Playaways at the Readers Place of the Harford County Public Library

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Harford County Public Library brings you new format for your listening pleasure: the Playaway digital audiobook! Each palm-sized unit is loaded with its own audio book so you can search for them by title.
Getting started is simple! Plug earphones into universal headphone jack. Press the Power button. Press Playaway button and enjoy!	Catalog Quick Search (any word) Use "Playaway" as one of your keywords to search for our list of available titles. For more detailed instructions of the function buttons, please download and print this User Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Playaway?
Playaway is the newest format of audio, combining a wide variety of content with an easy-to-use player all in one small unit. When you receive your Playaway, all you have to do is press play to start listening immediately – there is no need for a separate player, and it comes with a battery to make it play. Playaway is the most simple and immediate way to enjoy music and audiobooks. Its portability allows users to enjoy their favorite authors and titles on-the-go, whenever and wherever. What makes Playaway unique? Playaway is the easiest way to listen to a book or music – the only thing you need to do is press play! Each Playaway contains an entire book or music compilation, regardless of length (up to 80 hours!). A Playaway weighs only 2 ounces and can easily fit in a pocket for ultimate portability and multitasking. They come with an automatic bookmark function that remembers where you left off. Playaways have a universal headphone jack that can be used with a number of mobility accessories including portable speakers, FM transmitters, and audio cables to listen in virtually any environment.
Do I need anything special to listen?
No, just headphones or earbuds (not provided by the libary). Everything you need for a single book is all in one package. You will receive one complimentary battery, but it may not be enough for the entire book. Because so many listeners use and prefer their own earphones, they are not circulated along with the Playaway. Ear-buds are available for purchase at the circulation desk for a nominal charge of $1.00.
How do I change the batteries?

How do I know how much battery is left in my unit?
The Playaway has a small battery icon that is displayed on the screen. There are 4 levels of battery life reflected in the icon. When one bar is left, you have 20% power left.
What do I do if the Playaway locks up?
Like any good storyteller, sometimes the PLAYAWAY just needs a moment to catch its breath. First, turn it on and off. If that doesn't solve the problem, remove and reinsert the battery.
What does the audio sound like on a Playaway?
Playaway audio is of equal or greater quality to digital downloads available today.
How does Playaway compare to digital downloads and other forms of on-the-go downloading like cell phones?
Playaway comes pre-loaded with digital content, so it does not require information transfer fees, subscriptions, memberships, or even an Internet connection. Just plug-in your headphones and listen wherever you go.
Why can't I add, delete or transfer content to or from a Playaway?
In order to protect the copyrighted works of authors and publishers as traditional books do, you are unable to make copies of Playaway.
Can I use the Playaway in my car?
Yes, each Playaway has a universal headphone jack that can be used with most of the commonly available car adapters on the market, including cassette adapters and FM transmitters.
If the Playaway starts acting funny (skipping, et cetra) what can I do?
While the Playaway should not be serviced by anyone other than certified personnel, simply changing the battery seems to fix most glitches that can occur.