RSSMicrosoft: The future is in fashionable PCs
By Mykel Nahorniak | Published January 9, 2008, 6:50 PM
This year at CES, almost every booth has a section dedicated to devices designed with aesthetics in mind. Microsoft has become a big proponent of this new fashion-device movement with a dedicated team working with OEMs to develop fashionable hardware.
At any Starbucks, it's not uncommon to see people with their laptops finishing homework, or catching up on e-mails. As it leaves the confines of the office or home, the computer is no longer just a utilitarian device, and now makes a statement about its owner.
The goal of mavens in the fashion industry is to discover the next big thing before anyone else. At a typical trade show, interesting materials and designs drive the demand of a product. Innovations in technology, however, have long been aimed at the die-hard computer fan who favors faster performance over slick design.
Typical consumers simply purchased their devices out of necessity, but the scales are beginning to tip with demand growing for hardware that performs well, but looks good at the same time. As the form factor of computers evolve to be more attractive, they are transitioning from being the eyesore in the bedroom to the centerpiece of the living room.
Microsoft has recognized the marketing shift, and has sectioned off a team dedicated to working with OEMs to develop fashionable hardware. One of the company's contributions to these manufacturers includes a kind of "design API." Palettes of the Windows Vista colors, material and form factor suggestions are provided to help create a seamless interaction between hardware and software.
When asked if Microsoft has plans to enter the fashion hardware market itself, Nadine Kano, Director of Experience Marketing for Microsoft's OEM team, said the company sees no value in competing with OEMs at this time, but that reference designs are often delivered to manufacturers to be used as a guideline.
She added that the marketing strategy for attractive devices will be an integral part of Microsoft's advertising campaign this year.
Manufacturers like Sony, ASUS, Lenovo and Gateway have realized the demand for pretty PCs as well, and are dedicating more resources to creating them.
Lately, OEMs have been borrowing practices from fashion designers. Materials such as cow fur, aluminum, leather and carbon fiber have transcended industrial design and are now finding their way onto the cases of many laptops.
A Dutch company, Ego, is targeting those who prefer hardware that matches their wardrobe over top-of-the-line performance. Their first laptop, a clamshell not unlike Apple's iBook, is a dramatic departure from typical portable computing devices. It features a handle and can be carried like a purse.
ASUS has answered the call with its Lamborghini model, to be released in February, and Sony's Vaio line focuses on a smaller physical footprint, while remaining fully functional. Gateway has taken many cues from Apple's iMac, with its all-in-one "One" desktop.
At CES 2008, Microsoft held a "fashion show" for these new devices, along with a showcase designed to mimic a boutique storefront.
The personal computer has transformed from a tool to a fashion accessory, and Microsoft sees this trend continuing into the next year. Kano previously worked under former Windows chief Jim Allchin, who pushed OEMs to develop design-conscious computers. In turn, she wants to establish fashion as a critical element of both software and hardware design, bringing the back the "cool" to Windows PCs.
I want one thats military style with a camo type composite high grade synthetic exterior, carbon fibre reinforced corners, nylons straps, then double stitched with high tensile nylon thread all round. Maybe finishing of with custom aircraft aluminium checkerplate backing. oouuh yeahhh.
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So, you want a Panasonic Toughbook?
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you forgot to add gps/locator, anti radar, anti infra red and a self destruction capability. the self destruct will be handy if the laptop falls into the wrong hands.
might as well add a secret compartment for a dagger and a mini parachute for those just in case moments.
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Don't forget the "accidental launch" button. :p
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that's great for business.
turn a cheap laptop into a 10,000.model - designed by gucci, calvin klien, and the like.
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Anything to be rid of the Black/Grey/Tan/White BS we're seemingly locked into now.
lmao... Yeah, guys (Apple fanboys). Clamshell White. That's innovation...
*yawn*
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I do like my laptop use another color beside the black and silver. Apple has White. Dell XPS has red, but it cost more, I think $50 more to have red instead of black. However, it's still a lot cheaper than the Apple White.
And Apple Fanboys, please don't think Apple create everything. Just pick your head out of your a$$ and look into Asia and you can see how many of Apple "innovated" idea was already existed for a while.
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How is Microsoft copying Apple by acknowledging the FACT that people like cooler lookin PC's? Thats really ignorant of most of you guys to say that, especially when Micrsoft doesnt even make hardware, they are just pushing other companies to consider design when they make PC and laptops ... and dell and other companies are.
If thats copying apple then you've been sucking off Steve jobs too long and the lovejuices have made most of you guys delusional.
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While some of these designs are hooky, I do see their point, before pcs were a tan plain box and quite large, look at all the different case mods there are BEFORE apple made the fashionable pc, pcs have shrunk down by half the size and look more stylish (I suppose) and not such an eyesore, will this be a huge market? Probably not but it probably fills a niche.
Always amusing that steve's personal fluffers come to talk apple again and again.
Apple copies too they just make it more shiny and twice the price.
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Do they come with fashionably coordinated error screens?
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I wouldnt think so, since i havent had one error screen since i bought Vista ... ;)
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Probably because error screen is still not supported yet like everything else.. hehe
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I did not mention copyright, did I? But innovations from Microsoft make me laugh... Microsoft is damn late! Apple released "sexy" products since early colored iMacs, exactly 10 years ago and now Microsoft talks about the fashion "future"? That is pathetic, and by the way Betanews too, writing news about it
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I would rather see a push for "innovative" design over "fashionable" design.
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RFLOL! Microsoft wants to copy Apple ideas again, but they came 10 years late... That is just plainly lame.
I do not trust in Microsoft "fashion" style at all. Xbox on fire anyone?
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So Apple has copyright on the idea of having stylish computers? C'mon. The computer market is mature now so all kinds of niche markets are opening up - this is a natural issue.
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yeah...yet another example of M$ copying Apple. What a joke. maybe we will see a turd brown laptop to match the M$ Zune debacle.
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Dude, really...
Most folks get over their "fascination" with "poo" jokes at around age 3.
A bit behind the curve their aren't you?
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Personally, i prefer functionality over aesthetics any time.
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yeah, they need to focus on the OS working right first before working about making the hardware look good.
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I guess soon we all get to pay even more for our computer upgrades because those Brady families out there need a fashion statement in their homes. So much wasted energy that should be used developing performance parts. I suppose we'll see people taking their PC's shopping soon enough. sigh
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lame. shoddy fashion models punting expired 'fashion' ideas for tech. Anyone remember the clamshell ibook? Where is the vision?? MS vision apparently...hmmm
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