Modern Music

Well, I joined the 21st century as regards music listening today.

Yep. Here it is. My very own MP3 player. Exciting isn't it?

No, it's not an iPod. I considered them--they've got that cool factor, and the cutting-edge, name-brand thing. But, see, I'm not yet really sure how much I'm going to get out of this player. I almost solely listen to music in the car. When I'm in the house, Mom's got the radio playing, or the television, and when I'm in my bedroom, I kind of appreciate the silence. At work, I listen to classical radio over the internet--anything with lyrics throws off my concentration. And, oh yes, I really hate listening to music through headphones. (Really, really dislike that, always have, and particularly dislike earbuds, which always seem to fall out on the rare occasions I use them. Not to mention the fact that I'm rather attached to my hearing.)

So, basically, I'd mostly be using this in the car, but of course, I don't have one of those handy stereos that I can just plug in an MP3 player and go--I'll need an adapter. So why, you're asking yourself, did I bother?

Well, one, I'd really like a way to listen to some of the podcasts out there without being tied to the computer. And then, I get tired of changing CDs in the car. (No, I don't have a cd-changer--one cd at a time.) Also, Mom and I are heading to Martha's Vineyard in four and a half weeks and we're bringing the 6th Harry Potter book along as our "trip" book . . . but considering the length of the book, I thought it would be nice if someone other than us could take over the out-loud reading once a while and so bought the audio cds . . . but again, wouldn't it be handier if I could just rip them all onto one handy little device rather than juggling twenty-something CDs?

And besides, well, it's a new toy, and who doesn't love a new toy? First of all, it was a great price. A SanDisk Sansa e140, which has a built-in 1GB of memory, and is tiny and light. It got decent reviews on CNet (better user reviews than the "official" one) and on Amazon. But, better, was that (1) it was on sale for $77--a perfectly decent price for a 1GB player, and (2) this is the best part, it's got a Sandisk expansion slot, and the 2GB cards were on sale for $60 . . . and even if I decide I don't need it for the player, it will fit in my camera, so it won't go to waste. I can always decide to "upgrade" later if I need to, but this seemed like a good place to start, don't you think?

Now, about my Webs order. I'm happy to be able to tell you that I got a nice e-mail today apologizing for the mix-up. They got more of the magenta Cascade 220 in today, and put some of it in a box and shipped it out to me this afternoon. I'm sending back the blue, which they'll credit when they get it. They even offered to add some of the Silky Wool back into my order, since they just got a shipment and have been disappointed by distribution issues with that yarn, but I don't know . . . dare I risk it? (grin). It was a very helpful e-mail, and I appreciate it. And so, of course, for the sake of fair reporting, naturally, I had to pass it on!

And . . . that's about it for tonight! I'm going to go back to reading my new book. (See, Shelley, I bought my own copy!)

Or . . . since my new player came with a coupon for three free downloads from audible.com, I could always go there . . . any suggestions for really good, well-read audible books?

Comments

[Jane]

Oh, I just love Audible! If you like non-fiction, I highly recommend "Salt: A History" Sounds boring, but is actually fascinating. I have so many favorites in non-fiction, it's hard to think of which to recommend.

[Anita]

You know, I just can't convince myself that an Ipod is a necessity. I bought a cheap Memorex player last year that I can "upsize" with SD cards--it works great and I don't have a heart attack trying to keep it from getting hurt.

[MeBeth]

I'm the same way - I can't listen to any music with words if I'm trying to concentrate!

[Carole]

I use my ipod in the car and nowhere else and I love it for that. I tried using my palm for music but it's not something I can drive and use at the same time like the Ipod with the click wheel.
As for audio books, you should pressure your local library to get Overdrive. It's a service that allows you to download audio books from home - for free - and they check back in automatically when they are due. It's a really really great thing. I can give you more information if you're interested.

[Kate]

Welcome to the modern world! I'm not 'there' yet--- I am MP3-less. Dan has one- he loves it. I was wondering, you have knit some lace and I am looking to knit my first lace project... I was thinking "Cozy" from knitty in a varigated Laceweight that Adrian over at Hello Yarn dyed for me. Any thoughts? I need something very "intro" but we have a few weddings/communions to attend.

I have ~700 yds.

Thanks,
Kate

[Lizzy B]

Heh, you have been assimilated! :) I couldn't get the amazon link to work, which book did you get?

[Snow]

Audible is a marvelous thing on an mp3 player, and I use my iPod mostly to listen to books while knitting -- although there's been less of that lately.

[JessaLu]

Any of the Elizabeth Peters books that are read by Barbara Rosenblat :o)

Glad to hear that Webs is making good.

[Annie]

Oooh, I loved listening to "Truth & Beauty: A Friendship" by Ann Patchett- it was read by the author, which made it even more touching.

[Chris]

The Harry Potter books are all brilliantly read by Jim Dale - you will love listening to them. I can tell you that, from Minneapolis to Hill City, SD, and back is exactly the length of the 6th Harry Potter book. :)

Anything that CJ Kritt reads is good. And I even got used to the guy who read all the books that were eventually pulled into John McPhee's Annals of the Former World.

[Rose]

Oh boy, I'm a Audible junkie. I love the books I've gotten through there. Some of my favorites are -

Middlesex by Jeffery Eugendies
Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexander Fuller
Company by Max Barry
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Memory of Running by Ron McLarty
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Also, check out your library - mine offers free downloads right from your home computer. It's in the PC format, so right now I'm working in getting software for my Mac that will convert to the IPod format.

This is a long post - so my last bit of advice is invest in earphones you are comfortable with - for a couple of months I spent the time not turning my head. (lol) My DH got me a new pair of awesome headphones that work with smaller ears and my enjoyment went way up.

[Kristen]

I'm a bit late in my catching up, but wanted to throw out my "laughs for the road" thanks to audible!

- The Devil Wears Prada
- The Shopaholic Series
- Bill Bryson's A Short Histroy of Nearly Everything
- America (The Audiobook) is hilarious
- Kitchen Confidential

please let us know what you decide on!