Ever since I read Salon’s article on the X-10 home automation protocol, Geek House, I’ve been filled with much techno-lust and have been doing a little research. I remember pouring over Radio Shack catalogs as a kid, wanting to buy those automated light dimmer switches and control panels — but now with the advent of the personal home computer and the Internet, there’s so much more you can do!

Hall directors typically have small apartments (and I’m moving into an even smaller one than last year), but I have some summer play money burning a hole in my pocket and I’d feel more productive if I spent it on unnecessary home automation equipment instead of beer and porn.

Check out X10.com, smarthome.com, and X10ideas.com .