Introduction:
Frequently asked questions about audiobooks, converting CDs, MP3s as they relate to iPods.
Your iPod will play and hold many audio books, a lot of music, photos and videos. A typical ten-hour book uses 140 mb of storage. Even the smallest Nano has plenty of room for several audio books along with a modest music, photo, and video collection. Size of the iPod makes it an ideal companion while exercising, commuting, waiting, or performing mundane tasks. You will find that listening to a good book is an effective and enjoyable way to absorb books for which you would not otherwise have time.
iPod will play any unprotected mp3, wav, or wma file, and audible.com and iTunes music store downloads.
Suggestion: Look over this thread and the other “sticky? threads at the top of the iLounge Books and Spoken Word Forum and use the forum search tool before posting a question.
Helpful links on iPod usage, updates, trouble shooting, Reset/restore, Manuals, Mac help, Apple iPod disussion, etc.
--------------HOW DO I? (HDI)----------------
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clicking opens a new window with answers, guides, and sometimes an iTunes screen shot.
CONVERTING TO BOOKMARKING
Below are the answers to How Do I (HDI) play an audiobook CD that I own or borrow from my library on my iPod? mp3 file? wma (Windows Media Player) file, audio cassette?
See these links for how-to Guides to convert to bookmarking iPod files from
CDs
MP3s
Cassettes
ANY SOUND Played on computer
MarkAble shareware CD/MP3 to iPod bookmark file
Audiobook FAQ with Screenshots
Burn CDs-AM&iTunes
My Book Recommends
What is bookmarking?
The guides are oriented to PC. How do I do a mac conversion? Click Here
Mac equivalent to MarkAble is "Audiobook Builder" (New 11-06)
Why pay $15 for MarkAble?
HDI make CDs, MP3s, etc., bookmarkable?
HDI get AAC files to show an extension so can change it to m4b to make it bookmark, play faster, and show in Audiobook folders?
HDI get my homemade audio files show up in Audiobook main menu of iPod, not play at iPod faster speed, and are included in music shuffle?
HDI make audio book (mp3 and other) files show up in Audiobook main menu of iPod and iTunes?
HDI find the m4b/m4a files I lost?
HDI get several files of one book in sequence to drag and drop onto iPod so they will play in order?
HDI get large numbers of mp3 files of one audio book to play in order?
Why ia there a Maximum File size and why do the guides recommend keeping files under 5 hours and 300 mb with a possible 13.5 hours?
HDI set/change importing options for iTunes (AAC, MP3, etc), Where?
MP3[AAC] is greyed out on r click convert to drop down. HDI get it to show?
Is it legal to copy audio files, electronic downloads, CDs, cassette tapes, protected files, etc., onto my iPod?
Is there a quick and easy way to make an mp3 file bookmark without time-consuming AAC conversion and difficulty of renaming file extension?
HDI reduce or split large MP3 files to below maximum recommended size prior to AAC Conversion?
HDI JOIN or merge m4a or m4b files to reduce the over all number of files for a book?
HDI make the file extension show when I need to change it from m4a to m4b?
HDI find, rename, and place a lost renamed file into my library? 1of3
HDI convert a file to AAC? To MP3? 1of 2
HDI set import and conversion preferences? 1of3
Is there a simple and easy way to convert files and CDs to iPod files?
HDI create an audiobook with fewer files than the one per CD of the Guide? YAMB m4a Joining Tutorial
ORGANIZING
tutorial on ipod connection and synchronization.
HDI override autosync when connecting iPod
What are smart play lists, how use them & will they assist in listening to books?
HDI manage and change file names and folders?
HDI create one or more smart playlists on my ipod to segregate and group audiobooks and drop off listened to files/sections of books?
HDI change the Name, genre, album, artist of a song/book? Group of songs/books?
iTunes
HDI find the hard disc location of a file in my iTunes Library?
HDI search for and find an audiobook in my iTunes Library? How do I place it on my manual synch iPod?1of2 Hint: Sort date added column descending to find recent additions
HDI Import MP3 audiobooks into iTunes (Aldo)
See also-1of2
HDI find the iTunes music Folder location, set file options, set default player, change default location to a hard drive, keep it organized, and add files to iTunes Music Folder which are imported into iTunes Library?
Ripping CDs
How do I fix gaps when ripping a CD (good audio CDs rip with big gaps or skips)?
iPod Usage
Where can I find a tutorial on using my iPod? (Apple's iPod 101+)
HDI prevent book chapters / lectures from playing when I 'shuffle songs'
How many books will my iPod hold; how much iPod space does an Audio Book require?
My iPod freezes or doesn't respond properly for a discernable reason. What do I do?
When and how do I reset my iPod. – my iPod is acting strangely or doing nothing?
HDI set iPod to auto synch or to manual synch?
How do I prevent an auto synch from wiping out all my iPod contents when connecting to a computer whose iTunes Library does not mirror my iPod?
HDI keep an auto synch from placing all my audio books on my iPod?
HDI add audiobooks to my manual synch iPod?
HDI remove listened to books from my manual synched iPod?
Why does my iPod display the apple logo when it turns on?
Why does my iPod lose its bookmark?
HDI get categories that I want to show up on my iPod main menu?
HDI keep my computer from downloading all my iTunes audiobooks onto my iPod when I auto synch?
HDI remove listened to books from my auto synch iPod?
Do I need to take listened-to audiobooks off my computer?
Q.What are the tips and tricks to listening to audiobooks on my ipod? under construction
HDI fast forward and reverse an iPod audio book?
HDI make my iPod play at the fast or slower listening speeds?
There is an echo on my iPod, How do I fix it?[/u]
GENERAL AUDIOBOOK
Is listening to a book cheating? Can I say I read the book? What are the differences? What can I say to the snob who says "I prefer old-fashioned, traditional paper books?"
Where can I find audio books that play on my iPod?
Are there many audio books available?
Are they expensive?
What Kinds?
Are they all abridged?
Where can I find good audiobooks?
What kinds of audiobooks will not play on my iPod?
Should I buy abridged or unabridged versions?
What kinds of books are good to listen to during a trip?
MORE FAQs
Aldoblog FAQs Scroll down to see these FAQs below.
iLounge FAQ's
Apple's iPod FAQs
SEARCH -- Q.How do I get an answer to question not here? How do I do a search
HDI get an answer to question not here? HDI do a search? Where do I look?
Posting Etiquette -- Look before posting.
PM me a question you nominate for an FAQ
See Basic etiquette and issues of posting below and,
before Posting a Question or Problem, determine if your question is answered in
FAQs. earlier in this thread OR Helpful Links and FAQs for iPodders interested in Audio Books OR iLounge FAQs.
iLounge Administrators, Moderators, and members are all happy provide help, but it is tiring and time consuming to answer the same questions over and over in the forums. Visit this iLounge page for links to News, Downloads, Forums, Gear, Help, Articles, etc. Read the titles to the sticky threads at the top of the Books and Spoken Word forum to see if any of them are likely to answer to question. It is amazing how many people skip right over the stickies and ask, "How do I convert a CD to an iPod file?"
Use the iLounge Forums search facility. There's a good chance your question has been answered before (perhaps multiple times), or that the same topic has already been started. Do not begin a new thread unless you have exhausted the search function and there is no existing thread on that topic. Some search hints:
Use the search “This Forum” search found on individual forum pages for issues appropriate to only that forum. Click on this link iLounge Forums search facility to search all the forums.
Basic query: separate your search terms with spaces.
Query with 3 letters or less: Try using asterisks (*) around your search term. Example: *USB cable*
Advanced query: Join words with AND, OR and NOT to control your search in more detail.
Add asterisks (*) to use wild cards in your search (*bullet* matches vBulletin etc.)
Check “Show results as posts” to reach specific posts on the subject.
Basic etiquette and issues of posting?
After, and only after, exhausting the resources above, post in an existing thread on the topic – new posts bump a thread to the top of the forum where someone who can help will quickly see it. Create a new thread only if none on that subject exist. To increase the chances you will get a quick and accurate reply, follow these guidelines and provide details when posting your question:
· Find a thread topic that corresponds with your issue.
· Click on Reply, or if you absolutely cannot find a matching topic, on post a new topic.
· Provide an meaningful and descriptive subject line. Not merely Help, Audiobook, Audible.com, etc. Members will give faster and better responses to posts with descriptive and complete subject lines.
· Describe your problem or question as completely as possible.
· Be nice. Be patient.
· Stay on topic.
· Utilize the Edit button to edit your post after posting.
· Provide the following details in your post or in your signature:
· iPod format (Mac or Windows)
· iPod firmware version
· Computer type / model (PC or Mac)
· Operating system and release level
· iPod updater and iTunes release level
Aldo on Audiobooks for iPod and iTunes (one link to list of all these FAQs):
How do I get my audiobook to appear in the Audiobooks menu on my iPod?
I imported two books on CD following your instructions. One shows up in the Audiobooks menu on my iPod, the other does not. How come?
I tried all of your suggestions, and my audiobooks still won’t show up in the Audiobooks menu. Is there anything else I can do?
Is there a way to sort or group the audiobook tracks in the Audiobooks menu on my iPod? Like, say, by author, or by book, instead of listing every single individual book track?
Why do I need to convert tracks to Protected AAC? Why do I need to make the tracks bookmarkable?
Why is the Join CD Tracks menu item dimmed in the Advanced menu?
Is it possible to join the tracks of already existing albums or is that done as part of the recording process?
The Make Bookmarkable script is nice for Mac users, but how do I do this in Windows?
How do I change the file extension in Windows? I can’t even see the file extensions!
I use Windows and I’m importing a lot of books. Renaming all those files seems like a pain in the butt! Is there any way to automate it?
When I rename the files as described, iTunes loses them! How do I fix this, or make it not happen?
Will these instructions work with an iPod shuffle?
I use iTunes, but I don’t have an iPod, I have a different player. Will these instructions work for me?
Many public libraries now allow you to “check out” downloadable versions of audio books, just like checking out tape or CD versions, but more convenient. But they won’t play on an iPod! Is there a way to get them to play on an iPod?
I have all my audiobooks on cassette tapes. Is there any way to get them onto my iPod?
On top right of this linked page:
Importing Audio CD audiobooks into iTunes
Importing MP3 audiobooks into iTunes
Optimal iTunes Import Settings for Audiobooks
Audiobook Recommendations
Where to Get Audiobooks
Which iPod Should I Buy?
Frequently asked questions about audiobooks, converting CDs, MP3s as they relate to iPods.
Your iPod will play and hold many audio books, a lot of music, photos and videos. A typical ten-hour book uses 140 mb of storage. Even the smallest Nano has plenty of room for several audio books along with a modest music, photo, and video collection. Size of the iPod makes it an ideal companion while exercising, commuting, waiting, or performing mundane tasks. You will find that listening to a good book is an effective and enjoyable way to absorb books for which you would not otherwise have time.
iPod will play any unprotected mp3, wav, or wma file, and audible.com and iTunes music store downloads.
Suggestion: Look over this thread and the other “sticky? threads at the top of the iLounge Books and Spoken Word Forum and use the forum search tool before posting a question.
Helpful links on iPod usage, updates, trouble shooting, Reset/restore, Manuals, Mac help, Apple iPod disussion, etc.
--------------HOW DO I? (HDI)----------------
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clicking opens a new window with answers, guides, and sometimes an iTunes screen shot.
CONVERTING TO BOOKMARKING
Below are the answers to How Do I (HDI) play an audiobook CD that I own or borrow from my library on my iPod? mp3 file? wma (Windows Media Player) file, audio cassette?
See these links for how-to Guides to convert to bookmarking iPod files from
CDs
MP3s
Cassettes
ANY SOUND Played on computer
MarkAble shareware CD/MP3 to iPod bookmark file
Audiobook FAQ with Screenshots
Burn CDs-AM&iTunes
My Book Recommends
What is bookmarking?
The guides are oriented to PC. How do I do a mac conversion? Click Here
Mac equivalent to MarkAble is "Audiobook Builder" (New 11-06)
Why pay $15 for MarkAble?
HDI make CDs, MP3s, etc., bookmarkable?
HDI get AAC files to show an extension so can change it to m4b to make it bookmark, play faster, and show in Audiobook folders?
HDI get my homemade audio files show up in Audiobook main menu of iPod, not play at iPod faster speed, and are included in music shuffle?
HDI make audio book (mp3 and other) files show up in Audiobook main menu of iPod and iTunes?
HDI find the m4b/m4a files I lost?
HDI get several files of one book in sequence to drag and drop onto iPod so they will play in order?
HDI get large numbers of mp3 files of one audio book to play in order?
Why ia there a Maximum File size and why do the guides recommend keeping files under 5 hours and 300 mb with a possible 13.5 hours?
HDI set/change importing options for iTunes (AAC, MP3, etc), Where?
MP3[AAC] is greyed out on r click convert to drop down. HDI get it to show?
Is it legal to copy audio files, electronic downloads, CDs, cassette tapes, protected files, etc., onto my iPod?
Is there a quick and easy way to make an mp3 file bookmark without time-consuming AAC conversion and difficulty of renaming file extension?
HDI reduce or split large MP3 files to below maximum recommended size prior to AAC Conversion?
HDI JOIN or merge m4a or m4b files to reduce the over all number of files for a book?
HDI make the file extension show when I need to change it from m4a to m4b?
HDI find, rename, and place a lost renamed file into my library? 1of3
HDI convert a file to AAC? To MP3? 1of 2
HDI set import and conversion preferences? 1of3
Is there a simple and easy way to convert files and CDs to iPod files?
HDI create an audiobook with fewer files than the one per CD of the Guide? YAMB m4a Joining Tutorial
ORGANIZING
tutorial on ipod connection and synchronization.
HDI override autosync when connecting iPod
What are smart play lists, how use them & will they assist in listening to books?
HDI manage and change file names and folders?
HDI create one or more smart playlists on my ipod to segregate and group audiobooks and drop off listened to files/sections of books?
HDI change the Name, genre, album, artist of a song/book? Group of songs/books?
iTunes
HDI find the hard disc location of a file in my iTunes Library?
HDI search for and find an audiobook in my iTunes Library? How do I place it on my manual synch iPod?1of2 Hint: Sort date added column descending to find recent additions
HDI Import MP3 audiobooks into iTunes (Aldo)
See also-1of2
HDI find the iTunes music Folder location, set file options, set default player, change default location to a hard drive, keep it organized, and add files to iTunes Music Folder which are imported into iTunes Library?
Ripping CDs
How do I fix gaps when ripping a CD (good audio CDs rip with big gaps or skips)?
iPod Usage
Where can I find a tutorial on using my iPod? (Apple's iPod 101+)
HDI prevent book chapters / lectures from playing when I 'shuffle songs'
How many books will my iPod hold; how much iPod space does an Audio Book require?
My iPod freezes or doesn't respond properly for a discernable reason. What do I do?
When and how do I reset my iPod. – my iPod is acting strangely or doing nothing?
HDI set iPod to auto synch or to manual synch?
How do I prevent an auto synch from wiping out all my iPod contents when connecting to a computer whose iTunes Library does not mirror my iPod?
HDI keep an auto synch from placing all my audio books on my iPod?
HDI add audiobooks to my manual synch iPod?
HDI remove listened to books from my manual synched iPod?
Why does my iPod display the apple logo when it turns on?
Why does my iPod lose its bookmark?
HDI get categories that I want to show up on my iPod main menu?
HDI keep my computer from downloading all my iTunes audiobooks onto my iPod when I auto synch?
HDI remove listened to books from my auto synch iPod?
Do I need to take listened-to audiobooks off my computer?
Q.What are the tips and tricks to listening to audiobooks on my ipod? under construction
HDI fast forward and reverse an iPod audio book?
HDI make my iPod play at the fast or slower listening speeds?
There is an echo on my iPod, How do I fix it?[/u]
GENERAL AUDIOBOOK
Is listening to a book cheating? Can I say I read the book? What are the differences? What can I say to the snob who says "I prefer old-fashioned, traditional paper books?"
Where can I find audio books that play on my iPod?
Are there many audio books available?
Are they expensive?
What Kinds?
Are they all abridged?
Where can I find good audiobooks?
What kinds of audiobooks will not play on my iPod?
Should I buy abridged or unabridged versions?
What kinds of books are good to listen to during a trip?
MORE FAQs
Aldoblog FAQs Scroll down to see these FAQs below.
iLounge FAQ's
Apple's iPod FAQs
SEARCH -- Q.How do I get an answer to question not here? How do I do a search
HDI get an answer to question not here? HDI do a search? Where do I look?
Posting Etiquette -- Look before posting.
PM me a question you nominate for an FAQ
See Basic etiquette and issues of posting below and,
before Posting a Question or Problem, determine if your question is answered in
FAQs. earlier in this thread OR Helpful Links and FAQs for iPodders interested in Audio Books OR iLounge FAQs.
iLounge Administrators, Moderators, and members are all happy provide help, but it is tiring and time consuming to answer the same questions over and over in the forums. Visit this iLounge page for links to News, Downloads, Forums, Gear, Help, Articles, etc. Read the titles to the sticky threads at the top of the Books and Spoken Word forum to see if any of them are likely to answer to question. It is amazing how many people skip right over the stickies and ask, "How do I convert a CD to an iPod file?"
Use the iLounge Forums search facility. There's a good chance your question has been answered before (perhaps multiple times), or that the same topic has already been started. Do not begin a new thread unless you have exhausted the search function and there is no existing thread on that topic. Some search hints:
Use the search “This Forum” search found on individual forum pages for issues appropriate to only that forum. Click on this link iLounge Forums search facility to search all the forums.
Basic query: separate your search terms with spaces.
Query with 3 letters or less: Try using asterisks (*) around your search term. Example: *USB cable*
Advanced query: Join words with AND, OR and NOT to control your search in more detail.
Add asterisks (*) to use wild cards in your search (*bullet* matches vBulletin etc.)
Check “Show results as posts” to reach specific posts on the subject.
Basic etiquette and issues of posting?
After, and only after, exhausting the resources above, post in an existing thread on the topic – new posts bump a thread to the top of the forum where someone who can help will quickly see it. Create a new thread only if none on that subject exist. To increase the chances you will get a quick and accurate reply, follow these guidelines and provide details when posting your question:
· Find a thread topic that corresponds with your issue.
· Click on Reply, or if you absolutely cannot find a matching topic, on post a new topic.
· Provide an meaningful and descriptive subject line. Not merely Help, Audiobook, Audible.com, etc. Members will give faster and better responses to posts with descriptive and complete subject lines.
· Describe your problem or question as completely as possible.
· Be nice. Be patient.
· Stay on topic.
· Utilize the Edit button to edit your post after posting.
· Provide the following details in your post or in your signature:
· iPod format (Mac or Windows)
· iPod firmware version
· Computer type / model (PC or Mac)
· Operating system and release level
· iPod updater and iTunes release level
Aldo on Audiobooks for iPod and iTunes (one link to list of all these FAQs):
How do I get my audiobook to appear in the Audiobooks menu on my iPod?
I imported two books on CD following your instructions. One shows up in the Audiobooks menu on my iPod, the other does not. How come?
I tried all of your suggestions, and my audiobooks still won’t show up in the Audiobooks menu. Is there anything else I can do?
Is there a way to sort or group the audiobook tracks in the Audiobooks menu on my iPod? Like, say, by author, or by book, instead of listing every single individual book track?
Why do I need to convert tracks to Protected AAC? Why do I need to make the tracks bookmarkable?
Why is the Join CD Tracks menu item dimmed in the Advanced menu?
Is it possible to join the tracks of already existing albums or is that done as part of the recording process?
The Make Bookmarkable script is nice for Mac users, but how do I do this in Windows?
How do I change the file extension in Windows? I can’t even see the file extensions!
I use Windows and I’m importing a lot of books. Renaming all those files seems like a pain in the butt! Is there any way to automate it?
When I rename the files as described, iTunes loses them! How do I fix this, or make it not happen?
Will these instructions work with an iPod shuffle?
I use iTunes, but I don’t have an iPod, I have a different player. Will these instructions work for me?
Many public libraries now allow you to “check out” downloadable versions of audio books, just like checking out tape or CD versions, but more convenient. But they won’t play on an iPod! Is there a way to get them to play on an iPod?
I have all my audiobooks on cassette tapes. Is there any way to get them onto my iPod?
On top right of this linked page:
Importing Audio CD audiobooks into iTunes
Importing MP3 audiobooks into iTunes
Optimal iTunes Import Settings for Audiobooks
Audiobook Recommendations
Where to Get Audiobooks
Which iPod Should I Buy?
Last edited: