La-Z-Boy's E-Cliner 109
Alec Muzzy writes: "La-Z-Boy has finally realized that there is a market for geeks. A new chair called The E-Cliner they've developed features a built-in wireless keyboard from Sony as well as a data port and surge protector for your laptop. As if that wasn't cool enough, the arm rests have storage compartments for beverages and remote controls! All this chair is missing is a retractable LCD monitor and a set of satellite speakers behind the head rest!"
Kurt The Pope moved out last week, and I just bought a recliner to replace the one he took with him ... if only I had known to hold out for a few weeks. I like the outlet idea: One time I got my laptop's power cable stuck in the retractable footrest. Sparks went flying and the metal supports sliced into the cable. It was sweet, except for the part where I had to wait a week to have electricity for my laptop ... but why does this chair have to come with 6 months of WebTV?
Shoot. (Score:1)
Re:Is the keyboard proprietary? (Score:5)
And if it's so WebTV specific, why the hell do you need a phone jack, Ethernet jack, and power outlet in the chair? You *won't* be using a laptop; you've got WebTV! You're FORCED to have it! That's the whole point of the chair!
I think that, at some point, this was going to be a very nice generic chair, and then M$ insisted on the WebTV exclusivity, completely ruining it.
I considered removing the fold-out arm that holds the keyboard and replacing it with something else, but it's a fairly custom job, and you'd end up needing to machine some parts to get a decent quality substitute. Not worth $1,000 a pop for all the trouble. I'll hack hardware, but I don't have a burning desire to redesign furniture.
Hello RSI! (Score:1)
On the other hand, a sturdier (i.e. not plush but rather wood, or thinly padded) recliner or even better rocking chair could work, provided you can place the keyboard exactly right and could get the monitor close enough to your face.
Check out Adjustable Keyboard Podiums [akp-inc.com](I don't work for them, yada yada..) They might help you set up a healthy workstation from a recliner.
Mmmm... plastic (Score:2)
Re:Is the keyboard proprietary? (Score:1)
DotComGuy (Score:1)
For example, with a few more modification, he would have been able to spend the entire year stuck to his chair.
Re:Not "E-cliner" (Score:3)
Re:What MS does... (Score:2)
Windows is the La-Z-Boy of operating systems [actually it an environment, such as sofa, TV, old dog Tray at your feet, remote control in right hand, bag of crisps in left, can of Old Milwaukee on a coaster to your right.] It's comfortable for the folk who do not want to get in depth with Linux [something for the more creative and agile of mind which requires strenuous effort, such as opening a book and reading it] or something else the uninitiated can't used straight out of the box [well, OK, it crashes at times and does the BSoD which can cause a few axons to fire and a bead of sweat to form.]
This is where Microsoft wants to take you today! Really! No kidding! If you doubt my word, then ask yourself, "Why does Microsoft want to network my 'fridge?"
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Microsoft: I want your bebeh! (Score:1)
And if BG could talk to the four horsemen of myth in a particular religious belief, then Microsoft would make you migrate to WebTV with Microsoft-branded plague, famine, pestilence and death.
That's why the chair comes with WebTV.
Back massage (Score:1)
Hhm
Moz.
Re:Why WebTV? (Score:1)
Actually, it depends on whether you read the "featured products" page or the "latest from la-z-boy" page. The featured products page specifies 2 months of WebTV while the other page specifies 6 months.
Needs a built-in toilet... (Score:2)
WTF is a "data adapter"? (Score:1)
Or is it just a high-octane phone jack, therefore the marketing pitch, "If your phone and modem could go faster, then this chair can keep up with it!*FCC Regulations prevent transmission speeds to 53Kbps, so really, you're never going to get any faster. But, if you did, we'd be right beside you."
Or is it a low-octane Ethernet RJ-45 port? Then, I guess the marketing pitch would be "Now that you've got high-speed cable/DSL/satellite Internet access, you can slow it down to a crawl with the new Explorer chair!"
Or, a wireless networking port...which would actually be kinda cool. But it would be nice if they included that info for me....
Ooh. one more thing. (Score:1)
JCPenny has something... (Score:1)
Re:Micro$oft & La-Z-Boy (Score:1)
I haven't heard that one before.. it's good one though. Funniest post in this article..
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You think this is scary? (Score:2)
"Microsoft's MSN has also recently struck deals with the Walt Disney Interactive Group, Viacom Inc.'s Nickelodeon kids cable television network, and espresso empire Starbucks Corp."
Yeah, that's what we need. Gates Empire teaming up with Uncle Walt's Empire and Mega-Mega giant Starbucks to bring you 'MSN at Night' re-runs. Be afraid. Be very very afraid.
Re:whats next? (Score:1)
And if you hate Flash that much, you whiners can go here [autopc.com] for more details.
wrong market (Score:1)
I'd love to have a treadmill with a built in display (or maybe even a touch screen) to connect to a computer.
Include a USB heart monitor device (for a chest strap), with some software to passively control heart rate via speed/incline adjustments). Build & sell this, and you'd have a real winner. With prices falling all the time, it could possibly be cheaper to manufacture than the existing hardware based solutions on today's treadmills.
Moderate me -1 offtopic if you must, but
The LAST think I need is an excuse to sit more often!
The beverage is the problem. (Score:1)
You can use insulation if you need to, but a *real* geek wouldn't look at something the wrong way. Feh.
I don't understand. Why would a real geek have an empty Pepsi can on the desk? Empty Jolt, perhaps. Or an (insulated) empty bottle of Bawls, sure.
If the soldering iron is symbolic of the quality of the notebook, yeah, I can see that the manufacturer might have scrimped...
If your beverage is symbolic of the quality of your geektitude, yeah, I can see you having some problems.
Ah, yes, it's wednesday again. A new Onion out. (Score:1)
So if this is an e-cliner, what's a cliner then?
Chest waders are your friend (Score:1)
Just be sure to cinch the chest band tight to avoid leakage over the top.
Chair.NET (Score:5)
One client access license is required for each set of butt cheeks to use the chair.
If you don't purchase a client access license within 90 days, chair.NET will grow a series of wheeled legs, much like professor Frink's AT-5000 auto-dialer, so the chair can effectively exit any situations that might violate the licensing agreement.
... (Score:2)
17x Jupiter Sized (Score:4)
Re:Is this a secret MS plan to kill Linux? (Score:1)
Linux Takes Control of the M$ laz-e-cliner, it will now work for more than an hour without a blue screen.
What it really needs (Score:1)
-Chris
...More Powerful than Otto Preminger...
Lack of features (Score:1)
MS's obsession with "Explorer" (Score:1)
This naming convention stems from the fact that each application stems from a single source, possibly within the kernel (or so I have been told). They are different views on the same thing.
I'm not exactly sure what this has to do with the chair... I'd imagine you're right about associating anything to do with the Internet to the word "Explorer" (and MS by secondary association, of course).
So... There you have it.
-Chris
Re:Ok, so how much $$? (Score:1)
BigCat79
No, true geeks.. (Score:1)
True geeks don't get incoming calls! (Sorry..
Re:Way spiffy, but not original (Score:2)
You may be thinking of the Floating Arms Keyboard from Workplace Designs. It uses two keyboard sections, one attached to each armrest, and includes a trackpad and numeric keypad for the right hand. It can be purchased with a chair or separately.
Now called the Interfaces Keyboard, it is currently available from Interfaces by Cramer [ergointerfaces.com]. Even with the chair, it's not the $8 to $10 thousand you remember, but at up to $965 it's not cheap either.
Re:Other features (Score:1)
Re:On my mark ... Engage! (Score:1)
Now all they have to do... (Score:1)
-Shieldwolf
Re:Way spiffy, but not original (Score:1)
Thanks for the reply - interesting stuff. Someone should mod it up as informative.
OK,
- B
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Ethernet (Score:1)
When it crashes it gives a whole new meaning (Score:2)
Consumer target group (Score:2)
Obviously to target sales to that new breed, the "Joe Sixpack" geek.
Trickster Coyote
Howl at the moon.
Re:Ok, so how much $$? (Score:1)
/(o\ I'm not a medievalist - I just play one on weekends!
Tower Footstools (Score:1)
I've been pondering building my next computer in one of those huge ottomans (with LOTS of fans for airflow) and then taking the matching chair and adapting a table (like they show) for an IR keyboard and mouse. They're on the right track putting ethernet jacks and power outlets in the arm rests. This will catch on with laptop execs, once they ditch the provided net service.
Surfing in style.
Re:... (Score:1)
Don't buy this chair! (Score:1)
Why WebTV? (Score:2)
Because it's a consumer-level product ... not an enthusiast, or early-adopter level product. It's not being made for the Slashdot crowd.
Personally, I'd rather have no keyboard and WebTV, and just a nice holder/tray for my laptop.
What MS does... (Score:1)
Recline and fall... (Score:2)
why web tv (Score:1)
What, no integrated toilet? (Score:1)
I can pass 18 hours without eating (although a small fridge would be a nice addition, it isn't necessary), but without peeing is too much. I'm still not a Borg, mind you.
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Death to Vermin.
On my mark ... Engage! (Score:1)
Hmmmmmm (Score:1)
Only web tv? (Score:1)
They Should let you hook it up to your computer and use tv out off your video card. Or at least have the option. I don't want to spend $1000+ and still have to pay for webtv on top of my isps fees. That sucks
Unfortunately... (Score:1)
And, no, she ain't heavy. I'm heavier and my chair is OK.
Her replacement chair, needless to say, was not from La-Z-Boy. That one's holding up just fine.
Looks to me (Score:2)
Wireless Keyboard (Score:1)
Almost there... (Score:1)
I think Microsoft is trying a "bit" too hard to get into the consumer market.
This may hurt my "karma" but I couldn't resist myself not posting.
Re:What, no integrated toilet? (Score:1)
Way spiffy, but not original (Score:1)
Anyway, this sounds neat, too, even if my wife would shoot me for getting one. ;)
OK,
- B
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built in dataport (Score:1)
Is the keyboard proprietary? (Score:1)
webtv (Score:1)
Stuff it doesn't have... (Score:2)
Sony Keyboard? (Score:1)
Re:La-Z-Boy chairs . . . (Score:1)
For the ultimate in overclocking!!! Built in liquid nitrogen bath for your motherboard!!!
Strong data typing is for those with weak minds.
Re:What, no integrated toilet? (Score:2)
As a coworker pointed out... (Score:1)
Another Piece to Microsoft's Evil Puzzle (Score:2)
Be afraid, be very afraid... or amused- whichever you tend to do in the presence of sarcasm.
Re:Looks to me (Score:1)
Surge protector (Score:1)
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Re:Is this a secret MS plan to kill Linux? (Score:1)
Micro$oft & La-Z-Boy (Score:1)
Excellent (Score:1)
Re:Is the keyboard proprietary? (Score:1)
Re:Why WebTV? (Score:1)
Well, then you may be interested in JC Penny's e^z chair [jcpenneyfurniture.com]. It features a foldaway aluminum tray on the right or left and built-in electrical and phone jacks. Sadly, it does not offer RJ-45, but neither does it come with WebTV or a proprietary keyboard.
Re:Is the keyboard proprietary? (Score:1)
A flip out LCD and built-in speakers would have kicked butt. Maybe I'll do that with one of my I-Openers and one of my La-Z-Boys....
They've done a damn good job of assimilating the office and now it's time to assimilate the home.
IMHO.
LoB
Confused I am (Score:1)
Looks like they've found their market at long last.
IBM should sue for IP theft (Score:1)
I wonder if Ford pays royalties to use the name Explorer (even though there would be no reason to).
My first troll =) (Score:1)
No soldering iron and heat shrink tubing? (Score:2)
qUOTED (oops, caps lock) from article:
Sparks went flying and the metal supports sliced into the cable. It was sweet, except for the part where I had to wait a week to have electricity for my laptop[sigh]
You're not a real geek if you don't own at least two soldering irons.
Yessir, about a 25W Ungar iron-clad tip soldering iron, a little bit of Kester 40 rosin-core solder, a few inches of heat shrink tubing. About five minutes, and you're all set to do battle against Microsoft again.
Dabblers use electrical tape. Real professional geeks use heat shrink tubing.
Besides, notebook computers don't make sparks. Tesla coils make sparks [teslasystems.com].
Re:Not "E-cliner" (Score:1)
Uhm ... (Score:1)
My initial, gut-most reaction is: when (not if) the MS part of the chair crashes, will the recliner part go haywire and fold you into a pretzel?
One Small Problem (Score:3)
ummm, there's just one small problem [meepzorp.com]...
"I will gladly pay you today, sir, and eat up
Oxymoron?? (Score:3)
Kinda defeats the whole purpose of wireless doesnt it?
Build your own (Score:2)
Also got wireless keyboard & mouse, and -- not a retractable monitor -- but an old projector. (aim it at the baseboards of the wall for best neck angle.)
I recommend it.
Re:Chair.NET (Score:1)
Re:Is the keyboard proprietary? (Score:1)
Doesn't Hacker [tuxedo.org] Originally Mean One Who Works With Furniture?
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bastards! (Score:1)
Re:Oxymoron?? (Score:1)
Not "E-cliner" (Score:2)
I imagine this name was Microsoft's idea, because anything internet-related seems to have this same name: Internet Explorer, MSN Explorer, now the La-Z-Boy Explorer.. why can't they come up with a new name once in a while?
La-Z-Boy chairs . . . (Score:1)
La-Z-Boy has had storage compartments in the arms for a while. In fact one could get a built in mini-frig/cooler job.
Anounced last April (Score:1)
Re:Way spiffy, but not original (Score:1)
Microsoft tries to be Geek (Score:2)
It reminds me of the kid in the neighborhood who keeps wanting to be cool, but hasn't got a clue. This is the same kid who only has friends because daddy has money, and he can buy stuff.
It is really sad.
because the right way to be is not to try to be like someone else.
In other words, get your own life, don't try to rent, buy, or steal someone elses'.
Re:Looks to me (Score:2)
I'll say. This is useless for me, since I don't have webTV. I do have an old video out card, and would grab one of these bad boys in an instant if I could be assured that the wireless keyboard, etc., would work with my blazing home-built.
Re:No soldering iron and heat shrink tubing? (Score:2)
Welcome to Krazy Bill's House-o-Furniture (Score:2)
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Umm, no. Thank you.
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Re:No soldering iron and heat shrink tubing? (Score:2)
Gave myself a nice zap even through the plasit insulation on the cutting pliers, and thoroughly destroyed the power supply for some reason. The thing started to smoke.
Hmmm... They're switching supplies. Generally, when you overload them, the shut right down with no damage done. I can't say that I've had this problem many times - I spend extra to buy good quality stuff and then I take good care of it - but even on some of the notebook power supplies I've come across at work (and surplus stores; notebook PSUs are very useful), I can't say that I've ever seen one that should misbehave when you short it.
I did break out my $7 Radio Shack soldering iron and got to work soldering the wire back together (REAL men don't use any insulation at all before testingThe $7 soldering iron is at least half your problem. If the soldering iron is symbolic of the quality of the notebook, yeah, I can see that the manufacturer might have scrimped and neglected to put in regulators that shut down when overloaded.
Yeah, real men *do* use insulation when testing. The stuff I fix will kill you if you look at it the wrong way. And the stuff that won't, bad things happen anyway.
It never fails that when you have an uninsulated piece of wire hanging across the desk is also exactly when a big truck is going to drive by your house and the vibrations will knock the empty Pepsi can on your desk onto it. Or the cat will come by. Or your roommate's girlfriend's hellion of a 6-year-old son. Or, you'll be checking out the device under test with your good Fluke 77 multimeter, and unseen, one of the test leads will drag the connection you should have insulated onto a screwdriver.
More on 'Le Reg' (Score:3)
beebware [beebware.com]
Richy C.
Other features (Score:2)
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MailOne [openone.com]
Ok, so how much $$? (Score:2)
d
Is this a secret MS plan to kill Linux? (Score:5)
Invent recliner that appeals to geeks and is easily modified to keep geeks in a reclined position for hours at time.
Watch as geeks' weight increases, heart rate increases and general health decreases.
Geeks no longer have stamina to code all night long, Linux development slows down.
Microsoft vanquishes another competitor.
Whatever we do, don't let Linus or Alan Cox get one.