I love my cat, Sundae. But weekend trips turn impossible when I can't find a pet sitter. Although ferociously independent, Sundae still needs to be fed. ISeePet aims to solve this pet lover's conundrum. This automated pet feeder lets you remotely feed your pet using the Internet.

I give that a big meow.


The $500 iSeePet won't debut in the United States until October. But "Fresh Gear" got a preview unit for testing.

Feeding time

Resembling an ultramod coffeemaker, the iSeePet dispenses meals at your command through any Web-enabled device -- even if you're on the other side of the planet.

Find switches on the iSeePet for accessing its functions manually while you're hanging at home. An attachable water bottle rounds out its practical, Spartan design. The iSeePet also comes equipped with its own Ethernet jack.

Even my cat can set it up

OK, not really. But setup proved totally easy. You need to use your PC for only the first few steps.

1. Hook the iSeePet to your PC with the included crossover cable.
2. Configure the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway on the iSeePet.
3. Disconnect the unit from the PC and plug it into your broadband connection. (Sorry, all you cave dwellers. There's no dialup.)
4. Load the included software.
5. Sign in to your free iSeePet account.

Once iSeePet goes online, just log on to your account using any computer or Web-enabled cellphone. From here you can work your pet-feeding magic.

• Remote feeding, which dispenses two different proportions: meal and snack
• Feed signal call, a musical chime that summons your pet for chow time
• Video and still camera for keeping an eye on your precious

Main drawbacks

• No built-in wireless, so you're limited to where you can place your iSeePet
• No remote-control camera, so you can't search for your pet in the room

Summary: A product like the iSeePet is popularly accepted in Japan, where there are bakeries that cater only to pets. But this thing will be hard-pressed to find U.S. buyers with its eye-popping $500 price. However, if you travel often and don't have friends to pet sit, the iSeePet is what you need.

Don't be surprised if your pet starts loving it more than it loves you -- as my cat does (sigh).

Pros: Access from anywhere via Internet; cool design; nice camera

Cons: Lacks wireless; lacks remote-control camera; expensive

Company: AlphaOmega Soft
Price: $500
Available: October 2003
Category: Internet appliance
Platform: Windows 98/98 SE/2000/XP
Ships with: iSeePet feeder, power cord, water bottle, CD software
Requirements: IE 5.5; network interface card