Refrigerator technology

Some people talk wistfully about the day when their refrigerator will have an LCD display and a built-in computer.  Avoid these people, as they are delusional and probably also dangerous.  I have a refrigerator that has a built-in water dispenser, along with a built-in water filter.  And that's enough trouble, technology-wise.

How can a refrigerator with a water filter be a technology problem?

Well, eventually the water filter will need to be replaced.  Ordinarily I solve this problem the way I solve most low-grade technology problems: I completely ignore them.   

The problem with using that approach on the refrigerator is the red light.  It pierces me straight in the eye everytime I get a glass of water or some ice, an insidious reminder that my filter needs to be replaced.  It's insidious mostly because it allows my fertile imagination to do the heavy lifting, conjuring up various disaster scenarios that will eventually occur if I don't change the filter: water-bourne carcinogens, wriggling pathogens, and increasing toxicity entering my children's metabolism.

But then, inevitably, sanity returns.  I think to myself they're older now and their immune systems are well-developed.  And, besides, what a pain in the ass to try to find a replacement filter every couple of months just to avoid the early onset of cancer.  If they really want to live then let them find a replacement filter.

What's a frazzled parent to do?

Well, for one thing, don't bother trying to find a replacement filter by driving around on a congested highway.  You're better off taking your chances with the cancer.  No, my friends, this is a job for the Internet.  "So loyal members of the studio audience" [said as I move over to another part of the studio, with the camera gently panning along] "what we're going to do here is fire up our trusty browser (which I hope is on a computer with high-speed Internet access) and navigate to Google.com." 

Does everyone remember what we covered in 'Simple Search Strategies?'  No?  Okay, how about 'use a broad search to start and see what happens'?  For example, type in "refrigerator filter".  The first time I did this I found the following site at the top of the list: www.fridgefilters.com.  You are free to try some of the other offerings from the 'simple search strategy,' but before you do let me tell you what I found useful about Frigefilters.com. 

First, it's easy to navigate (and we always award extra points for that).  Thus, I was easily able to find the filters that my Fridgidaire used, specifically the melliflously named 'PureSource NGFC-2000.'  Now, the really cool thing, which you'll notice if you click here, is that not only do they offer good prices, but they also offer to email you when your filter is ready to be changed.  And, get this, they keep track of the life-cycle of each different type of filter.  Some of the other fridge filters offered by Fridgidaire last 6 months, but mine apparently is good for 9 months.  I felt like I'd found some spare change in the coke machine (no filter in there I've noticed).

Okay, time's almost up and the producer is waving at me.  So, let's do a quick recap. How much easier you are making your life if you order your replacement fridge filter online?  Beuller?  Anyone?

First, you don't have to drive around to get it.  Second, once you've ordered it, the FridgeFilters.com will remember what kind of filter you need. And lastly, they will actually email you when it's time for you to replace the filter.

Sure it's possible that the refridgerator's insufferable red light will come on before the email is sent.  But I like to think of FridgeFilter.com as my online second opinion.  If they don't think I'm ready to be bugged for money then why the hell should I worry about that red light?  Come to think of it, why doesn't that thing ever stop working?  Then my life would be simpler for sure.