I am searing for a piece of software that will batch convert (convert
a whole folder of files) WAV or WMA files into Mp3 files while I sip
coffee.

The program has to be downloadable from the Internet, not shippable to
me on a disk.

A free program would be great, but I am also willing to pay.

Your task is to show me where on the Internet to find such a program.

(I went through a lot of trouble to purchase Microsoft Windows PLUS!
only to find it would just convert WAVs only to WMAs, whereas I only
want Mp3's.)

Hi gnossie!!

There are a lot of tools, but almost shareware. There is one freeware
tool that cover all your needs but (there is always a but) you can use
the mp3 encoder for free only 30 days, after this time you must
purchase the mp3 license, this tool is in my opinion the best choice
in audio format conversion, and I strongly suggest you to use it:
dBpowerAMP Music Converter (dMC).
I have this program installed in my computer and tested the batch
conversion, it works. Note that you only use the batch conversion on
files that are located in the same folder.
The mp3 license costs only $14 .
dBpowerAMP Music Converter:
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm

Download it from here:
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/bin/dMC-r11.exe


You must install the WMA codec (WAV is included) from here (note that
there are two versions of the codec one for Windows XP and one for
previous versions of Windows):
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/codec-central-wma.htm

For more codecs see the Codec Central:
http://www.dbpoweramp.com/codec-central.htm

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There are some free tools to convert from WAV to MP3 that supports
batch mode conversion:
WaveNET mp3:
http://www.phoenixmediasoft.com/WaveNET/index.htm

WAV to MP3 Encoder: (free with adds)
http://www.mthreedev.com/index.htm

------------------------------------------------------

Other tools that support batch wav-->mp3 and wma-->mp3 conversion are
all shareware, but their prices are relatively low, also note that
most of them have a trial period to test the program, some with
restrictions and other full featured trials; read their descriptions
at each own page:

Audio Converter: ($20)
http://www.audconv.com/

Blaze MediaConvert: ($40)
http://mediaconvert.mystikmedia.com/

Advanced WMA Workshop: ($24.95)
http://www.litexmedia.com/wma_workshop/

MP3-OGG-WAV-WMA Converter: ($19.95)
http://www.mp3wavwma.com/

Hero Audio Convert: ($29.95)
http://www.heroshare.com/products/AudioConvert.php

WMA to MP3 Converter: ($24.95)
http://www.convert-wma-mp3.com/

WAV MP3 Converter: ($19.95)
http://www.audiotoolsfactory.com/wavmp3converter/wavmp3converter.htm

------------------------------------------------------

I hope that this helps you. Feel free to request for a clarification
if you need it.

Best regards,
livioflores-ga

Thanks!  Exactly what I was looking for.

http://www.mp3towav.com-http.com/downloads.html

one more for good measure

http://www.internet-streaming-media.com/windows-streaming-media/convert-windows-media-files.htm

have the best audio converter.