I find bars to be a lousy experience in general: expensive drinks, big crowds, a limited selection, and a human being to tip. But wait — here comes technology to the rescue! The MyFountain XL by Digital Beverages is proof that we truly do, at long last, live in a modern age.

Not only will MyFountain continue to pour as long as I'm coherent enough to key in combinations on its color touchscreen, it has the ability to store, refrigerate, and mix 12 different beverages. You can also hook it up to a water supply and a carbon-dioxide cartridge for carbonated liquids. Don't worry about trying to come up with a bunch of drinks yourself — MyFountain will even do the thinking for you. This is one bartender that's always online, swapping recipes and letting you select new ones, thanks to Windows XP and an Internet connection.

If you want to get to know my new best friend, it looks like you'll have to wait until spring of next year and be willing to tip it around $2,500 right up front. After that, though, MyFountain won't ever tell you your woes are silly, or that you've had enough. — Kevin Hall

Digital Beverages, via Oh Gizmo!