Yay, Audiobooks, or rather, Boo
Jessica Hopper got me all excited about the online-checkout-able digital audio books from the Chicago Public Library. Until I looked a little closer and realized that they require a special Windows-only media player and are definitely not iPod playable. Boo.
The CPL is about six years behind other major metro public library systems like those in Boston, NY, and Atlanta. All of them allow you to place holds on and even renew books on their online catalog. With this bizarre audiobooks thing, the CPL is taking minor steps… in the wrong direction.
Of course, you could always use one of those programs that rips from audio output, or you could patch your line out into your line in and record your own DRM free version that you could play on your ipod. of course, you still need to start with a win machine, you still need to install their crap, you have to research the software, etc. Major pain in the ass, but it is possible.
By the time I’d done all that, I could have walked over to the Harold Washington and checked out a regular CD audiobook.