Intelligent Appliances and Other Smart Choices
The long winter months are a perfect time to focus on the home, and here are some new products to help you along.
Maytag, maker of major home appliances, has developed a new “intelligent” dishwasher that decides how dirty the load is, how hot the water needs to be and how it can save energy and, therefore, money.
The Maytag IntelliSense dishwasher is advertised as the first dishwasher (other than a human one) that can think.
The Newton, Iowa-based manufacturer said the dishwasher uses an advanced control system that monitors the load conditions and has sensors that see food particles in the water.
Thus the machine determines how long it needs to run. When the dishes are clean, it shuts off.
Maytag said it saves money on energy and water and keeps utility bills lower.
Priced at about $799, it will be available in January.
Information: (800) 688-9900.
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With the holidays ending, can spring--and spring cleaning--be far behind?
The 3M Co. is introducing a product designed to make home improvement projects a little less daunting.
3M Wallpaper & Paste Remover has been developed to make the job easier for do-it-yourselfers. It is a quick-acting water-based gel that penetrates all wallpaper, including grass cloth and foil, for removal in 20 to 30 minutes. It also removes paper backing and paste residue.
The company said the gel has a mild scent to counter unpleasant odors from old paste. The remover does not emit harmful vapors, is not toxic and is non-flammable. Special ventilation is not required and gloves are not needed.
The 3M Wallpaper & Paste Remover is applied with a roller, brush or trigger spray.
It will be available early next year in a one-gallon size (approximate retail price $15.99), a half-gallon size ($9.99) and a 22-ounce trigger spray ($6.99).
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One of the latest developments in home theater technology comes from Sony--the CPJ-100 liquid crystal video projector.
The portable projector works with any video source, including camcorders, VCRs and television. It projects images of up to 100 inches diagonally.
The liquid crystal projector display uses a long-lasting halogen bulb for up to 400 hours of continuous use.
The CPJ-100 can be tilted to project at any angle, from traditional horizontal projection to overhead on the ceiling.
It has a suggested retail price of $1,100.
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Sometimes tying or untying shoes is a Herculean task, especially for those with disabilities. A product from Faulkner International Inc., a Honolulu-based company, fastens shoelaces firmly without having to tie them in the traditional way.
The Sea Gull Lace Fastener is made of back-to-back hinged buckles. To tighten the laces, pull the loops. To release, raise Sea Gull “wings” and the laces loosen.
Faulkner said the fastener will fit any laced shoe of any style.
The fastener sells for $2.99, plus $1 shipping and handling.
Information: (800) 799-4855.
