This snow-colored ribbed vibrator from Doc Johnson is suited to multiple uses, whether it's in your hand or a partner's hand. It can be used for clitoral stimulation, vaginal insertion, and, if you are careful and maintain a good grip on it, anal penetration.

Doc Johnson's White Nights Ribbed Vibe is made from ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a lightweight but strong plastic that is phthalate-free, latex-free and, best of all, does not attract lint. Fresh out of the package it has zero smell or scent.

The body-safe vibrator is a rigid toy with a Velvet Touch finish; in other words, hard but matte and smooth. The Velvet Touch surface glides along bare skin with no perceptible drag, and although two seams can be seen on the Ribbed Vibe with the naked eye, they don't catch on smooth or hairy body parts.

The vibrator stands about 7 1/2", just under 7" of which is insertable. It is completely straight, with no bend or curve along its length. A slightly tapered bulb, just shy of an inch in diameter, sits at the top, followed by four bubble-like ripples which gradually increase in size up to about 1 3/4" diameter. Think love beads, minus the string.

The design is equally suitable for vaginal or anal play; however, it lacks a flared base, so a little caution, or better yet, a firm grip, is recommended. If a partner is doing the thrusting, care should be taken, since the vibe is hard and has no give or bend.

The base/control dial of this vibe is slightly curved, so expect to lie it on its side when it's not in use. It is small enough to toss into a large handbag or backpack; however, it is in no way discreet. If travel requires passing through checkpoints of any sort, you may want to leave this one in the checked luggage or at home.

In addition to rippled penetration, this toy offers a steady vibration which increases in intensity with a simple turn of the dial on the base. It's powered by a single AA battery (not included) that is inserted positive end first. Even at maximum power the vibrator is quiet.

The toy is waterproof, though the packaging warns that you must close it tightly to prevent water seeping in. ABS can take a lickin', so should you drop this in the tub or on the floor, the shell should survive impact.

For your safety, do no use this product on swollen or inflamed areas or skin lacerations.

You can use water-based, oil-based or silicone-based lubricant with this toy thanks to the ABS body. The best way to ensure safety if using this toy in different orifices — either your own or a partner's — is to cover it with a condom.

When you're done with play, the toy can be cleaned with mild soap and water or a toy cleaner, or wiped down with rubbing alcohol. The one thing you don't want to do with the vibe is boil it. ABS is durable over a wide temperature range, but it cannot withstand boiling temperatures. Likewise, that high a temperature would probably kill the motor.

However you choose to clean the toy, when done rinse, dry and store it wherever you please, since ABS won't react to other materials.

The White Nights Ribbed Vibe comes in a pretty blue and clear plastic box, with a floral motif and product info in several languages. It is simple, yet suitable for gift giving. Two small plastic spacers center the toy in the package. If you want to be able to stand the vibrator on end, hang on to the bottom spacer!

There is no recycling symbol on the box, so you need to refer to your local ordinance to determine whether or not the packaging is recyclable. Both the vibrator and packaging are made in the People's Republic of China.

In a toy world dominated by pink, purple and black, "pure white" is a nice change of pace. The toy's shape and material equal a quicker cleanup than traditional beads which have "string" between each sphere. If the worry of a troublesome stain is holding you back, remember you can soak the White Nights Ribbed Vibe — tightly closed, of course — in rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn spots.

The bumpy design of White Nights helps it stand out from the rest of the nice-for-a-low-price crowd. Compared to another traditional plastic vibrator (Jewel), the White Night is just as powerful, a little more quiet, and doesn't require as much battery power — all pluses. It's also incredibly durable. I dropped it (on purpose) from a height of about six feet, and the vibe is still in one piece and operating as expected.

Unfortunately, the dial control is a major minus. It is difficult to maneuver single-handedly, and it needs to be almost fully rotated before the toy even powers on. Then, choosing between 'low' and 'high' vibrations requires fine motor control, since the smallest movement causes big changes in the setting.

It can be frustrating to get it to a "just right" power setting, but the White Nights vibe has enough going for it (graduated ripples and Velvet Touch texture) that, compared to other vibrators in the same price range, it's a contender. If you love soft silicone and rechargeable vibrators, you are not the audience for the White Nights Ribbed Vibe. However, it's a good choice for someone in the market for an easy-to-operate, simple plastic vibrator.