Comments on: Listen to Books and Newspapers with Audible Advisor

I think this is a really cool idea....
But not at a 130 bucks....
50 bucks is still pushing this..BUT depending on the subcription and content..Maybe... But if you ask me... it's pretty expesive to hear some talk through your visor.

Can you only use their content on it, or could this be used as a generic MP3 player?

BTW, I looked at Audible.com's website. How do you do a Dilbert book in audio only??

It's ashame that these devices don't allow you do use them for other purposes. Hopefully they will release information on interfacing with the device...

Anyone know the specs on the handspring phone and wether they have inofrmation to make 3rd party apps?

[http://www.mediathreat.net]

It's great to see that Audible has introduced a Springboard for Handspring devices, and I'd love to see something that works for Palm, too. But, it had better be improved over this latest offering. In short, if you want Audible content - and don't have to keep everything on a Springboard - there are better options currently.

Both my wife and I use Audible by way of an Iomega HipZip and a Diamond Rio 500. We both have extensive drives, so audio book content is a great alternative to the same old Top-40, commercial-laden radio stations. Plus, both our players can handle MP3s (which, by the looks of the detailed description, the new Springboard cannot). The Audible Lister program does end up being a great value if you listen to audio books frequently (compare the cost of the individual books & subscriptions vs. the monthly service charge).

However, as I said, if you're actually interested in getting the Audible content, there are better options right now. Currently, Audible has an offer where if you sign up for their Audible Listener Lite program (2 books per month), you can get a refurbished Diamond Rio 500 (64 MB plus an exansion slot, compared to the paltry 16 MB of the Springboard) for FREE. Four times more memory, expansion possibilities, plays MP3s, and they toss in a car cassette adapter. It's a far-and-away better deal than paying $50 bucks for the Springboard. I got the refurbished unit for my wife, and it works beautifully. Go the same Portable Players section on the Audible.com site that Ed mentioned in the main story, and you can find the Rio 500 Free offer (along with the new Springboard).

In short, Audible is great (browse their site to see the what content is available - I recommend the Robin Williams interview series), but unless you are really, really devoted to Springboards, I'd pass on this one and go for something else that is more flexible with digital audio formats, and has more memory.

- Jim

Is some kind of voice synthesis, so I can have downloaded news read to me in the car, or driving directions.

Has anything you want (at addition cost of $80, you can get a 64 MB MemStick which can store anything you want)

Interesting that this is announced the same day that Audible's CEO quits and 40% are laid off...

Are Handspring losing it ?

I believe that every product has its own use. The guy who wanted voice synthesis is hitting home for users who may actually NEED this feature... like for those who are sight-impaired, for instance.

When you look at it from that angle, it might open up many interesting possibilities for PDA makers to tap into this market, which is often overlooked.

PalmPlan
"The only constant in life is death"

I have had several problems with Audible. They continued to charge my credit card even though my plan was canceled. It took almost 2 months for them to respond to my e-mails and phone calls. When I did speak to a rep. they had no clue what to do. Downloaded files didnt always work. Sometimes it took 3 or 4 tries. Files can take a few hours to download. Questions to tech. support were returned with form letters saying to look on the web site for answers. The web site FAQ is very limited. RUN, dont walk, away from Audible!