Kitchen computing at its best

(Credit: Beyond Digital Living)

Any modern homebuilder will tell you that the kitchen has increasingly become the most important gathering place in many houses, even more than a family or living room. New construction reflects that lifestyle change, often building computer hutches and other non-cooking facilities into the design, yet PC makers typically treat the room as an afterthought. (Water near the keyboard? Horrors!)

The "Icebox," however, is designed specifically for use in this ostensible danger zone. The wireless keyboard and remote are fully washable, according to Appliancist, but if you still don't want grubby little mitts all over them you can use the touch screen LCD. And to keep said paws away from that too, you can mount the 12.1-inch rotating "Flip Screen" on the wall and out of harm's way.

None of this comes cheap--$1,500 for the countertop version and $2,000 for hte FlipScreen--but if you've ever had apple juice spilled on your laptop at the kitchen counter, this might seem like a bargain. It's also the perfect accompaniment to the Lego dishwasher.

[jtc242]

Not as nice as you would think

I have had one of these for several years. It is basically a large pda. The functionality is very limited. For example it will play an mp3 cd but it will not pull up any of the tag information. The web browser is stripped down and the interface is rather clunky. I would love to hack it and but a non crippled version of wince. Any one out there done it?<br /><br />-j

[vandypsu]

Too late, already taken care of

I have already taken care of computing in the kitchen. I have an IMac with a first gen Intel core processor sitting in a cabinet above the microwave. It is outfitted with speakers, TV tuner and wireless keyboard and mouse. The white finish goes well with my appliances and it doubles as a darn good flat screen television, less money than this computer and if a key board is ruined, I can replace it while still spending less.

[teachtopia]

Reminds me of my i-opener

The best things about these kitchen appliances is that they all end up on e-bay for cheap. I had so much fun with the i-opener I got for almost nothing on e-bay. I will have to wait a few months for this one.

[JohnBailey35]

They did it again

Why do consumer electronics manufacturets keep trying to charge the earth for minor differences in products such as these? A flat panel monitor, a small computer and a basic laptop style keyboard that can be wall mounted are pretty much all that is needed. Have it network with the wired/unwired network and away we go. <br /><br />I can definitly see a use for a kitchen computer. From playing audio/video to searching a recipe database. Perhaps my next PC building project&lt;g&gt;