The Playaway Digital Audiobook is an interesting concept, to be sure. It combines the ease of books on tape as well as the convenience of an Ipod. Music lovers and book lovers alike are going to enjoy this product.

When I first read about the Playaway Digital Audiobook, I admit I was a little skeptical. After all, with all the technology out there, how was it going to be much different? However, I decided that the best way to address this issue was to have it delivered to my door and test out the thing.

Imagine my surprise when I coaxed it out of its mailer and took a first look. It was about the size of a pack of playing cards and was loaded with the bestselling novel The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The directions were simple - hit the power button and then press play. Thoughtfully, the company which makes these things provides earpieces as well as a lanyard so one clip makes it instantly portable. There is a trick to get the lanyard attached: slip the smallest part through the hole at the top of the Playaway (once you pop open the top) and hook it back through the side clips. Trust me, it is easier when you have it in your hands than to try and write about the process.

This being said, I found using the device fairly simple. One clever bit of hardwiring was to put in an automatic bookmark, which records the spot where you stopped listening. Picking up where one left off is a piece of cake. Since people are on the go a lot these days, this feature is going to come in handy.

I found the book was divided into short, easy-to-listen-to chapters. Each section is only about fifteen minutes, a clear improvement over books-on-tape. However, not having another book for comparison, I won't say this is the same across the board.

Although the buttons are the same for each Playaway, they change if one is listening to music rather than a book. The 'SP', for example, becomes 'shuffle play', where the order of songs shifts around for variety. A helpful chart of instructions is included which tells exactly where each button is located and the action it performs.

Perhaps the best feature of all is the ability to trade Playaways with friends. All you have to do is unclip the lanyard and remove the earpieces. Each unit functions in the same way, which means the equipment is always compatible. This gives the Playaway economic value, since a trade means not having to purchase the unit twice. On that note, there is a distinct difference between the Playaway and the Ipod. Since units contain complete books, purchasing a new one if you want another book is required. Still, this product is great value for the money!

For more on this product, plus how to use the Rewards program, go to http://playawaydigital.com.