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Question

mp3 player for audio books and podcasts

Sep 2, 2012 2:39AM PDT

Hi all,

I have an old Archos 204 mp3 player that I've used for listening to audio books and podcasts for many a year. Unfortunately the screen has dimmed so much it's virtually unusable and so the machine needs replacing.

My replacement player MUST have the ability to place multiple bookmarks. This is essential. Many players used to have this facility but seemingly few do so now,

I'm not bothered about video or showing photo's on it as all it will be used for is audio books and podcasts. I download free books from my library website and also use mp3 cd audio books so any compaptibility with Audible.com isn't necessary.

The player would preferably have physical buttons though I could tolerate a touch screen interface if need be.

I thought of using a basic Android phone just as an mp3 player. Is there any reason why I could not do this? I see the Samsung Galaxy Europa is available at Carphone Warehouse for £35 (UK) plus top up on PAYG. If this is the route I follow is it possible to switch off phone signal so as it does not search for signal? I don't wish to have the phone transmit micrto waves (or whatever they transmit...) through my body for 6 to 8 hours per day or I'd used my existing smartphone as a player.

I did have a Sansa Clip until the volume button broke. In any case I found the file system a tad confusing and not as simple to bookmark as my Archos.

Less than £80 would be nice! I've no problem with refurbished goods.

I understand that goods available here n the UK may be different from your country but any ideas would be appreciated.



Thanks in anticipation!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
As to the phone.
Sep 2, 2012 2:58AM PDT

I put my phone into airplane mode during a trip to block it from searching for a cell connection. And even if I didn't do that, if I had no cell plan leaving it on would do no harm other than a little less battery life. Hope that covers that angle.

As to the other issues, I've heard such requests before but don't see such products in the stores.
Bob

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mp3 player
Sep 2, 2012 7:28PM PDT

Am grateful for your input Bob. Many thanks. Will probably go the smartphone route if I can't find a stand-alone player with real buttons. Also thought of using a Bluetooth headset to connect to my present smartphone but, yet again, that means radio waves passing through my head constantly (many would say that radio waves going through by head is akin to them going through space........ Happy ) which I'd rather avoid.

Have looked at the Phillips Raga mp3players but don't think they support multiple bookmarks though they seem to resume to last listening place. Will contact Phillips support.

If anyone else has other ideas please do post. Thanks.