Dryer Box hits Japan, promises to dry out soaked cellphones for $12

Chances are you've probably heard of the rice method for drying out water-logged gadgets -- and possibly been in the unfortunate position of having to try it -- but it looks like folks in Japan now have a considerably more high-tech option at their disposal: the Dryer Box. That's reportedly already found its way into some Yodobashi Camera shops in Tokyo, and promises to dry out your soaked cellphone (or other gadget, presumably) in about 30 minutes for ¥1,000 (or $12). Exactly how it does that isn't clear, but there's apparently no charge if it fails to revive your device.

[yuriha Posted Aug 12th 2010 1:12PM]

What I used once was a jar filled with rice.

[Fuzzball Posted Aug 12th 2010 3:13PM]

My guess is it's just a convection oven and dehumidifier. Dropping an electronic gadget into plain water isn't always detrimental; a good drying with no power usually does the trick. Pulling the batter ASAP can be critical with some designs. What can really be detrimental is soda or beer getting in there. I doubt this portable oven would be the best idea.