Playaways
Have you heard? There’s a new way to listen to audiobooks!
If you aren’t familiar with Playaways, you’ll want to check them out. A Playaway is a small audio player - half the size of a deck of cards - that comes preloaded with an entire audiobook, regardless of length. You don’t need a separate player, and you don’t have to worry about several cassettes or CDS… just press play! They’re small enough to carry around in your pocket – so your favorite book can go anywhere you do!
Using clearly-marked buttons, Playaway gives listeners the ability to move back and forth within or between chapters and alter the speed of a narrator’s voice. It even has an automatic bookmark feature that remembers where you left off. Playaway has a universal headphone jack that works with almost any type of headphone.
Because so many listeners prefer to use their own earphones, the Playaways are not being circulated with earphones. However, earbuds are available at the Information Desk on the Second Floor of the Library for a nominal charge of $1.00. Batteries are also the responsibility of the user.
Check them out on the main floor of the library or request them online by searching the Library catalogue for Playaway by subject or keyword.
Playaway Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How big is a Playaway and how much content can it hold?
Playaway is about half the size of a deck of cards and holds content up to 80 hours of play time.
How do I change the battery?
Locate the battery door at the wide base of the player. Then, use your thumb, coin or a screwdriver to push the door away from the player so it snaps off. Some battery covers may be harder to remove then others, so you may have to use a bit of force or a tool to help it off. Once you have the battery door off, remove the old battery and replace with a fully charged battery. Lastly, snap the cover back into place.
How long does one AAA battery last?
A standard Energizer AAA battery will provide an average of 20 hours of playtime. The majority of titles will only require one battery to listen to the entire title.
How do I know how much battery life is left in my unit?
The Playaway LCD has a small battery icon that is displayed on screen. There are three levels of battery life reflected in the icon. When one bar is left in the battery icon, you have 20% power left.
What do I do if my 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.
My Playaway will not turn on. What do I do?
First, we recommend inserting a fresh battery. If the player still does not turn on, please contact the Adult Reference Desk at 780-459-1682.
How does Playaway compare to other types of audiobooks, like CDs, MP3s, and cassettes?
Playaway is the only format of audiobook that does not require a separate player, so it comes ready-to-listen, without the need for a certain type of player or advanced technical know-how. Additionally, Playaway allows the listener to control the speed of the narrator's voice and automatically remembers where you left off when you power down.
What does the audio sound like on a Playaway?
Playaway audio is of equal or greater quality to Audio CDs & digital downloads that are available today.
Why can't I add, delete or transfer content on 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 Playaway in my car?
Yes. Playaway was specifically designed to use most commonly available cassette adapters and FM transmitters.