UPDATE:9/22/03
Hmm...it seems as Kensington has improved their formula. For one thing, the noxious alcohol odour is not as prevalent; in fact, I think I may now detect a hint of lemon. Secondly, the formula is not as drying, so I am no longer eagerly grabbing my lotion to moisten my hands after using these wipes.

However, not all the changes are positive. Each individual wipe is now folded into a teeny tiny square packaged in a ridiculously large packet. The dimension of the wipes are 17.5cm x 10cm.

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I'm one of those people that are very wary of public phones. I hate dirty mouthpieces, and it irks me when people use my phone and practically eat the phone while talking. Drool, germs, oil--yuck! :)

Kensington Phone Guardian are pre-moistened telephone cleaning wipes (towlettes). With a few wipes, dirt and oil disappear. The active ingredient is isopropanol, which is an antiseptic; therefore, it kills germs. Due to the isopropanol, a strong fume/odour is present. These towlettes are thoroughly moist, so your hands will get a little wet, and they do tend to somewhat dry out your hands.

These towlettes are oil free, wax free, and non-abrasive, but they are not for use on mobile phones or antiglare, polarized, or notebook screens.

The recommended use is 2-3 times per week, or more often if the phones are shared. If you follow this guideline, a package of 60 will last you about 20-30 weeks. A package of 21 will only last you about 7-10 weeks.

The package of 60 ($9.99) comes in a pop-up dispenser, which is convenient. The pack of 21 ($6.45) contains individually wrapped towlettes, which, quite frankly, is a pain. It takes time to open each packet, and it is also not environmentally friendly to have to tear open a packet for one measly phone wipe. However, it is portable, so it is useful for wiping public telephones (and possibly your mobile phone). These wipes can be found at most office supply stores (Office Depot, Staples, etc.).

The guardian can go up in flames--it's flammable, and contact with eyes should be avoided. You are also supposed to wash your hands after use.

These wipes are easy to use and convenient. With one simple step, grime is eliminated from your phone. However, if one is not too lazy, one can simply buy a big bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol (which is a solution of 70% isopropanol in water), moisten a tissue, and wipe your phone. A bottle of rubbing alcohol is less expensive (~$2.00 for 32 fl. oz.) and will last longer. This method can also prevent the liquid from getting onto your hands (just don't soak the tissue all the way through). You can even dip a Q-tip in order to get into smaller crevices. Furthermore, less packaging=less waste.

Thus, although these wipes are convenient and effective, there is a second option that is cheaper and works just as well. So long as you don't mind having two separate items (a bottle of alcohol and tissues), I would go for option #2!

Re-cap of features:
-pre-moistened
-antiseptic properties
-removes dirt/grime
-flammable
-avoid contact with eyes
-wash hands after use

For more information on this and other Kensington products, please visit http://www.kensington.com.

For a chronic toxicity summary on isopropanol, please visit http://www.oehha.ca.gov/air/chronic_rels/pdf/67630.pdf

This product is made in the USA by Kensington Technology Group, a division of ACCO Brands, Inc.


Recommended: No