I have been using the same absorber for over 10 years!  I have only used it to dry my car.  I use the absorber first to get the bulk of the water off the car then finish drying the car with a microfiber towel.  I do sections of the car with my method, not the entire car at once.  I am sure I could get by with only using the absorber but I don't to take the chance of having water spots on the car.