[Hidden-tech] Please recommend MP3 player for tech-shy person

[Jan Werner]

One question I have is how will the audiobooks be loaded onto the 
device. I personally can't stand iTunes, but for beginners, it may be 
the easiest way to go. On the other hand, I don't think any of the iPods 
meet your other criteria because the controls are NOT easy to use for 
elderly people or others with poor eyesight or hand coordination. Apple 
products are also expensive.

I'd suggest looking at the Sansa Clip. It's very small and basic, 
supports the Audible audiobook format and includes an FM radio. Perhaps 
most important for the kind of user you are talking about, it has a 
physical volume control on the side and the controls on the front can be 
operated blind. It's also inexpensive - you can get an 8GB version for 
under $75 or a refurb for under $50.

On a Windows PC, you can use Windows Media Player to manage files. 
Alternatively, you can set it to a mode where it simply shows up as a 
removable drive when plugged into a USB port (no drivers required) and 
you can just copy or drag files to the player, which I assume would work 
with a Mac.

Jan Werner
___________

Marcia Yudkin wrote:
> ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's
> area. ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
> Hi there,
>
> I would like to buy an MP3 player for someone who is not very good
> with gadgets.  It has to be:
>
> * extremely easy to use
>
> * have controls that are accessible for someone with imperfect
> eyesight and finger coordination
>
> * compatible with library audiobooks
>
> * a price tag of $100 or less would be nice
>
> She will use it for listening to audiobooks, not music.
>
> Think of something you would recommend for someone who has mastered
> use of a cell phone and regular email/browsing on a computer and very
> little more complicated than that.
>
> Most of the MP3 players I have seen have hard to manage, unlabeled
> buttons and overly techy instructions or no instructions.  The one I
> bought as a gift for my sister two years ago turned out to be
> incompatible with Audible.com and public library audiobooks.  This is
> for someone else, but I don't want to make a similar mistake!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Marcia Yudkin Goshen
>
>
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