Ed Zabrek's Technology Report - Cooking up exciting ideas at CONCEPT KITCHEN!

The most vulnerable (and expensive) component of your handheld computing device is the display screen. If the unit is pen capable, the screen takes the most use and abuse, and is subject to damage. Back in my Apple Newton days, I used a protective screen add-on that saved that PDA from dust and scratches, and saved my wallet the $300.00 replacement cost from inadvertent damage. I was thrilled when I found a company that had taken on the task of developing protective devices for the current crop of PDAs (H/PCs and Palm devices).

Concept Kitchen is a small company outside San Francisco. Their innovative, cleverly named and packaged products are taking the handheld market to new heights. One such package is the “PDA Starter Kit". Concept Kitchen has two different packages for the PDA market--one for the Palm Pilot and Palm PC units, and another for the H/PC's with keyboards. Both packages contain useful products (WriteRight™, Karma Cloth™, and Brain Wash™) that will keep your handhold’s screen clean and healthy. An ergonomically designed desktop stylus is also included in this package as an added bonus.

WriteRight™ Screen Enhancements

If you like to let your fingers do the work on your PDA, WriteRight™ is perfect for you. This is a rectangular, thin piece of plastic (similar to the old ColorForms™ that we used to play with as kids. The back surface is sticky, without being tacky or like glue. Fingerprints, hand dirt and grease will not attack the underlying screen, or affect the overlying WriteRight™ screen protector. When charting, I have inadvertently used my ink pen as a “stylus” on my PDA. I do not recommend anyone do this, however, if WriteRight™ is protecting your screen, you are less likely to cause any permanent damage. The kit comes with a dozen WriteRights™. They are intended to last about 1 month (depending on your usage). Application of the plastic requires a little patience. Currently, the instructions for its installation can be easily missed inside the envelope of the 12 WriteRights™. I wasted my first piece and then looked for instructions. When I found them, I realized that I needed to take care to avoid “air bubbles” by slowly peeling off the WriteRight™, and using a credit card as a squeegee during the application. After doing this, the results were very good. The WriteRight™ is removed without difficulty, leaving no residue on the screen.

If you own a color H/PC, the current crop of WriteRight™ gives you a somewhat distorted image. I have spoken with ConceptKitchen, and they have informed me that a new, improved version will be available in May, ’98 that will be more durable, easier to apply, and improve the color screen image. If you own a monochrome PDA (Palm Pilot, Palm PC or H/PC), you will be impressed with what WriteRight™ will do.

Karma Cloths™

These reusable screen “dusters” work extremely well to buff out minor screen scratches, as well as removing dust and debris. They work incredibly well. Enough said!

Brain Wash™

In addition to the Karma Cloths™, the kit includes a dozen wet/dry disposable “towelettes”. This soft, lint free cloths clean your screen better than anything I have tried. They do not streak or stain the display. After using this package, my display looked better than it did when it was new from the box.

In summary, the “PDA Starter Kit”, is a great concept from Concept Kitchen! It is well packaged, and inventively designed. The price of the kit is $69.99, and is available directly from Concept Kitchen at 415-252-3333. Talk to the order desk to find out the release date of the improved WriteRight™. I highly recommend the package for all monochrome PDAs. (I will review the improved version when I receive it.)

Edward M. Zabrek, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Technology Correspondent
OBGYN.net