| Audio books are becoming more and more popular in | | | | For example, the LibriVox project allows volunteers |
| recent years partly due to the busy lifestyle of city | | | | to record some classic titles in the public domains. |
| dwellers and the popularity of MP3 players and iPods. | | | | The recordings are available for free download. |
| Unlike paperback books, you can listen to an audio | | | | However, the performance of these volunteers may |
| title anytime anywhere, while you are jogging, | | | | vary greatly. Some are good, some are monotone |
| shopping, or doing exercise. There are several ways | | | | and some may overact. In addition, the chapters are |
| to grab a copy of audio book. You can buy an audio | | | | usually read by different volunteers. Books in the |
| CD, download a digital audio file, or rent the audio CD. | | | | public domains refer to anything published in the U.S. |
| So which method is suitable for you? | | | | prior to 1923, so you will not have a chance to |
| Buying an audio book is more or less like buying a | | | | download the current bestsellers either. |
| paperback book. Audio CDs are available in many | | | | Other than buying or downloading, you can also rent |
| online book shops and book clubs. These audio CDs | | | | audio books online. Audio book rental is like DVD |
| are playable in any regular CD players. Alternatively, | | | | rental, you pay a monthly fee and rent one to three |
| you can also buy an audio book MP3/CD player which | | | | audio CDs at a time. There is no deal time or |
| is equipped with book navigation system, forward | | | | overdue fee. Once you finish listening to the audio |
| and reverse skipping by title, chapter or page, and | | | | CD, you can return it in the pre-paid envelope and |
| re-read replay function. Audio CD costs anywhere | | | | receive the next one on your book list. To avoid |
| from $20 to $60; and you can keep it as long as you | | | | shipping delay, you should join the two at a time plan. |
| want. | | | | After you finish the first book, return it and the third |
| You can also download an audio title from one of the | | | | book will be shipped to you while you are still listening |
| book resellers. Downloadable audio titles are recorded | | | | to the second book. Audio book rental is very |
| in MP3, WMA, Playaway and other digital formats. | | | | suitable for avid listeners. Theoretically, you can rent |
| The files can be played in your PC and portable | | | | unlimited audio CDs paying less than $30 a month. |
| device (iPod or MP3 players), or you can burn it to | | | | Unfortunately, the rental plan is only available in the |
| CD. You can choose to buy and download individual | | | | U.S., Canada, and some European countries. They are |
| audio titles, or pay a monthly subscription fee and | | | | not available for international listeners. |
| receive one to two free downloads per month. | | | | Whether you should buy, download or rent audio |
| Downloadable audio titles are usually less expensive | | | | books depends on your lifestyle, where you live, how |
| than audio CDs. Joining a download plan can help you | | | | often you listen to them, and your budget. |
| save even more. Downloadable audio titles are a | | | | Regardless of the method you choose, audio books |
| good choice for international listeners. You can | | | | are affordable, convenient and easily accessible. If |
| download them instantly without paying for shipping | | | | you enjoy reading paperback books, you should give |
| cost. | | | | audio books a try, it will be an entertaining and |
| Some web sites also provide free download service. | | | | enlightening experience. |