technology is wonderful I swear, if this AP story was datelined April 1, I'd have pegged it as a joke: Microsoft Plans Toilets With Web Access
The iLoo being developed by the MSN division of Microsoft Corp. in Britain is a standard portable toilet — a loo to the English — with a wireless keyboard and extending, height-adjustable plasma screen in front of the seat.
There would also be a "Hotmail station" with waterproof keyboard and plasma screen on the outside for those waiting in line.
MSN officials say they're negotiating for the manufacture of toilet paper imprinted with Web addresses that users may not have tried.
"The Internet's so much a part of everyday life now that surfing on the loo was the next natural step," MSN marketing manager Tracy Blacher said. "People used to reach for a book or mag(azine) when they were on the loo, but now they'll be logging on." This Reuters story includes a diagram.
I really don't know about this...I've used portable toilets, and generally they're something you want to get out of as quickly as possible. I doubt Internet access will make the experience any more pleasant.
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