6 audiobook classics for under a dollar
One thing the iPhone has done is give a boost to audiobooks. They are a great way to pass the time while driving, sitting in an airport, or taking a long commute.
Audio Classics [App Store] is a US$0.99 app that contains 6 public domain books professionally read by a narrator. The app runs on both the iPhone and the iPod touch. The books include:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
(the original story that inspired the recent movie)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Time Machine
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Aesop's Fables (141 of them)
A Christmas Carol
The books include illustrations that pop up in context with what is being read. You can also have the phone vibrate when an image is coming up so you don't miss it. The app supports unlimited bookmarks, and an easy return to them. Navigating between chapters and books is simple.
Of course, these books are available in e-readers for free, but the presentation is nice, and you get them read to you. I think the illustrations are fine, but most people listen to these books and don't really want to watch the phone. Otherwise they could get the text-only versions of these books. When there is no illustration on screen, there is a level meter, which is nice but serves no real purpose.
Because of the high quality audio files, this app requires 700 MB of space to install, and after the app is on your device it needs only 350 MB to run. I wouldn't recommend downloading this app over 3G, or even WIFI. Just do an install through iTunes.
I think this is a well done app, and you're getting 6 audio books for less than US$0.20 apiece. Not bad, and a lot of entertainment value if you like the books that are included. When you're done listening to them all, be sure to delete the app and get all that precious space back.
Here are some screen shots:
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