Archive for the 'Art And Entertainment' Category

Plug in an Audiobook, Listen to your Favorite Book

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Bill Urell


Audiobooks are the audio version of popular literature. Books continue to be a great source of knowledge and entertainment for millions of readers the world over. The continuing strength of bookstores bear witness to continued popularity of books. However, not everyone may have the time to spare to sit down and concentrate on a paperback. It is difficult to read while you drive! To be able to cater to customers who still want to experience literature but can’t seem to find the time, audiobooks is the answer.

Almost any best selling paperback or hardback book is released simultaneously with an audio version. This allows individuals to listen to a book instead of investing time and effort into reading one. Because the eyes are freed from having to read, one can enjoy audiobooks while engaging in other activities. For instance, while on the treadmill or driving a car, you can enjoy the benefits of listening to an audio book at the same time.

With this solution, there can be no more excuse of not having the time to read. You can enjoy literature by integrating the spoken words into daily activities that allow you to multi task and make the most out of your time.

In the past, audiobooks used cassette tapes as its primary medium. With the onset of new audio technology however, audiobooks are now available in CDs, downloads and digital format such as MP3s. This allows for more flexibility and mobility as you can take your audiobooks with you on your portable CD or MP3 player.

Audiobooks are purchased in bookstores along with their paper counterparts. You can also purchase audiobooks online where you can download the digital audio files into your computer, which you can later transfer into your portable listening device. Whatever the medium, audiobooks undoubtedly make enjoying a book less complicated and difficult to do.

While true bibliophiles may frown upon the concept of audiobooks, there can be no denying that the audiobook experience can be even better than the traditional method of enjoying a book. Sometimes, when it is called for, audiobooks give the listener a full production complete with a dramatic rendition with music and sound effects. This makes for an exciting and colorful listening experience that brings the pages of books to life.

Audibook versions are not exclusive to fiction. Audiobook versions are made for all types of books including those of the self-help genre, from personal management to meditation. Some selfhelp audiobook versions are even narrated by their authors so that the listener can have the benefit of hearing the author’s advice instead of just reading it. This is especially helpful for individuals who are more receptive to auditory messages more than to those that are written.

Not all audiobooks are created equal. You may want to check whether you are purchasing an unabridged or abridged version. Abridged versions are truncated versions while unabridged versions are verbatim translations of written words into audio. For certain classics, you might want to make sure you get an unabridged version to ensure the integrity of your audiobook copy compared to its original written version.

Audiobooks are not intended to replace its paperback and hard book counterparts, but it is definitely a good solution for the times when you simply can’t afford to take time off to finish reading a book. With the solution that audiobooks bring, you can add literature into regular daily activities without extra investment in time. Just for fun, try an audiobook.



Spy Recording Gadgets

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
David H. Urmann


The more distinct features of mini digital voice recorders can provide spy recording capabilities to those who need it. It also features four unique models of recorders.

Mini digital voice recorders are mostly used as spy accessories or surveillance gadgets. Like any recorder, it can also record memos, seminars, lectures, and dictations. It can also store telephone conversations. Small units can be placed in the desk or inside the pocket. Some models can store from as low as 2 hours to a maximum of 20 to 30 hours worth of recording.

Manufacturers created and designed several mini recorders in several forms like pens, watches or key rings. Pens and watches function as recording devices while preserving their original functions (pen for writing, watches for giving time). Some models are extraordinarily small yet cover a wide frequency range. They have voice activation system which removes pauses during recordings. Other manufacturers also include LED indicators for monitoring with several color options. Some models are powered by lithium battery while some are solar-powered. Some recorders have metallic or wooden cases to disguise the recorder. Metal cases are designed to protect and avoid jamming.

Whether they are used as spy gadgets or for normal recording tasks, these mini recorders are built to create portable and easy to use units. Most of them are shockproof with no movable parts to ensure no jumping sounds.

Some features of mini digital voice recorders include

? Software with multiple language support

? Password protect for data storage

? Timer controls in recording

? Used as recorder and flash disc at the same time

? Built in microphone that is highly perceptive

? External microphone connectivity

? Push button operated

? Playback data using a transfer cable to a PC

? Pin number protected for advanced security

? MP3/ Wav audio formats

? Several recording modes to choose from

? One push recording capability

? Controlled by joystick

? Adapter connected

Some of the best mini digital disc recorders include:

- Ultra-thin Digital Voice Recorder

This recorder weighs 36g with a thickness of 6.5 millimeters. It is very thin yet powered with 1 Gigabyte of built-in memory. Aside from being a recorder, it is also used as MP3 player and USB flash drive. It is capable of recording 69 hours of WAV file audio. It has a microphone, built in speaker and headphone jack. It has pull out USB connector and swill out control buttons.

- Voice Recorder Pen

This recorder functions like the ordinary pen and at the same time a recorder. It is also used as data storage with MP3 playback. It records 64 hours of audio recording in 1 Gigabyte of built-in memory. Power comes from an internal USB rechargeable battery. Package accessories include a key chain attachment, earphones, pen refills, and pen software for old PCs.

- Wrist Watch Voice Recorder & Media Player

This recorder is a stylish watch equipped with 2 Gigabytes flash memory. It can record 180 hours of audio recording. It can be recharged thru a USB cable or an AC adapter/transformer. It has a separate battery power for its watch function. It has green, yellow and red light indicators. Package includes a wrist watch media player, and earphones.

- Deluxe Mini Digital Voice Recorder

It can record up to 60 seconds and is portable enough to be placed in pockets. It functions as a keychain with a built in LED flashlight. It has press buttons for record and play.