librophile
Learn Out Loud
Livribox
Audiobook Treasury 
Free Audio Books. co. uk
ThoughtAudio.com  
Ambling Books
Bookbox - Children

 

Next on "What every audiobook junkie oughta know"

How to download from public library right to your phone or computer