This does not strike me as a great idea: you're sitting on a porta-potty at a summer concert, the same one visited by dozens of your fellow revelers before you. I do not linger when forced to use a porta-potty, if for no other reason than I am breathing out of my mouth. Why would I want to use a freaking computer under the circumstances?
- 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."
The device is expected to be in use at festivals this summer in Britain, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Tuesday. [AP]
It sounds like Microsoft needs to hire a normal person to listen to ideas, and when necessary, say "that is retarded."
Article comments
1 - cephusj
That IS retarted. Microsoft has always been behind the curve with regard to what is practical and what is profitable. They seem to be losing their senses lately and I think its because Linux has them making desperation moves.
2 - Michael Croft
I doubt it would sell as a product in the US. I doubt it in the UK. I can think of some blogs I'd comment on from the iLoo, but for the most part I don't want to linger. And I can't imagine wanting to touch the keyboard or mouse.
WRT MS: I think it's more likely that they're having trouble (if they are) because they're not getting new market growth and they're not getting the replacement cycle they want.
MS really thrives on real competition and Linux, wonderful as it may be, isn't it in the consumer space yet.
3 - Jim Carruthers
Putting urls on toilet paper is the part where I lost it. This is how far out of contact with reality M$ is; don't they realize what people do with toilet paper?
Never mind that I wouldn't touch a keyboard in a public crapper if you paid me.
4 - Eric Olsen
I'm still waiting to hear this is a parody - re the TP, I guess it's a read and wipe situation.
5 - Tim Hall
I had to check the date to make sure it wasn't April 1st.
What a crap idea! (Well, someone had to say it :)