Tickling the Ivories in the Computer Age

Want to learn to play the piano--without formal lessons or a bona fide piano? Consider Midisoft’s Play Piano, a CD-ROM program that teaches you to play songs through your computer using a keyboard.

Play Piano includes 40 pop/rock, classical and traditional songs with easy-to-follow lessons. A graphical keyboard on the screen shows proper finger and hand positioning for each song. Users can play a simple version or a more complex one of each song because the piano computer program can tailor lessons to fit the user’s skill level.

Users also can add other MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) song discs and the software program will learn those songs as well.

Play Piano ($79.95) can be used with any MIDI-compatible keyboard, which is not included with the software. Keyboards run about $50 to $200, certainly cheaper than a real piano.

The program is sold at CompUSA, Computer City, Fry’s Electronics and Incredible Universe. Or call (800) 776-6434.

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The Final Thaw: If you’re fed up with cooking the edges of hamburger when you defrost it, check out Sanyo’s new line of microwaves with “Sure Defrost,” specially programmed heating sequences that automatically defrost food evenly.

This new defrosting technology, added to Sanyo’s 1995 introduction of Shower Wave, is the first to use a cone-shaped distribution guide to spread microwave energy over a wider cooking area. It enables the new ovens to defrost “40% more thoroughly than competing models,” says a Sanyo rep.

The three new microwave models range in price from $179.95 to $249.95 and are available nationwide.

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One for the Gripper: Rubbermaid has introduced a couple of new non-adhesive coverings, Con-Tact Grip Liner and Ultra Grip Liner, that will protect china or crystal during storage, or work as shelf or drawer liners for RVs, campers or boats.

The open weave pattern of the coverings (the ultra liner is slightly thicker than the standard grip) helps hold objects in place. If used between plates when storing china, they will protect from chips and cracks.

Grip Liner ($1.99-$2.75 for a 5-foot roll) and Ultra Grip Liner ($2.99 for a 4-foot roll) are available at Kmart, Wal-Mart and Builders Square. Both come in 12-inch widths.