Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I got this thermometer to replace a Reli-On ear thermometer I purchased years ago at a local store. This one is far superior in it's accuracy, but it lacks some things that I would expect at this price point. Pros: 1) Most importantly, this has accurate readings, especially when compared to the other ear thermometers I've used. You will get a slight variation in repeat monitoring, but in my experience it has been +/- 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit - more than acceptable. I replaced my last one since the difference was often more than 2 degrees F which is too big a difference to depend on! Perhaps this is more accurate because of the "heated tip", I'm not certain. Proper insertion into the ear is imperative and will affect your readings, so take care. 2) Remembers the last recorded measurement. 3) Easily switches between Fahrenheit and Celsius by holding down the power button on start-up. It will even show the last recorded temperature in the new scale. This is important to us since I better understand body temp in F, my wife in C. 4) Includes 21 lens covers, which are replaceable covers that cover the tip of the device (20 in box + 1 on device) 5) Comes with a nice plastic holder that both stores the box of additional lens covers, as well as protects the piece that enters your ear. Thermometer securely snaps into the base. 6) Uses regular AA batteries. My last used a round watch battery, which you will practically never find a spare around the house in a pinch. With this one, if the battery runs out I can rob a wireless mouse or remote for the needed batteries. Cons: 1) The screen is not backlit, and it is near impossible to read in a darkened room. When monitoring someone who is ill, you would imagine that the room would be darkened and this is a big deal. I take my son's temperature, then leave his room and go into the hall to read the thermometer. This is annoying and totally inexcusable at this price point. 2) Although it does remember the last recorded temperature, it ONLY remembers the last one. My prior (and cheaper) in-ear thermometer remembered the past 8. This one should be capable of the same. 3) No guidance on temperatures. Many of these devices will show you indicators to help you understand the reading (color coded Green-Yellow-Red, a smiley/frown face, or different beeps). This isn't a big concern for myself since I easily understand body temperatures, but I do admit to missing the sound of the instant indication (like on my last) of the seriousness of the recording. Neither Pro/Con: This device uses consumables - namely, the plastic lens covers. They are supposed to be replaced at every reading. Currently, a box of 40 goes for just over $5 on Amazon with lower unit price available at higher quantities. Personally, I don't replace the lens cover every time. I clean them off with alcohol after each reading, and replace them only with each new person. I haven't noticed any degradation in the readings because of this. The plastic at the tip of the ear cup is quite thin, so care needs to be taken and if any breaks are noticed it should definitely be replaced immediately. Because of the accuracy of the device, it truly does deserve 4 stars. However it could be so greatly improved, especially at this price point.