Oleophobia

I've spent entire years without ever uttering the word "oleophobic".

That changed a few weeks ago when I upgraded my iPhone 3G to a 3GS. There's a lot to love about the new hardware and software goodies added to this phone.

However, I find some of the subtle touches even more impressive. My favorite is the iPhone's new oleophobic screen. The roots "oleo" (fat) and "phobic" (fearful) tell it all -- the coating on the screen repels oils, particularly fingerprint oils.

In two years of iPhone usage, the cumulative finger oils I've left on my screens probably weigh more than the iPhone itself. The new screen doesn't completely eliminate fingerprints and smears, but it sure cuts them down a bunch. Even when they finally become noticeable, a quick swipe on my shirt clears them off right away.

This humble feature is pretty addictive, and like most addictions, makes you want more, more more... What I want more of is oleophobic screens everywhere else in my life: on my laptop screen, on my flat screen TV, on my PACS workstation, on my kitchen appliances, and on my car's windshield. But most of all, what I really want to know is:

Dude, where's my oleophobic glasses??!!