Living: Plugging In Everyman

Cheap computers that balance checkbooks and water lawns

Michael Mastrangelo, 40, a Manhattan audiovisual consultant, has a servant who keeps the temperature and humidity in his home at just the levels he demands, puts his favorite music on the stereo as he pulls into the driveway, and phones him at the office in case of fire or burglary. If Mastrangelo wanted, his major-domo could also wake him in the morning, make him a cup of tea, brief him on the day's business appointments as he has breakfast, remind him that the car needs an oil...

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