If buying a new refrigerator is one of your “things to do” in 2008, there’s something new on the appliance market that might catch your eye. The place where children’s drawings and family photos have been taped or held up by magnets for generations, is going digital, and that’s only part of the story.

Retailers reported that digital frames were some of their biggest sellers this past Christmas, and on the heels of that success, Whirlpool debuts a side-by-side fresh off the assembly line it says is “all about the memories, not the magnets.” The monochromatic stainless steel model ($1999) boasts an eight-inch digital photo frame (sold seperately for $249) that fits into an accessory port above the water and ice dispenser.

But that’s not all the port can be used for. On Sunday, at the Digital Experience event during the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, it was revealed that it also has modules for interchangeably hanging a laptop or iPod dock in what’s called a “centralpark” connection that attaches to a power outlet on the top of the left door panel.

Whirlpool demonstrated modules that included the Clio Vu web tablet, Cozi family organizational software, Brandmotion iPod speaker system and the Quartet Qnote Message Center. Prices were not announced for the new products and modules, except for the software, which is free.

“Depending on each family’s needs, there is a centralpark connection device to help every Whirlpool brand consumer accomplish more with his or her day — from keeping photo displays fresh to organizing family activities,” said Phil Pejovich, VP of Whirlpool Refrigeration, North America. Consumers also may remove the devices for a more standard refrigerator facade.

The Consumer Electronics Association named the Whirlpool brand refrigerator with the centralpark connection as an Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award Honoree in the Home Appliances product category.