Given the consumer product nature of cell phones, it seems unlikely that they will withstand submersion in water any time soon. Would be a great thing but probably cost prohibitive.
@NadineJ: Anything associated with an increased cancer risk should be taken seriously, but I think that the evidence of a link between cell phone use and cancer is very weak. Non-ionizing radiation doesn't cause DNA damage, as far as we know.
On the other hand, there is more credible evidence of a possible link between perfluorinated compounds and cancer. So applying a perfluorinated coating to your cell phone could concievably increase, rather than decrease, your cancer risk.
Ann-I completely agree with your comment in the article. If they can figure out how to apply this in the post-consumer market, it would be great. I'd even bring my ipod.
Any "anti-cancer" protection would increase interest too. I just listened to a very disturbing interview about the rise in breast cancer in teen girls and 20-something women who stash their phones in their bras.
For now, being able to make a call in the rain without fear is enough for me.
@williamlweaver: Somehow, I doubt that the real-life equipment is exactly as it is portrayed in the video. For one thing, the "on" button in the video looks too much like an e-stop switch... definitely a safety concern!
But the equipment is anything like this, then setting up a kiosk in a mall to apply this stuff would be a great investment. (Especially if you could manage to locate your kiosk directly outside of Best Buy).
william, that's much how I saw it: the deposition device does appear to be refrigerator-sized. However, I don 't think the process is likely to be a DIY-friendly one, which is why I was thinking of a Kinko's-type franchise, like your technical assisted model.
Yes, I have always wondered why computers and devices could be so sophisticated electronically but not be tougher when it comes to their external materials. I always thought if you pay such good money for these devices they should be water proof! Ask me what happens when I spilled a bit of water on my MacBook Pro a couple of years ago and wrangled a $750 fix (new logicboard, trackpad, harddrive and keyboard...new Mac, practically!) out of my AppleCare plan. I still wouldn't exactly go surfing with my mobile phone shoved into my wetsuit, but it would be nice if a bit of liquid on the device didn't kill it or damage it. Interesting story, Ann.
Excellent Application, Ann! If the deposition device is as it appears in the video, about the size of a refrigerator, I can see a huge aftermarket for DIY or even technician-assisted "retrofitting" for all of your consumer electronics. I guess eventually everybody's stuff would be protected, but it would be a great short-term service! I wonder where you go to get a franchise... (thinking of Robin Williams sitting in a Photobooth...)
Daryl, my first draft was titled "Drop Your Phone in the Toilet", but I figured it might not get past the censors--just kidding. So, are you going to tell us more about your RDT device and the process you use?
I have had multiple experiences with my children putting their cellphones through the toilet plunge. I have developed a RDT (reclamation of device from toilet) process that is 100 effective much to the happiness of my offspring so they didn't lose their contact list.
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