I know a refrigerator sounds funny at first, but if you read about the Cisco initiatives to network the home, one of the key places to put a computer is in the refrigerator. It would have a touchscreen LCD built into the door and you could order your groceries over the net when you get low on something. Webvan in San Francisco delivers your groceries to your door after you order them on the net. Five years from now there will be quite a few innovative new ways to incorporate small computers into the home. Every light, sprinkler control (with water sensors in the grass to adjust what gets more water), water meter, gas meter, electric meter, door bell, phone, pool pump & filter, alarm & home surveillance system, etc... could be eventually connected to a home management system & the internet. Of course this would start out on high end homes and work its way down to the average Joe.
Regards,
Joe |
