Twenty Gadgets Every Flat Should Have 
1) The Plasma Screen Fireplace http://www.picturehousecabinets.com/ This British innovation by Picture House will be the envy of the neighborhood. It has dual function. It is a freestanding fireplace that has a compartment for a 52 inch plasma or LCD TV that descends from view with the touch of a button. The mechanism that lifts the television into view is remote controlled. The television automatically powers off during descent and all of the cords are hidden from view. The fireplace is also remote controlled and actually emits heat. The plasma screen fireplace is also a theft deterrent. The fireplace does not include the plasma television but comes in a variety of colors and materials. The price starts around 2140 British pounds. 
2) Automated Kitchen Cabinets that Close Themselves http://www.unplggd.com/unplggd/kitchen-tech/automated-cabinetry-by-anvil-motion-096493 This is an organizational geek and chef’s dream. Cabinets that open and close with a wave of the hand. No more transporting germs from the hands to the cabinets while cooking. No more arguing about who left the cabinets open in the kitchen and who should close them. Simply wave your hand in front of the sensor and the cabinet closes. There are even biometric sensors available for certain cabinets that only the resident has access to. This is useful for hiding alcoholic libations and medications from underage kids. Alternatively, a flat mate could use it to keep the other flat mate out of his or her food stash, but that would not be very friendly. Now, would it? 
3) Panasonic’s Connected Home System http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10054133-1.html This gadget will not be ready for another three years or so, but we can certainly plan for the future. With this system, the television is the focal point and everything is connected and controlled in relationship to the television. The television works on the new wireless High Definition standard. When a movie plays, the lights automatically dim. After the movie, if the guests migrate into the kitchen, the lights will brighten for a meal. Not only is the lighting controlled but also the air conditioner. Now even the resident’s workout regimen can be monitored through the system. It is truly a must have device to minimize energy costs. 
4) Athena Couch http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/02/athena-couch-is-the-gods-choice-of-furniture.html The Athena couch virtually has everything a techie would need to avoid leaving the couch for quite a while. Two touch screen monitors can be built into each armrest. The couch is also equipped for Wifi connectivity and all surround sound needs: 8 inch subwoofer, 100 watt digital amplifier, and loud speakers. Apparently, it is weatherproof, so there will be no arguing with your flat mates about the stains created from their slothful behavior on this $15,000 couch. This couch is a must have in any flat. 
5) Robotic Vacuum http://www.hammacher.com/product/76817 To avoid roommate disputes about who is responsible for vacuuming the flat, get a Roomba. This is a robotic vacuum that can be programmed to automatically vacuum the flat up to seven times per week. The sensors enable it to navigate and redirect when it encounters, furniture, walls, or stairs. It cleans up to four rooms on a single charge. When the batteries runs low it returns to its charger. The flat mates vacuuming responsibilities will be reduced significantly and that is one less chore that needs to be delegated. Electrolux also makes a cool silent version as well. 
6) Germ Eliminating Light http://www.hammacher.com/publish/73647.asp E.Coli, staphylococcus, salmonella and flu causing germs are eliminated using multi-wavelength light and nanotechnology. It is the high tech way to disinfect. This UV technology is also utilized in hospitals to sterilize surgical instruments. This gadget works effectively on keyboards, cutting boards, telephones, toothbrushes, and any where harmful bacteria may accumulate. Disinfecting takes approximately 10 seconds and should be held a quarter inch to four inches from the surface. The device notifies when sterilization is complete. It is great for travel and more convenient than a can of Lysol. 
7) Kwikset Electronic locks http://www.safesetc.com/2036.html?feed=GbaseLive&gsource=119 Electronic locks are the ultimate have for sharing a flat with someone. It provides extra security and creates a level of privacy. An email can be sent to a primary address each time the door is opened with the correct code. It is also a great way to tell if your flat mate is home or not. Two conventional keys are provided for backup. It is battery operated, but there is an indicator light to warn when the charge is low. The price starts normally around $200. The Watermill Maker http://www.geekologie.com/2008/09/watermill_provides_drinkable_w.php The Watermill Maker is installed on the outside of the home and extracts water from the air. The water is then purified via ultraviolet sterilization to yield quality drinking water. Since indoor air is supposedly 70 times more polluted than outdoor air, outdoor air was chosen. It produces up to 12 liters of water per day. 
8) Ballerina Surround Sound Chair http://www.bornrich.org/page/8/ This chair comes with a hefty price tag of $8200. However, for your hard of hearing flat mate who likes to play music loudly and desires good quality sound, this would be a coveted item in the flat. Perhaps the flat mate who is an audiophile will not need to listen so loudly to the music if the sound is directed towards his or her ears. The design absorbs vibration from speakers and rear-reflection. A quality set of head phones might not be a bad idea either. 
9) The Sleep Assistant http://www.gadgetliving.com/nightwave-sleep-assistant/ The Night Wave Relaxation machine helps individuals fall asleep by projecting a soft blue light into the room. The idea is that the person having trouble sleeping will synchronize their sleep patterns with the rise and fall of the light. 
10) Somfy Alarm System with Walkie Talkie http://thehottestgadgets.com/2008/10/15-interesting-gadgets-to-spice-up-your-home-001726 This is an alarm system combined with a walkie talkie system. It acts as an intercom within the house to help the flat mates identify breaches in the system or simply to communicate without yelling. 
11) Mold and Germ Destroyer Air Purifier http://www.earthtechproducts.com/p2654.html This gadget is great for the individual plagued by allergies, but residing with a roommate who is not respectful of the cleanliness habits that are associated with keeping allergens to a minimum. The Airfree Onix 3000 uses heated air to destroy bacteria, viruses, dust mites and pollens. This air purifier does not require any filters and does not increase harmful ozone levels. 
12) Instant Wine Chiller http://www.wineenthusiast.com/ravi-instant-wine-chiller.asp The Ravi gives any libation an instant chill. The device is stored in the freezer. When the occasion strikes, remove the Ravi, insert into the bottle and pour. Great for chilling wine, martinis or any other libation instantly. The price starts around $50. 
13) Touchless Towel Dispenser http://www.hammacher.com/Product/77461?promo=search This gadget is great to prevent cross contamination from multiple users sharing a flat. The sensor detects when it reaches the perforations in the paper roll and then hold the paper towel for the user to tear with one hand. Therefore, the user only touches the towel that he or she uses. It also assists with paper conservation, as it can be pre-programmed to dispense the specified amount. 
14) Reverse Osmosis System http://www.puritec.com/compare_purhome_rhino.html Reverse Osmosis for the entire home is a great way to improve the water for drinking, skin, and hair. It is a must have in any flat. It reduces the amount of detergent needed and reduces skin irritants in the water. It is a great investment for any flat. 
15) HotSpring Italia http://www.bornrich.org/page/6/ Accommodates up to 7 adults. Great for small gatherings and gives a great back massage when you are unable to receive one professionally. 
16) Wifi Television http://www.wired.com/gadgets/miscellaneous/news/2004/06/63680 Sharp, Sony and Casio have created monitors that will allow the viewer to watch their programs wirelessly anywhere in the home. The signals are received from a wireless base station that is transmitted to the monitor. Prices range from $1300 to $1700. 
17) Google Phone http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/17/thegoogle-phone/ The Google phone is coming soon. It operates solely on wifi and can be a great backup for the traditional land line. While this is a great innovation, do not be rude and cut the wifi connection while your flat mate is taking a call. 
18) Flexible e-Paper LG Philips http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/03/lg-philips-announces-14-3-inch-flexible-e-paper-display-for-ces/ No longer will the flat mates want to receive newspaper at the door. They will come digitally and each flat mate can take turns reading the news from the 14.3 inch flexible e-paper. 
19) Treadmill Desk Workstation http://www.bornrich.org/entry/treadmill-desk-workstation-for-fitness-freaks-in-workaholics/ This is the ultimate gift for the workaholic who does not have time to work out because he or she is glued to the computer. Priced at $2000, this is an item that is truly out of the ordinary and a must have if you have a flat mate who studies or works from home. 
20)Biometric Safe http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002AQ0PFW/ref=asc_df_B002AQ0PFW982632?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=googlecom09c9-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B002AQ0PFW Though you may chose a flat mate you trust, you may not have visitors that can be trusted. Every home should have a safe to protect valuables, lest they disappear with one of your guests or intruders. The biometric safe can only be activated and opened by your fingerprint