Downloading Audio Books

Step 1: Check your device. If you already own an MP3 player, check how much memory it has. Most audio books take about 100 megabytes of free space--you might have to delete some old files. If you don't have an MP3 player yet, you should keep in mind the size of books you'll be listening to, and how many books you'll want to be carrying at one time.

The type of MP3 player can also affect your choices.

Example: Apple iPods aren't compatible with any open-source audio book downloads, and rely on heavily restricted proprietary file formats. While some Apple users have used indirect methods to transfer files to their devices, this is illegal and not recommended.

Step 2: Find your source online. It's increasingly common for local libraries to offer downloads, and it's definitely the most cost-effective way to access MP3 audio books. There may be regulations dictating the number of users who can have access to a downloaded audio book at any given time (similar to the restrictions on print and CD or tape audio books) but it's still a great, low-cost way to try out downloading.

You can also check out free sources like Librivox, which are totally open-source audio efforts. They offer free downloads of older works, where the copyright has expired and the work has become part of the "public domain." Members are also invited to produce their own audio books.

Paid sources, like Simply Audiobooks or Audible, offer a broader selection with higher production values.

Step 3: Choose your book. Are you an unabridged devotee? Or you want a quicker, lighter listen?
Be mindful of the difference not just in run time, but also in file size.

Step 4: Download the book's "tracks" to your computer. Most sources will ask you to use Windows Media Player--the most recent version works best--to play your audio book from a computer. You might have to rename the tracks to make sure Windows Media Player keeps them in order, or group the tracks as an "album," with the tracks then numbered in order.

Step 5: Decide how you want to listen. Burn to CD-- using a rewritable one can save you money in the long run if you'll be burning CDs regularly.

Or "sync" to your handheld digital device-- just plug your MP3 player into your computer, and you'll be given the option to copy to the files to the handheld device. Make sure the transfer rates are compatible.