Oh hell yes frying the rice makes a very different and delicious kind of rice.  Especially if I was doing risotto I wouldn't do it any other way.

But I use a rice cooker all the time for the brown rice that goes into my "bachelor chow."  Because I don't have to bother with it, I know it will take care of itself. 

 I've never heard of dis frying of the rice before cooking.. will have to try it.