I thought we had seen the end of refrigerators with built-in Internet browsing, but Whirlpool just announced a new contribution to the otherwise dumb idea.

Instead of making a fridge with a built-in computer system (which they apparently agree consumers don't want), they're instead making a fridge with a platform for other vendors to make computer and iPod hookups. Somehow, this is better.

From A Chilling Idea at C.E.S.:

In a press release, Whirlpool said that 30 percent of laptop computer, digital photo frame and digital music player owners use their devices in the kitchen - making the centralpark(TM) connection a natural step in appliance evolution.

That's as dumb as finding out that people take laptops with them into the bathroom, so they should have a toilet with built-in web browser. Seriously, people don't browse photos, internet, etc. in the kitchen standing in front of the refrigerator. They're probably sitting down, or least leaning over the counter.

Why even be in the kitchen in the first place?
Because that's where people congregate.
But why there?
Because everyone eats, snacks, drinks, and the kitchen is the heart of that.

So I'm supposed to believe that you should now hang out in the kitchen, glued to the front door of the very thing which contains exactly that (food & drink) which attracts people there in the first place? Not a chance.

Whoever tries to surf the web on that stupid fridge is gonna get beaten up for being in everyone else's way.