We actually are a bit surprised that it took so long networking laundry machines, after the industry has been talking about the Internet-capable refridgerator and microwave for almost a decade. Students returning to their college campuses might get a bit of an advaced view into these exciting new technologies with a new software called LaundryView, part of "Intelligent Laundry Solutions" introduced by Mac-Gray a few weeks ago.

The software allows a student online access to the laundry room to determine first whether machines are available and then to receive alerts to his or her laptop, PDA, cell-phone or directly to a desktop.

"We are very excited about being able to offer our students the cutting edge technology that LaundryView provides," said Philip Clay, Associate Dean of Students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. "LaundryView is a perfect complement to the lifestyle of the technologically savvy WPI student."

If there was no compelling reason so far to get a PDA or a new laptop, students might have a real point to ask their parents for some extra sponsorship to improve college life.