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General discussion

Will you be a consumer of this waterproof technology?

Feb 27, 2012 8:15AM PST

To give you some context to this poll discussion, check out this blog:
Have no fear later this year if your phone drops in the drink

Will you be a consumer of this waterproof technology?

-- Yes (Where would you use it?)
-- Maybe. (What would hold you back?)
-- No (Why not?)
-- Depends on the cost.
-- Let me see the results first.

Discussion is locked

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no to buying waterproof technology
Feb 28, 2012 1:39AM PST

i'm not so tied to technology that i need to take my devices everywhere. there is life OUTSIDE the net, text, social media, etc.

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So what about your camera or laptop or other things...
Feb 28, 2012 7:40AM PST

that can be water proofed, we aren't just talking about phones here.

-Lee

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Waterproof Technology
Feb 28, 2012 1:42AM PST

I would welcome any effective and not overly expensive technology that would enable me to protect such items as my smartphone, iPad, cameras and similar portable items.

where can one get more information about the product/system?

Niall, Ireland

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The links are in the blog...
Feb 28, 2012 7:41AM PST
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YES
Feb 28, 2012 2:17AM PST

I would have voted a resounding Yes, except... when I thought about it, I really would have to know the cost first.
When visiting my brother last year I kept my phone next to the bed, but that's also where I kept a glass of water. You can guess the rest. My phone was evidently taking a bath all night long! Fortunately it dried out rather well on its own when I took it apart, but only worked sometimes, and kind of strangely at that. My brother to the rescue. He took me to a place where they have experience fixing drowned phones. It wasn't cheap, but he paid for it! (Thank you, brother.) It has worked flawlessly ever since, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't welcome a way to water proof it in the first place.

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Depends
Feb 28, 2012 2:37AM PST

I'm skeptical this is a major breakthrough, and that the benefits will justify the cost. I'm used to the reality that total immersion will probably ruin electronics--been true for almost 100 years. When I take a camera kayaking I go for a cheap one (which an immersible one probably wouldn't be).

However, I did have one major regret, with an electronic car key. I had a very scary moment where it did not look like I'd be able to disarm the car security system and drive home, before I found the spare. These are hideously overpriced to start with, and have to be programmed by the dealer. I don't imagine you'd notice the increase in cost if they were waterproofed.

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It happened to me too...
Feb 28, 2012 7:44AM PST

luckily for me, my car security system has an alarm override button or else I would've been stuck far from home to get the spare.

I would waterproof my alarm key fobs if they weren't waterproof.

Thanks for the reminder!
-Lee

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All of the above
Feb 28, 2012 2:53AM PST

Consumer electronics are absolutely expensive while being relatively cheap at the same time. It's a small price to pay for the utility, access, mobility, etc., but when you break one, it's a big financial impact, whether you're talking about smart phones, tablets or laptops, cameras, music players, etc. I've stepped on smart phones, replaced my son's phone when it got run over by a forklift and tried to resuscitate my wife's phone when she washed it by accident.

Waterproofing is like GorillaGlass, it's good to have, but it won't make a bad device better. So for me, the bottom line is the device I want/need to get. I'll pay a premium for GorillaGlass or waterproofing, or a better screen or more memory if the device is what I want/need to buy. I won't buy a device I don't want just because it's waterproof.

Bob Meyer

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Waterproof technology
Feb 28, 2012 3:30AM PST

Are you going diving with it? Why make them waterproof? I don't own a cell phone and never will. I've got along for 70+ years without one and in my view they are nothing but trouble. Cell phones have caused a lot of deaths.

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No, I don't bathe
Feb 28, 2012 4:16AM PST

Er, I mean, I don't take any mobile phones into the bathroom with me. Happy

Mark

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Motorola should get a contract with one of these guys
Feb 28, 2012 4:24AM PST

I love my Motorola Droid X, but I have been coveting their new Droid Razr with Kevlar, I used to be in manufacturing and one day hope to be again, either way I spend time gardening, I live on a lake in Michigan, I would love to have a droid that could safely go kayaking, let me relax while I read in the bathtub, or allow me to answer the phone when I am doing dishes. Seriously, I am so attached to my Droid and its various apps that I wear it on a tether, either around my neck, attached to my jacket pocket, or my purse if I am carrying the darn thing, so water proofing or even just water-repelling is a feature that is long over due. Before I went smartphone I had one of those Alltel/Nextel Motorola phones that were designed for laborers. The next star I see I am wishing for a Motorola Droid Razr with Kevlar and Waterproofing.

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Not unless it's a cheap feature
Feb 28, 2012 8:06AM PST

I can understand wanting waterproof stuff for the rain or wanting to listen to music or something while you're in the shower, but do people really have to talk while they're in the shower? I think that's a little ridiculous, and gross.

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Probably Not...
Feb 28, 2012 10:19AM PST

Firstly, I spent FIVE years with a Samsung clamshell with the red dot turned red after the first week! I am one of those people who create a 'personal rainstorm' just walking across the street in clear 40 degree weather. Add to that working in attics in Texas summers, and I guess I had a 'miracle' phone. The ONE time it quit working was when I got caught on a roof in a drenching storm with four bolts left to tighten...2 hours on the defroster in the truck and all was hunky-dory! I just don't believe the hype.

Secondly, when I acquired the HTC Inspire 4G I'm using now, I made sure (BEFORE I signed) to READ the warranty and what it covered for the measly monthly pittance they charge...it's covered. I take --very-- good care of my tools, and this is just another tool. Albeit a tool that will cost me $300-500 to replace IF I don't !

I'm not saying accidents can't happen, that's what I pay the insurance for, but I don't take my phone for granted!!!!

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What's The Hype About
Feb 28, 2012 2:15PM PST

Good lord what is this "new waterproof technology" hype about, 40 years ago I could throw my Timex into the pool, get it a week later and it would still be ticking (I suppose most of you don't equate watches with ticking though). You people seem to get all wound up about the silliest things. Why would anyone in their right mind be texting in the shower anyway? What is the world coming to, a lot of zombie people who can't even put their swell-phones down to take a shower or go to the toilet?

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Maybe, maybe not
Feb 28, 2012 11:16PM PST

it will depend on the cost....if it cost as much as the phone....no....half as much as the phone?? I don't know. I have dropped mine in a puddle and it had to be replaced. I have fallen on my butt while it was in my back pocket, and it had to be replaced, I have done nothing and it had to be replaced....hmmmm maybe I just need to keep it in a safe....darn things

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Really?
Mar 1, 2012 2:10AM PST

Spoken like someone who has never had a toddler dunk his or her phone in the toilet.