"The machine didn't really ask specific questions. I wish we could comment on specific foods," said Adams House resident Andrew Nieland '97.

"The machine asks you to rate the presentation of the food; I wanted to say the pork chops are dry," he said.

Condenzio said the polling machines will not replace any of the other feedback techniques. He encouraged students to continue to use the yellow feedback cards when they have more specific comments or concerns.

"I really like these things," he said fondly clutching yesterday's stack of 100 feedback cards to his chest. "I read them all every day."

Peter Atkinson, customer service manager for the Adams House dining hall, said he also values the traditional yellow cards.

"Sometimes the feedback cards are used as wish lists or thank you notes, but they can also be very valid," he said.

HDS's other mechanisms for feedback include bi-annual surveys, the Harvard University Dining Advisory Committee and the Manager's Round Table.