I am trying to decide what kind of device to buy for our upcoming Europe trip. I don't have a big need for email, but would like to be able to do a quick web search for a restaurant or train timetable. Also would like to take guidebooks in an electronic reader format (leaning towards Kindle) but also want to download Rick's audio guides. Are the audio guides available in a format for Kindle? It would be cheaper for us to buy 2 Kindles than 2 ipod touches. It has been noted elsewhere that trying to share headphones with one device for an audio tour is very awkward. thanks
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2601 posts
Be aware the $79 base model Kindle does not play music or audio files (if you're counting on that for cost savings). The benefit of an iPod touch is much, much, much easier web browsing. Trust me, I have both and even a "quick" internet look-up on the Kindle is horrifyingly difficult and slow. Guidebooks are much easier to read on the Kindle, though you can get a Kindle reader for the iPod and still make do. Why not consider getting one of each? You could also get a earlier generation iPod and save $.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
" Are the audio guides available in a format for Kindle?" Nope - Apple and Android devices only.
Posted by
OP
Beachwood, OH, USA
27 posts
That is too bad. However, I have now discovered that you can simply download them as an mp3 and play on any mp3 player, not just the expensive ipod touch.
thanks
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
They can be used on any device that can play MP3s...including the Kindle. More info here: http://tinyurl.com/692jrbu For better results store the MP3s in the "audible" folder, and use the app for Audible audio books.
Posted by
OP
Beachwood, OH, USA
27 posts
Hi Michael,
It looks like from that link that you can't select a particular mp3 file. So for example, I couldn't select the audio tour of the Roman Forum versus a street tour of Florence. Or am I missing something. thanks!
Posted by
Freedonia
16044 posts
I just downloaded a couple of his audio tours to my Kindle Touch with no problem. Here's what I did: 1) Go to the RS Audio tour website:
http://www.ricksteves.com/news/audio-tours.htm 2) Pick the category you want. 3) Choose the tour you want. 4) Right click on it and press "Save file as" 5) Decide where you want to save the file and save it. 6) Once downloaded, plug in your Kindle to the computer. 7) Then manually drag the audio tour mp3 file to the "audible" section of the Kindle. They will show up as "music" selections but separately on the home page.