I have never used a rice cooker as I like the way I was taught also have never used the absorbent method as this has always worked for me.
Bring a pan of water to the boil, about 6 cups, I use water boiled from the kettle, add a pinch of salt then add cup & a half of rice and stir until it starts to boil again. Once boiling turn down to a med simmer and stir every now and again to stop sticking. I cook it about 10 minutes. Give it a good stir when cooked and run the rice, still in the pan, under hot water until water runs clearer. Drain into a colander and run under cold water giving it a shake as you do this.
If you need the rice for fried rice that night just keep moving the rice around as this will help it dry out a bit.
Hope you have fun trying all the suggestions.