Mobi DualScan 2-in-1 Digital Thermometer 70119

Bottom Line

The Mobi DualScan 2-in-1 Digital Thermometer is packed with features, including a backlit display, LED flashlight for proper positioning in the dark, clock and calendar and memory with a 20-reading capacity. There are some concerns among owners about accuracy and consistency, however.

Performance

Great features, but questionable accuracy. Reviewers don't recommend digital ear thermometers because it's difficult to properly place the thermometer to get an accurate reading, especially when children have small ear canals. Despite this recommendation, users like digital ear thermometers, especially the Mobi DualScan 2-in-1 Digital Thermometer 70119. Compared with other ear and high-tech thermometers, the Mobi is inexpensive and comes with all the extra gadgets and features.

The Mobi DualScan 2-in-1 Digital Thermometer 70119 stores 20 readings in its memory, making it useful for monitoring a sick child's progress over several days without the need to constantly write down temperatures. This thermometer boasts a backlit display, stand, built-in LED flashlight and clock.

Among owner-written reviews at sites such as Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Target.com, there are mixed opinions on accuracy. One owner posting feedback to Target.com says, "I wanted to like it. I really did. It's my favorite color, it shows room temp, has a nice little stand and is even a flashlight. But the temperature readings are completely off. They aren't even consistent either, I was 96 and then immediately after I was 101."

Other owners report comparing readings from the Mobi DualScan to other temperature-taking methods, such as digital underarm thermometers, and getting readings that are off by several degrees. On the other hand, a user posting a review to Amazon.com comments, "I work in a pediatrician's office and use a popular competing ear-only thermometer, I've found it gives varying readings as well. It just depends on placement."

Ease of Use

Dual functionality adds convenience for broad range of ages. Owners like the Mobi DualScan's forehead-scan option and the audible temperature readings. Other positive comments mention its large backlit display. However, it can be difficult to place properly in the ear. Unlike the Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer IRT-4520 (Est. $50) , the Mobi DualScan 2-in-1 Digital Thermometer doesn't offer any indication to users on whether it's positioned correctly, and improper placement results in inaccurate readings.

The Mobi has a backlit display, clock and even displays the room temperature, making this thermometer a useful tool for frazzled parents who are up with a sick child all night long. A built-in LED flashlight rounds out the extra features this thermometer offers, useful for proper placement in the middle of the night without turning the room lights on to disturb a sleeping patient.

Because physicians don't recommend taking ear temperature readings on infants less than six months old, the fact that this thermometer also has a forehead-reading function means it's usable for a broader age range. Still, concern about accuracy negates this functionality for many users. If you're looking for a temporal lobe thermometer with greater accuracy, owners say the more expensive Exergen TemporalScanner Temporal Artery Thermometer TAT-2000C (Est. $30) is worth the price.