I bought one for my son who loves to read. This one is not as easy to lose as a regular bookmark. It uses an LR1130 button battery. You will need a watch screw driver to open the compartment. It beeps when the time is up. You can set it up as a countdown, count up or cumulative (adds up the time every time you pause and start again). It also is a regular digital clock when timer is not being used. Bubble wrapped. Made in China.