MOTM

Want the ultimate in power control for your synth?  Here is the Rube 
Goldberg solution: use your cell phone to call the controlled power 
strip that is also connected to the phone line.  The power strip 
answers the phone and after entering a username and password, you can 
turn loads on/off by pressing keys on your cell phone.  Of course 
your actions are guided by an interactive voice response system.

Think I'm joking?  Check out the products here:
http://www.dataprobe.com/

They also have models that connect to the Internet to let you turn 
your synth on/off via browser.  They have models with and without an 
embedded modem.  No more of that horrific reaching behind the cabinet 
to find a power switch crap!  Just keep your power strip's number in 
your speed-dial, or keep the URL in your "favorites" in your browser 
and off you go!  Yes, I think I should get several of them.

I wonder if they offer a model that does IR control from a phone...  
You know what a pain in the ass it is when you cannot find the TV or 
satellite remote because it slid under the bag of Cheesy Poofs.  So 
pluck the cell phone off your belt, dial up your family room and 
change the channels.  Hell, with call-waiting, that thing ought to 
mute the TV for you when you pickup the phone for an incoming call.  
You could even mess with your kids... while out of the house shopping 
for more electronic essentials, call up the IR controller and change 
the channel from Skin-emax to TBN.  There's nothing like a good TV 
evangelist soliciting money from "Six Flags Over Jesus", to perk up a 
teenager.

Then again, maybe not.

Cheers!
Tom Farrand