Step Aside, Galloping Gourmet
Each mode provides the “household CEO” with plenty of entertainment and functionality in the kitchen. The TV mode makes the iCEBOX a traditional set so you won’t miss a minute of your favorite shows–but to use it only as a television set would be a waste of its capabilities. For instance, a specially designed Internet portal lets you check your email via remote control and guides you to the most relevant culinary and other domestic delights. iCEBOX also functions as a music center: Just pop in your favorite music CDs, or view CMi’s special video CDs and become the next Galloping Gourmet as you follow the on-screen cooking action.

With all your newfound kitchen delights, don’t worry about losing touch with the rest of the household, because the iCEBOX also functions as a video monitor. Put a camera in the nursery or in the backyard and keep an eye on Junior–even if he’s not a baby anymore. Or stay a step ahead of door-to-door salesmen: Install the camera in a strategic location by your front door.

One Cool Box
The countertop model is sleek and space-age, similar in appearance to the new iMacs. It weighs a mere 16 pounds, with the CPU and monitor molded together out of high-impact ABS plastic. The screen is 9inches, somewhat small by normal surfing standards but just right for the kitchen. The unit comes with all the necessary connections for stereo and video input/output. The only disappointment is the snail-like 33.6K modem that comes standard with this model–hardly fast enough for today’s Internet activities.

If you don’t have room for another appliance on your countertop, the iCEBOX LCD model fits under the cabinet and sports a small, flip-down LCD screen. It is a step up from the countertop version, with a 12.1-inch screen, beefed-up audio capabilities, USB and Ethernet ports, and a 56K modem.

The countertop iCEBOX will probably retail for around $499 and is slated for nationwide release to computer retailers and home appliance stores in July 2000. The tonier iCEBOX LCD will make its debut in September 2000 for about $2,200 and will be available only through your local homebuilder or remodeler, so don’t expect to see it on retailers’ shelves anytime soon.