Recently, I had to take the plunge and finally get wireless Internet in my home. I’ve tried to abstain for as long as possible in the hopes of living in the ‘real world’ from time to time, but freelance work seeping into my home life has rendered me a terminally virtual babe.

Now, there are few hassles as egregious as waiting in the DMV line, alternate side parking laws and the ever-elusive appointment with your cable/internet guy, but unfortunately they are necessary motions we must go through to live.

This past week I answered the thuds at my door, permitted cable man Stan’s entry into my home and found the process to be rather painless. I showed Stan into the living room and let him have at it while I simultaneously dried my hair, drank my coffee, set up my Blackberry notices and caught up on This American Life. Just as I completed my morning ritual, Stan was handing me an invoice to sign. I glanced over his shoulder at that moment and literally cooed at the site of… a router.

Yes, a router.

All my life I’ve dealt with technology and found that whenever it’s a ‘necessary’ piece of tech it always has to be an ugly piece of tech. Looking over Stan’s shoulder I spied something that was much more reminiscent of an alarm clock-radio, in a lovely metallic blue and silver tone and a curvier shape than any router I’ve seen.

I know it’s just a router, but it makes a difference when home accessories match the décor. I want to like everything in my home. To me, this is a symbol of Time Warner’s effort, albeit small, to fit into My life instead of vice versa.

Sometimes it’s the small details that touch us and help improve brand perception. Now how about some free WiFi at the DMV? Or at least a hug.

Rochelle Fainstein