MP3 gurus?

[StaceyS]

Hi!
I've recently started using my treadmill again and desperately want to get a MP3 player to download audio books from my library, but I have NO clue what to get. I'm pretty sure I don't need to spend $100. Please, someone who knows about these things - help me! I see some on Amazon for around $20 for 2 GB would this work?

[Libby]

I think you need to see how large the audio book file is. No point in d/l'ing it when it won't even fit on your mp3 player. Have you tried looking on eBay/kijiji/craigslist for a used or refurbished mp3 player? It may be cheaper as well. A coworker bought her iPod from the apple website directly in their clearance/refurbished section. She paid less then half for hers plus free shipping.

[Linus]

I'm an avid fan of the iPod Touch. The nice thing about it is the ability to read Kindle books and listen to audio books or even podcasts. I tend to listen to the news that way. The iPod shuffle (2GB is $59 while 4GB is $79 brand new) is a great one for exercise. My g/f has one and uses it for running and such. It's small and doesn't interfere.

I haven't tried an audio book on it but you should be able to fit one or two on there, I'm sure.

[Contrary Housewife]

What we have done is looked at computer/electronics websites and sale flyers to find something on sale in our price range, and then researched it on the web. Go to Google and enter in the brand and model number and the word "reviews". Also comparison shop on the web, sometimes you can find the exact model for a lot less through an online store, like Amazon, although it does make returns a bit of a hassle if it is broken or you hate it.

2GB should be plenty for listening to music. Find out how big your audiobook files are to see if you need a larger one.

[ncarr]

I have had both a regular Mp3 player and an iPod. I personally feel it is worth it to buy an iPod because of the ease of loading music and audiobooks on it through itunes. For exercise I recommend the nano. it is still small but it has a screen unlike the shuffle so you can select what you want to listen to. I second the suggestion of checking out apple's refurbished/clearance section.