The Three is a rechargeable multifunction vibrator with microprocessor control. There are a total of 8 functions (one steady mode and 7 patterns), all of which scale with the power setting chosen. At the base of the toy are two soft-press buttons, one for turning the vibrator on/off and changing the power setting, and the other for switching functions. The charging port is also located at the base.
When the Three first arrives, it will be in travel mode, which locks the controls to keep the vibrator from accidentally turning on. Unlocking the travel mode requires holding both buttons for 4 seconds; the same action can also be used to put the toy back into travel mode, as needed. When unlocking, the power button will light up; after 4 seconds, both the power and function buttons will light up until released. The power button is smooth with no markings; the function button has a raised "F".
Pressing the power button turns on the vibrator at the lowest setting with the constant vibration (no patterns). The button lights up steady red to indicate that it is on. Pressing and holding the power button incrementally increases the speed of the vibrator up to its maximum over about 5 seconds. While adjusting the power, the button will flash red to let you know that the press is registering; upon releasing the button, the light will return to steady. When the vibrator is on, pressing the power button once will turn it off. When the power button is pressed again, the toy defaults to the lowest intensity setting.
After turning the toy on with the power button, pressing the function button will cycle to the first vibration pattern of seven. With the first press of the function button, it will light up red to indicate that you are in the pattern mode. Pressing the function button again will cycle to the next pattern, and returning to the first pattern after the seventh. Each press of the function button will cause the power button to briefly flash to indicate the pattern change. Pressing the power button while in the function mode will turn off the vibrator and it will remember the current function. Pressing the function button when the vibrator is off will turn it back on and resume the function that it was on when last turned off. The majority of the patterns are of the same intensity with varying duration, but patterns 4 and 6 involve ramping the intensity. Note that when in any pattern, you can increase the power by pressing and holding the power button. However, to decrease the power while in a pattern, you'll need to turn off the vibrator with the power button, then resume with the function button. Additionally, when in the patterns mode, the vibrator must be turned off and on again with the power button to get back into continuous mode.
The following sketch shows the seven patterns available through the functions button. [ ]n denotes the repeating subunit which comprises the pattern. The length of the lines correspond to the time duration of the vibration (i.e., - - - - would be a series of short pulses).
With all the fun of exploring the power and pattern settings, you may be wondering about battery life. On high, the Three is listed as lasting 2 hours; this is accurate based on my use. Once recharging is needed, it should be complete in 2.5 hours from empty. The included charging cable is a standard size USB plug which connects to the Three via a long and slender adapter, similar in appearance to a headphone jack, but longer and thinner. The adapter inserts into the small hole at the base of the Three; a light at the bottom illuminates to indicate that the battery is charging. The light turns off when the Three has finished charging.
In use the Three performs nicely. The vibrations are powerful on the highest setting (for a vibrator in this category). The vibrations are also spread out nicely, with the first 3" from the tip having evenly strong vibrations. The vibrations fade gradually from over the next 1.5" and then fall off substantially for the last 2.5", which is advantageous for holding the Three (no numb fingers).
Noise-wise, the Three is very quiet, nearly silent on the lowest setting and only lightly audible at arm's length on the highest setting. On the highest setting under the covers, the Three can only be perceived if the room is completely silent, and it cannot be heard at all through a closed door.
The Three is listed as 100% waterproof by the manufacturer. I feel fine using it in the shower, but without knowing the exact mechanism of the charging port (does it seal closed internally?) I would be hesitant to submerge it for extended periods of time, such as for a bath, though for cleaning the manual advises that the Three is "totally waterproof".