Electrolux shows Net fridge

Scandinavian appliance maker Electrolux AB plans to show next week a prototype of a refrigerator that will let users order goods over the Internet. Electrolux plans to launch the Screen Fridge this year, but it hasn_t yet been determined where the product will be marketed. Screen Fridge has a flat screen computer in its door that can be linked directly to the Internet. The computer is installed with a Windows-based operating system from Microsoft Corp., a browser for Net surfing and a bar-code scanner that electronically reads product information, according to G. Drage at Electrolux_s future businesses division. When services are eventually available, users will be able to use the scanner to order products directly from local retailers over the Internet. A touch screen allows users to input information. Electrolux and International Computers Limited PLC, a U.K.-based supplier of information technology systems and services that helped develop the product, are holding discussions with retailers whose goods could be ordered via the Internet and then delivered to consumers_ homes, Drage said. Electrolux sees the product serving as a family message center, allowing people to send E-mail, order goods or even to watch television on the screen, according to Hammarlind. The Screen Fridge will be shown next week, both at the Domotechnica appliance fair in Cologne, Germany, and at the Euroshop retailers conference in Dusseldorf.