The bigger, easier to read screen makes navigation a lot more pleasant than on, say, the tiny read-out on Cowon's iAudio M3, and it can display cover art for the song you're listening to.
Unlike other well documented forms of storytelling through song in Tamil Nadu - like the Katha Kalakshepam from Thanjavur - Kathaiyum Paattum is a more informal art performed, as experts say, "under the radar".