Would you buy one?

A new fancy kitchen appliance called an "ecosystem". It is a small hydroponic station so you can grow some of your own food. Currently in its first incarnation, just a bit better than a science experiment:
http://www.ediblemanhattan.com/foodshed-2/grove-labs-food-loves-tech/

Interesting idea.

Is it practical? Does it intrigue you? Is it worth $4500? Does it really offer 'an education' to consumers? Is this just a pretentious urban toy?

[David M. Bueker]

I have one of those, but it's the old school version - it's called a local farmer.

[Robin Garr]

I have one of those, but it's the old school version - it's called a local farmer.

That, and a backyard garden and a spouse who knows how to use it ...

[Jenise]

Doesn't intrigue me in the slightest. Unless you throw the guppies in your omelette (and even then...) the actual amount of growing space is pretty limited. Even our two-person family would have a hard time living on the relatively small amount of plant food that space would be able to provide.

Yeah, I agree with Jenise. It looks more like a demonstration garden for concrete-bound kids. Kind of expensive for that.

Seems very expensive and quite small. However systems like this can be quite productive. A former colleague had a home built system, I am not sure of the size but they were able to raise a dozen trout to plate size as well as quite a variety of veg.

[Jenise]

Seems very expensive and quite small. However systems like this can be quite productive. A former colleague had a home built system, I am not sure of the size but they were able to raise a dozen trout to plate size as well as quite a variety of veg.

Could you raise something like trout in your living room and then eat them? I couldn't. They'd all have names....

Seems very expensive and quite small. However systems like this can be quite productive. A former colleague had a home built system, I am not sure of the size but they were able to raise a dozen trout to plate size as well as quite a variety of veg.

Could you raise something like trout in your living room and then eat them? I couldn't. They'd all have names....

The trick is in how you choose the names. For example, I might name them Piccata, Meuniere, and Livornese.

[Jenise]

LOL, Jeff.

wait, their recommended fish are:
Neon tetras
Cory catfish
White Cloud minnows
Guppies
Female betta fish

Doesn't sound like growing fish to eat (I hope)

[Jenise]

wait, their recommended fish are:
Neon tetras
Cory catfish
White Cloud minnows
Guppies
Female betta fish

Doesn't sound like growing fish to eat (I hope)

Mini-tacos.

Jeez, why not brislings?