Handy Gadgets

SpotStop has come upon a pretty unique gadget which in this era of convergence should come as no surprise. The Melitta ME1MSB Smart Brew coffeemaker which becomes available to consumers in November will provide updated weather information among its set of nifty features. 'Not only does the coffeemaker brew great-tasting coffee, it also provides animated weather information on its large, bright-blue backlit LCD display. MSN Direct region-specific up-to-the-minute weather information is transmitted via an FM signal within minutes of plugging in the coffeemaker--there's no set-up, subscription, or Internet connection required. The appliance displays the current temperature and conditions, high and low temperatures, and chance of precipitation, as well as four-day weather forecasts. The coffeemaker also displays scrolling weather information; visibility; sunrise/sunset time; the UV index; and national weather-service warnings and alerts (the display flashes when a warning alert is issued)'