I have the feeling that this is not for the woman that is passionate about her technology as it will feature a substandard bunch of hardware cause we all KNOW women are idiots with computers...and won't possibly know!

It's a pity cause it really IS quite nice looking. I'd buy one if it was actually any GOOD.

Ajh

Also, I thought the model was carrying a clutch purse in the first image.

Hvedhrungr

Very nice and appealing computer until I read the following: True reflection of the needs of a modern woman who cares about fashion but is also passionate about her technology.
BULLSHIT. At least be honest about the fact that you're slobbering like rabid dogs for the "perception before performance" market that Apple is currently leading.
It looks decent, it will probably appeal to a fair number of users, don't overdo the PR.

Hvedhrungr

nice ass on that puter.

mikegriffin

I love style (not necessarily fashion) and I love hardware, but I see no reason to meld the two.
(A stainless steel laptop would be the ultimate in style for laptops if you ask me.)

Curves

Did they really have to put the hp logo on there? Really? They did the same with the artist edition of one of their laptops. They should have just put a small logo under the screen or something.

craig_16

@Curves: Especially because it won't be out of fashion in three weeks.

hanswurst0815

It looks like it might double as a comfortable cushion.

@craig_16: "Did they need to put HP's logo on there? Really?"

Naaa, who wants to advertise for their company on a New York runway with a hot model holding their product.

robpruitt

@Hvedhrungr: Let's call it the "fashion before function" crowd. Because it's not just a perception. Some people just happen to enjoy paying more for something they think looks beautiful regardless of other people's perceptions of it/them.

Just like I'll pay more for a great tie or some sweet cufflinks.

To paraphrase Tim Gunn, fashion isn't important; it's just fun.

92BuickLeSabre

I have no problem mixing these concepts together. In gadget world, we seem to be one of the last bastions of utilitarianism. But why?

It's a good looking laptop and I think it will last more than one "season."

Granted, its going to be more expensive than an econo-laptop with the same specs. But if you're going to be carrying the thing around, why not have it look good?

You seem to live with paying a premium for so many other things that aren't necessarily better quality. Was price to functionality your only factors in your car buying decision? Your glasses? Your laptop bag? Your clothes? Probably not. At some point style, fashion, etc. entered into it. So as long as you buy a "classic" design and not some trendy design (e.g. that neo-80's crap), it's all good with me.

ARP

more like Fad than Fashion!

hindsight2020

It's hard to get excited about an upholstered laptop, no matter how pretty it is. Wrap it in a modifiable e-inkish display and I'll get excited. That way it would match my entire wardrobe instead of a single red dress. I don't even wear dresses.

Gann

Any MAN be willing to use this? I can see someone getting beaten for using this!

Noobs-R-Us

@kahri: Well, if we're going to get all "honest" about it.

"Special Edition tiny little HP designed by unnamed team of designers and engineers, with case designed by unnamed team of fashion designers/interns using fabric selected/conceptualized by Vivienne Tam."

92BuickLeSabre

These things aren't really designed to sell. They're there more to raise the company's prestige amongst certain parts of the market.

Ypoknons

It bothers me when these companies release "designed by" editions of the same spec devices. Like this "Vivienne Tam Special Edition machine", did she really design ANYTHING besides the case/sleeve? So shouldn't this be the Vivienne Tam Special Edition case/sleeve?

kahri

the first time i scrolled down the front page, i wonder "since when does giz cover fashion shows?"
but wait.. it's not a purse, it's not a handbag, it's not a shiny red bag that your daughter asked this Christmas. Yes, it is a laptop. Shiny red, i won't buy one. Uh uh. Not for me.

bencahyadi

@kahri: So yes...if you want to still be really generous about it.

92BuickLeSabre

Seriously though, why not go all the way with a "signature designed" lappy? Why not also carry the design over to the desktop picture/icon set/ or maybe a pre-installed......never mind I just noticed where that sucks.

kahri

@92BuickLeSabre: so, yes?

kahri

Dear god, just buy a MacBook instead. This flower-coloured monstrosity scares the hell out of me.

Eruanno

How about just a laptop skin designed by Junko Mizuno? Now that I would definitely want!

RE-L

I'm with Curves on this one. Style is cool but the things that these designers push into making trends are usually hideous and die quickly (or at least I hope they do). I'd love a small laptop that had the stainless steel look much better. Or just plain shiny black. You can never go wrong with black.

RE-L

How about just taking that jpeg you've had as your desktop pic to the nearest vinyl shop. $10 bucks later, you've got a "custom signature series lolcats macbook".
or "chrome comic frucci Dell latitude". Oh the possibilities.

kahri

@hanswurst0815: Could stainless steel ever be out of style? Not in my book! I can see some designer laptop bag if you want a fashion statement, although mine is basic black, which fits every occasion. If Giz would come out with a laptop bag that says "I <3 Giz", I would buy it, but they probably would only make one to fit Macbooks and my laptop is a Dell.
(I hope I dont get banned for loving my Dell, but I do. It ROCKS!)

Curves

My girlfriend will want one. Now if they were available in blue without the flowers... count me in HP

oneclick

@kahri: @kahri: Check the links... apparently Viv also designed the theme, desktop imagery, screensaver and other stuff too.

Kit Eaton

@Kit Eaton: thank you. thank you. kahri FTL
Not doubting you, of course, but I didn't find anything about the screensaver,theme, etc. on any linked articles.
FWIW, I think the upholstered sleeve to match an outfit is something my girl would love. It's me that would say "you nuts, it's just an overpriced sleeve, check the specs". She would win, of course.

kahri

I thought that thing was a particularly flamboyant DS at first...

Reilaos~

finally a notebook that is tailored to meet a woman's stylish expectations! i love the red but to some it might appear a little ostentatious, a nice shiny dark gray (or black) would have looked just as fabulous with that design.
i hope the specs are up to par as well.
can't wait!

techgrl

I would really fucking well appreciate it if someone would design for women without indulging in this particular colour scheme. Please.

twreckx

@twreckx: Seconded.

And can I add that I rather resent the fact that if a gadget is being marketed towards women, changes are usually purely cosmetic?

SF_iris

@92BuickLeSabre: If it quacks, floats on water and lays eggs, it's probably a duck. Particularly if it looks like a duck as well. If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, if it smells, feels and tastes like a duck, it's probably not a swan.

Sure I think my Macbook looks considerably better than any other laptop I owned before it. And I won't deny that looks did play a part, however small, in my purchase. But if Apple paired its products with the same kind of nauseating PR that HP is sporting here, the iPod would have doubled over and died several years ago, if not from being stoned to death, then from simple shame.

Hvedhrungr