Computer.... Make Dinner!!!
by Gary Woods

There's a lot of Cool stuff computers can do around the house. For instance the Samsung HomePAD refrigerator displays a list of items stored inside and tells you when food is about to go bad. You can also check your e-mail and watch TV on the HomePAD, for only $4,999 direct.

For people like me who like vegging out in front of the TV there’s the iJoy Turbo 2 La-Z-Boy. This little puppy replicates a chiropractic massage. Unlike other chairs that make you feel like you are sitting on top of a washing machine, the iJoy replicates the feeling of having an actual masseuse working on you. All for only $799 from Sharper Image.

I know all of you already have your spiffy new Plasma Screen TVs out there, but wouldn't it be cool if the TV actually glowed? Well Ambient Orb changes color with the changes in the stock market, the weather and the pollen count. Also the Orb can detect when IM buddies are online. Ambient Orb is $149 www.ambientdevices.com.

Then there's the iRobot Roomba a self-propelled vacuum that scoots itself around home, cleaning floors and carpets as it goes. The vacuum maneuvers via an infra-red sensor, a bumper, and heuristics, all for only $249.

Finally there's the YourselfFitness an interactive fitness application for the Microsoft Xbox. Your personal trainer Maya software tracks your progress, heart rate, and effort, then changes your workouts accordingly. For just $35 from www.yourselffitness.com.

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910