* E-mail from your washing machine

[Fred50]

Carnegie Mellon University is testing a Web-based system that sends
e-mail to students when their laundry is done and allows them to log
on to an Internet site to check the status of machines, the
Associated Press reported yesterday. The e-Suds system, developed by
USA Technologies, is being used in three dorms this spring and will
be installed at three other colleges this summer. The school expects
to offer it to its nearly 4,000 students who live on campus by the
fall semester. "I'll probably just keep using my watch," said
Michael Ryan, a 19-year-old computer sciences major at Carnegie
Mellon.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a typical case of a technological "solution" in search of a non-existant problem. What is the real value of such non-sense? Everyone that has used a washer more than once, has a very good idea of how long it takes to do the wash.

The only way I can see e-mailing a customer about their laundry might have some value is for wash and fold. Here you could have the attendant e-mail (or god forbid actually call by phone) and let them know the job is done and they can pick it up now.

[Anonymous]

Think we could get a modifed system in our laundry and give out those pagers like they do a nice eateries?

Sure would cut down on people leaving their clothes in the dryer while others wait with a basket full to dry. Or worse, having to have the attendant remove the clothes and the customer complain because their now wrinkled.

Dave

[Jim]

Hmmmm... Sounds like it's April Fools day to me...lol

[PeterH]

I like the system that shows when the washer and/or dryer is done on a lighted board over the bar next door, kinda like the old number system they used to use in Howard Johnson's restaurants when your order is up...

There was an article somewhere a year ago that had this email system in some dorm. It's not new. Seems to me Maytag was involved with it...

[pete f]

This reminds me of late nite TV infomercials, which spend time developing a product for which you have no need, then make a commercial that makes you think you can't live without it.. much along the lines Kirby mentions.

I am thinking it is just a way for a collage to lure in the new students by dazzle. Check you email to see if the washer is done? Only the most addicted computer types will appreciate this. Even then they will blow off the washer email if they have a good "chat" going...at least I am guessing.. call me old fashioned but I think a web cam on the washers would be enough.. LOL

[detlaundry]

How far can get from the mat in 27 minutes????

[Anonymous]

I've had experience rigging computer systems where email is redirected to pagers, cell phones, even alarm systems. In this light, the washer could essentially contact the user, wherever they are, they needn't be checking their email!


It could call you (the owner) in the middle of the night to tell you someone is taking apart your machines, or if the coin box is full. Page the maintenance man when a belt brakes, or if the lint drawer hasn't been opened in a week. Anything that has a sensor, trip switch, or counter could be rigged to contact someone. yikes!

[detlaundry]

I had one of these systems installed some time ago. It pages me whenever there is a problem and in most occurances, even corrects the problem. I actually have several back up systems in place. I call 'em attendants. ;)

[BWJR]

Sounds like an added opportunity for someone to steal your clothes. What a waste of technology.


BWJR