Most of us would know just what to do if we had to use a toilet from the early 1900s, since modern toilet design was pretty much in place by then. Where are the electronic toilet gizmos any sci fi writer of the 30s would have predicted for the year 2000? Toto USA is planning to move into the new millenium with a toilet that does -- almost -- everything for you. The Toto Neorest will open the toilet lid automatically when you enter the bathroom and heat the toilet seat to 98.6 degrees. A wall-mounted remote lifts the seat for men, and bidet features keep everything sanitary. When you're done, a sensor flushes the toilet and closes the lid. Sick of that freezing toilet seat in winter, or just plain paranoid about germs? You'd better be flush, since it starts at $5000.

The Neorest comes from Japan, where luxury toilets are quite popular. Many travelers tell stories about randomly pushing buttons on the Japanese-language control panel on a toilet, and getting a big surprise. Is the American market ready for luxury toilets? "American toilet hygiene is very archaic," said Lenora Campos, Toto's U.S. public relations manager. "But people are savvier now. Bringing computer technology into the bathroom is an emerging trend. All that's needed is education and exposure to leading-edge products for Americans to see the benefits of really cutting-edge hygiene." (Source: Wired News)

For more info, see Japan's High Tech Toilets Do Nearly Everything.

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