5 High Tech Gadgets for the Smart Home

by Mia Orantes, 24houragent

Do you watch MTV Cribs and HGTV wondering where the rich and famous get all of those cool "toys" for their home - and just what it will cost to live the life of luxury at home? This short list should whet the appetite and get your search started...

1) Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control

List Price: $249.99
Amazon Price: $147.86 Buy the Logitech Harmony 880 on Amazon

Specs
• Optimized for complicated HDTV and PVR systems
• Quickly choose a 16:9 or 4:3 ratio depending on the program source
• Includes a sleek docking station that keeps the remote fully charged
• Color LCD is both functional and stylish, with user-customizable backgrounds, button icons and text
• On-screen battery level indicator shows you charge status

Are you a couch potato or does your high tech home video/audio set-up put your old, standard universal remote to shame? Well Logitech’s highly regarded (a lower model places in the top 5 list for CNET’s Best Five Home Video Products) Harmony 880 universal remote will be a godsend. A color LCD screen, motion sensor and docking station are just some of the perks that you will enjoy while you switch between your Tivo’d recording of America’s Next Top Model and the Jay Leno Show.

Read the CNET review of the Logitech Harmony 880 here.

2) Linksys PLK200 Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit


List Price: $149.99
Amazon Price: $129.99 Buy the Linksys PLK200 on Amazon

Specs
• Bridges 10/100 Ethernet and powerline networking
• Data rates up to 100Mbps — 128-bit encryption keeps your data secure
• Share files, printers, network storage, and gaming throughout your home — connect it to a router to share your cable or DSL Internet connection

Just had your basement finished and now you want to connect to your existing network without installing new wires? The PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter Kit allows you to turn the existing power lines in your home or office into a high-speed network. Now you don't have to drill through the walls and climb through the attic or cellar to install network cables -- just use your pre-existing wires. Enjoy easy set-up, round-the-clock customer support, and HD-compatibility for under $150!

Read the CNET review of the Linksys PLK200 here.

3) Duravit Multi-Functional Steam Shower Cabin

List Price: $25,480.32 (converted from Euros)

Searching for that total body experience in your bathroom? Want to become the envy of all your friends? The Duravit Multi-Functional Steam Shower boasts LED-enabled chromatherapy and aromatherapy, built-in sound, control via a touch-control interface and remote control. Multiple showerheads, water hoses, adjustable massage nozzles and backrests ensure that you will never pay for a masseuse again! But, save the best for last… the dual seats fold to reveal a 170cm bench for some out-of-this-world horizontal relaxation!

View an interactive product flash show here.

Order the Duravit Multi-Functional Steam Shower Cabin here.

4) FrontGate 32” LCD Waterproof Outdoor TV

List Price: $3,999.00 Buy the Outdoor LCD Television

Specs:
• 32" diagonal LCD 800 x 600 pixel screen
• Super-bright 800-nits screen has 1366 x 768 resolution
• 10-watt x 2 channels provide stellar audio
• Water-resistant speakers
• L/R audio output connector provides excellent stereo sound
• HD compatible
• 8 milliseconds response time
• 16.7 million display colors
• Innovative watertight cable entry system with pass-through design keeps cables dry and allows for easy hook-ups
• Optional wall mounts and deck planter poles are weatherized and include stainless steel hardware
• Contrast-enhancing, anti-glare, scratch-resistant screen protects from rain, dirt, and other outdoor elements
• Internal thermostatically-controlled heater protects TV in temperatures as low as -24°F
• Dual airflow system keeps unit cool and dry in temperatures up to 122°F
• Dust cover
• Articulating wall mount
• Water-resistant remote control with lithium batteries
• Adjustable table stand
• 22"H x 6-4/5"D, 49 lbs.

Have you been secretly dreaming of having a Monday Night Football viewing party on your deck by the pool? FrontGate’s 32” Waterproof Outdoor TV is compatible with nearly all video sources, safeguarded from insects, rain, dirt, and scratches – and its outfitted with a water-resistant remote control! A smaller version is available for $2500.

5) Frontgate Digital Picture Frame w/ Weather Station

List Price: $199.00 Buy the Front Gate Digital Picture Frame

See your loved ones, check the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and weather forecast with the touch of a button before you start your day…need I say more? I can’t tell you how many minutes will be added to my life now that I won’t have to wait for the local TV news station to give me the weather forecast.

On the radar…
Swash – The Steaming Hot Dishwasher of the Future


I never thought I would say it – an ultrasleek and quick dishwasher! Not to mention the savings on your water bill… Swash is the first sustainable, self-sufficient dishwasher that cleans and sterilizes using steam. High-temperature steam means no more detergent and plates to lick off of – right out of the wash! A Nanotechnology filter enables water to be continually purified and reused resulting in minimal loss. You will want to marry this thing once your first 25-minute wash is complete!

More info to come… about release dates for Swash and whatnot.


Do you have a gadget obsession? Check out these other great sites/blogs for gadget lovers:
Wired Blog: Gadget Lab
Gizmodo: The Gadget Guide - Home Automation
Crave: The Gadget Blog

Be sure to comment or suggest an addition to this list!