The absolute best error correction (so I am told) is found in Exact Audio Copy (EAC) which is, sadly, Windows-only.

Both Max and EAC can rip to a single file, and they both have a variety of encoding options (though I do not know if EAC can encode directly to AAC) so you can just use that, import the rips into iTunes (Max can add its encoded files directly to your iTunes library) and then tag and sync.

All that said, I’ve never had a problem with simply using iTunes to rip audiobooks.

After much research I find that the new ZEN will not bookmark (or resume) on its SD expansion card which makes it useless for me. Best Buy’s Pilot Insignia also has lots going for it but I’m waiting on an answer from them about the expansion resume feature.

This puts me back to square one—APPLE—and probably an 8GB Nano which is a steal for $200. I guess there really is a reason why they don’t add all whistles and bells; what they do make is solid and it works well.

My inexpensive Sansas will resume and do everything I want for books but not as good as my iPod so they will do fine for WMP11. So, Michael, the iPod can’t really be beaten and it is clear why they sell so many. Just glad I didn’t make a mistake in buying right out of the box.

What’s your opinion of Wheel of Darkness by Preston and Child. I just read it as a first for them. You’re the expert so how does it rank?

I can get up to 6x when I import using error correction.

I’ve also taken to using a much, much faster external DVD burner for ripping, as the internal drive is terribly sluggish.

When I took out the error correction setting, I was able to rip at 6-7 minutes per CD at 6-16x!!! I haven’t a clue why it was checked and here I was erroneously blaming poor old iTunes. Finding this answer has made my day and I’ll give WMP 11 a rest. No telling what all that slow time did to my drive and mine is not under warranty.

Do go to the Creative Site and look at the new ZEN with 2.5 screen and it can be used with AAC files!!! An expansion card sweetens the pot. Still can’t find one in the wild but any day maybe.

You may have unleashed a monster on iTunes — Happy Listening, Donna

In iTunes, do you have the Preferences > Advanced > Importing > Use error correction when reading Audio CDs turned on (checked)? That would certainly explain the slowness of importing — as the setting itself explains in the help text below it.

I recommend unchecking this setting normally, and only using it if you have had problems importing a disc. Not only does it slow things down, but if the disc is seriously damaged, it can lock iTunes in an endless cycle of re-reading the disc to try to work around the error. I had one disc take 8 hours, and the cycle actually burned out my optical drive! (Repaired under warranty, thankfully.) Don’t check this setting, unless you’re going to monitor the import, and cancel it if it’s still not working.

• If you’re cost-conscious, or only care about audiobooks, my original recommendation, the 4 gig iPod nano, has become an even better deal. Even though I have had eight (!) iPods already, including four nanos, I will probably get one of these. It looks like a nearly perfect device.
• For $50 more, the 8 gig nano doubles your capacity, which can be nice, especially if you’re also interested in podcasts or music. But if you’re willing to closely manage your iPod’s content, it’s not a huge deal.
• I personally don’t find the iPod Touch compelling, but that could be because I already have an iPhone, which does more. The only reason to get an iPod Touch is if you simply cannot afford to have a mobile phone (a $75/month ongoing cost). I’m sure they’re out there, but I don’t know a lot of people who can afford an iPod Touch who can’t afford an iPhone + service plan.
• The iPod Classic is for people who have to take their entire collection everywhere. Personally, I think that’s silly, but I know I’m the weird one here.

What’s a guy to do?!