iPod nano

It may look like MP3 players are going the way of the dinosaur, as most smartphones now have the capability to play MP3 files. Who wants to carry around a separate audio player? But the small devices are still out there and in use, especially by children. Just about any MP3 player on the market will let you enjoy OverDrive audiobooks; the most common are Sandisk’s Sansa devices, Sony Walkman devices, and devices by Creative.

Of course, there’s also Apple’s range of iPods, as well as the iPhone. This fall, Apple updated the faces of its common iPods, as well as the iPhone. They’re all a little bigger. The iPhone 5 and iPod touch now have four- inch screens,  a little more power under the hood, as well as the new Retina display. For the iPhone 5, you have the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage options; the iPod touch only offers the latter two options. Both devices feature the new Apple Lightning connector for charging and syncing.  And since both devices run iOS, you can access library eBooks and audiobooks using the OverDrive Media Console app for iOS. (You can also transfer WMA audiobooks from a Windows computer.)

Joining the ranks of the “basic” MP3 player is the newest iPod nano, which features a 2.5-inch touchscreen. The nano does not run iOS, so you can’t install OverDrive Media Console for iOS, but you can still transfer MP3 audiobooks and select WMA Audiobooks.

Learn more about the latest devices for library eBooks:

• Holiday Gadget Guide, Part I
• Holiday Gadget Guide, Part II: Quinton’s Take
• iPad mini,
• Kindle Paperwhite,
• NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight,
• NOOK HD and HD+
• Kid-friendly tablets
• Microsoft Surface
• Windows Phone 8

Justin Noszek is a Support Services Specialist at OverDrive.