First leather-covered laptop unveiled
The laptop has just received a face lift. Dutch company, Tulip Distribution International Holding, and Inclosia Solutions - a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company - have collaborated together to create the "E-Go," – which is claimed to be the world's first line of mass-produced leather and fabric covered laptop computers.
The E-Go utilises Inclosia's patented mass-production EXO overmoulding system technology which is designed to incorporate fabrics, leather and other materials into electronic devices. Six fabric and leather laptop versions have been designed and developed, a preview of which will become available in October 2005.
"Tulip has identified a growing tendency towards design needs within the computer industry. The ordinary computer has grown from a specialty product to a commodity product. Competition in the computer market is driven by specifications and price, with a growing demand of users willing to pay a premium for computer designs which are more personalised," said Huub van den Boogaard, founder, Tulip Distribution International Holding.
"For years laptops have been differentiated by electronic capabilities," said Tony Frencham, global business director, Inclosia Solutions. "The housing was often designed for basic protection with very limited aesthetic appeal. We believe the E-Go will be the first of many devices to use fashion as a major focus for consumer satisfaction."
"The trend toward genuine and luxury materials has been growing for some time now," said Frencham. "In a recent survey conducted by Russell Research on behalf of Inclosia Solutions, we found that 72% of Inclosia's target audience see authentic materials as making their consumer electronic devices a lot more stylish."
