I bought one from the Baby Expo recently and you need only place it near the skin on the temple and it gives you a reading in seconds. When you turn it on, it tells you the room temperature prior to using it on someone. It can also record the last 6 or 7 temps taken which is useful for a littlie.

I did have a digital underarm/tongue one which was ok but it took ages. At least with the new one, you can take someone's temp if they're asleep no need to hold them still to stick something in their ear or make sure it stays under their arm.