I probably represent most of USA population over 50 - I learn what technology is needed to get what I want.  Rather than being 'techno savvy', if it doesn't touch my real world, it is only peripheral information.  [my son is family IT department head and he has had infinite patience with me so far]  So, I think you will enjoy hearing of my newest want and learning experience.

Recently a customer comes into the store with her MP3 player – in my unqualified POV, it's an upgrade of a Walkman.  BUT as a fellow book addict, Mrs. EG snared my attention by expounding on how easy it is downloading audio books from library and popular web sites that fill the 'need to read' with audio books.

Because of this, I went to buy an MP3 player – specifically the one Mrs. EG showed me as she also showed me how it worked [Yep, free trial is another type of 'word of mouth'].  The one Mrs. EG recommended was out-of-stock; so I got an RCA PEARL at only 2¢ higher price.  You guessed it, this MP3 Player didn't function quite the same as the one demonstrated; so I was forced to drastic action – yep, I read the manual! 

The first thing I learned is that I have fat fingers – or most likely, I  am uncoordinated with those darn little buttons.  The next is that I can roll the MP3 player in T-shirt sleave just as my dad used to with his pack of cigs.  Do you think this retro-style holder will catch on? 

The MP3 Player came with free intro offer from AUDIBLE and eMUSIC which each included a free audio book [music? OK, I may download songs for background while I'm reading, but I want books!]  So, I'll admit that maybe 2 free audio books made the frustration worthwhile.  Also, McMillan Public Library [Wisconsin Rapids] is part of South Central Library System who used OVERDRIVE site for download of audio books [DRM is accepted by this MP3 Player] … more free listening to audiobooks!  

So, I start with EMUSIC.com where I downloaded Lois McMasters Bujold's A CIVIL CAMPAIGN [for those who read the Vorkosigan Series, this is when Miles ineptly courts his bride].  Unlike AUDIBLE where the download is one or two files, this is more like ripping a CD with many short files [for those who must interrupt listening to books for real life obligations, short files ARE an advantage when returning to story!] 

Now we find the techie glitch – when I start MP3 Player it begins on file 181 instead of 001.  So, I have to figure how to sort through the menu, etc. and get started at the beginning of my MP3 audioBook.  Then I find what I consider the next glitch – the battery lasts for estimated 15 hours – BUT unlike a cell phone and some more expensive players which you plug in to recharge, RCA PEARL uses AAA batteries.   Now, I have no trouble with that as I have 'recharge' batteries even if not with the plug-in ease of phone or laptop.  Also, it's only ONE little battery… but if I'm listening to an AUDIBLE book, I start at the beginning [no fast forward to find my place] and it is 'hit or miss' returning to last listened to file in EMUSIC [but a MUCH better option – much like standard CD audio books]

So, for those who have enjoyed learning my adventure in MP3 and audio technology, yes, I'd recommend an MP3 player for audiobook listening.  BUT for the future I am looking into including MP3 ability as part of my phone upgrade.  Presently I have a Kyocera which is phone/PALM which I read books, so why not add listening to books?

I hope others will share their adventures in everyday technology.  Who knows, I might be inspired into another adventure.