Dell launches customised laptops in UK

 

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By Tim Danton in Versailles

Posted on 16 Jun 2009 at 14:10

Dell has announced the UK launch of Design Studio - its online service that allows buyers to choose from up to 200 exclusive designs to personalise a laptop.

"It used to be processors and software that people specified [when buying a laptop]," Michael Tatelman, vice president of sales and marketing for Dell's global consumer business, told PC Pro at an exclusive briefing in Versailles. "Now they can pick from over 200 designs commissioned by Dell."

And, according to Tatelman, this is only the start. "You'll see various things coming over time that allow you to associate with groups - bands and football teams for instance."

Theoretically, people could also submit their own artwork - but this presents its own issues. "Many people ask about user-created designs but it's difficult to decide what's right and wrong," said Tatelman.

The service extends to Product RED designs, the charity that partners with big brands to sell premium versions of products that usually includes a mark-up specifically for the charity (although Dell says this isn't the case for Design Studio).

Currently, the Design Studio service is available for Dell's Studio 15 and Studio 17 laptops.

Prices range from £29 inc VAT for plain colours to £69 inc VAT for the more extravagant designs.