Difference between reading a book and listening to an audiobook

What are audiobooks
Audiobooks are books which are recorded as voice on CD, cassette or some other analog or digital format now like MP3 and AVI. These audiobooks can also be called as 'books on tape'; however cassette tape is not a popular media for Audiobooks at present. Almost all of the audiobooks now come on a digital format which is more reliable with ease of use. Around 75% of the audiobooks come on CDs and 10% are available as downloadable audiobooks on the internet on mp3 format. Audiobook industry is fast growing and recent survey showed it to be a 1.5 billion + dollar per year venture.
Presently the situation is that most audiobook publishers like to have their works available in dual editions as an audiobook and also as a readable physical format. It is yet a developing industry still to see a formidable change. There are estimated 25,000 different titles presently available on CDs, Cassettes or as downloadable format on the internet.
The magic of Audiobooks
The main benefit of an audiobook is that you can listen to your favorite book without stressing your eyes. They gained much popularity and acceptance after the advent of better and compact music players after the I-pod debut. It became easier for everybody to carry it along and listen to it while travelling or while working out in a gym.
Why Audiobooks?
Because of its ease of use and portability, audiobooks is a valuable mode of learning. You can listen to an audiobook while doing other tasks; however you might not be able to pay proper attention if the task is demanding. They can be used as a good and productive alternative to a radio and you may listen to these audiobooks while driving or while you have a walk in a garden. Many like to listen when they are in a mood to relax or sometimes surprisingly even in sleep. This might sound funny to you but sects of people who believe in the power of subconscious mind do not think so.
Audiobooks are of two types:
Unabridged Audiobooks
these are usual format Audiobooks where the narrator records the book in his plain voice without any special effects.
Abridged Audiobooks
abridged Audiobooks are the edited versions in which an abridger completely transforms the book with music and other special to make it more interesting and attractive for its listeners.
Audiobook events
There are 'Audie Awards' held in the spring every year to reward and recommend interesting Audiobooks on special genres for their achievements. Radio stations like BBC and others serialize their records and broadcast it to their listeners. It is sometimes read by the author or by the sound-artists of the audiobook.
How to make your own audiobook?
It isn't difficult at all! These days all you need is an amateur quality microphone and a computer. You can download and install from various audio-recording software available on the internet. You must prefer to use MP3 as your audio format as it is standard in the audiobook industry. Besides actual recording you can also create audiobook using 'text-to-speech' software. But that option would generate a more robotic voice which might not always be as pleasing as you are.
How much does it cost?
Audiobooks in the format of CDs or on cassettes are more expensive than the printed editions. Probably this is the main reason why its reach is less than other Medias like books. But this situation is experiencing a change and we are yet to see its effect. After the boom of Portable MP3 media players there is a free market being developed by various online companies which allow its user to even download the books for free. Still the titles available are limited but growing faster now in terms of quantity and quality. The growth is steady and expanding at great rate.
Audiobooks: An extra-edge
It is hard for people to read books especially if they are old, wear thick glasses or disabled in some other way. But if your ears are working alright, you can always listen to Audiobooks! In USA, the national Library of Congress provides free access of Audiobooks to the blind; they at times even mail the required items to their clients at no cost.