Who buy's automotive inspired laptop's / office stuff?

[intakexhaust]

Have you ever purchased a laptop, stapler, whatever that was based on or perhaps by an automotive design house?

Spotted this racey typewriter and was wondering if buyers back when thought they could type any faster. So then I thought of a fellow who purchased an Acer Ferrari edition laptop around 2005. I know he paid a premium and I wondered why? It's a design thing that some of us like but when it comes to office related equipment, my cynical mind tell's me otherwise.






1970 Smith Corona typewriter. Inspired by their race cars, Ghia designed this sleek machine with the off-center racing stripes and 2 rubber (tire) treads on the bottom.
Only made in turquoise and orange. Made in England.


More:
Asus Lambo






Acer Ferrari


Ducati thumb drive


And of course Porsche Design




The write-up / review is comical-
Do you secretly wish your mangled-looking laptop would self-destruct so you can replace it? It's not going to happen. So just do the next best thing and replace it, with a much, much hotter one - The VPR Matrix 220A5 laptop ($1,299. US)
Not only is this laptop super fast with 512MB of RAM and a smoking 2.2GHz Pentium 4-M processor, but it's silver and black magnesium case is also super thin and super light.

Hard-core processing power and compact frame sound like an oxymoron? Not any more! This laptop beat out almost all the other laptops in its class in speed tests, and it's only 6.4 light pounds and 1.21" thick!

Think it's too good to be true? You haven't even heard the best of it! Listen up. The VPR Matrix 220A5 laptop ($1,299. US) was designed by none other than F.A. Porsche! It even says "Design by F.A. Porsche" in silver lettering right next to the sleek black keyboard. Not to mention that this sexy laptop has won numerous awards for its sleek design.

Want even better news? The VPR Matrix also features a 15.2" widescreen display. Unlike many laptops, this screen is incredibly bright and crisp. So much so that we noticed a measurable difference between the screen on the VPR Matrix and the screens on other laptops. Everything else pales in comparison--literally!

Wondering if something so pretty could really have enough processing power for hard-core users? Not to worry - this puppy is blazingly fast and built for users who want to edit movies, download gigabytes of media, and stream Internet music--all at the same time.

Want proof? On a 550-MHz Pentium III machine, Adobe Photoshop Elements took 25 seconds to open--on the VPR Matrix it took less than two seconds. It's even rated to be faster than some 2.8GHz Pentiums!


Here's a few other specifics:
Long lasting battery (about 3.5 hours.)
Super sexy side slot loading DVD / CD-RW (24x) drive
Listen to CDs when the computer is powered off!
Large 40GB hard drive, 512MB DDR memory and a 32MB nVidia GeForce4 420 graphics card.
Fully expandable with VGA and S-video out connections (great for presentations!)
A 10/100 network port and PC card slot.
2 USB 2.0 and 2 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports for high-speed peripherals.
The only beef we had was with the keyboard, as one of the keys popped off the first time we used it. Not a big problem though, as we reattached it and it hasn't come off since.

If you're new to laptops, there is a cute little video called "Bringing Home Technology" that is intended to teach you how to use your new computer, that is automatically launched the first time you power up. If you're not new, what the heck, watch it anyway! It'll remind you how smart you were to put your old computer or laptop out of its misery.

[mikesride]

The hinges used on my bathroom cabinets have the Ferrari logo on them. Does that count?

[herr_oberst]

I'm sure everyone's already seen the Lamborghini Commemorative Oyster Shucking Tool and Chain Mail Glove about a million times by now.....

[Racerbvd]

We carry these

When you see the F80, you'll smile. When you hear it, you'll want one. The F80's design is bold and unique - its sculptured curves and deep gloss lacquered finish immediately tell you that this is something different and special. Inside the elegant cabinet lies the most advanced transportable entertainment system ever made. To design the Meridian F80, engineers with an award-winning pedigree in audio, electronics and radio were set a clear challenge: to apply their knowledge and expertise to a compact and unique design, and to create a system that offers astonishing performance. Don't let the small size deceive you - the Meridian F80's sound is big and immediately engaging. From the bedroom to the boardroom, in the kitchen or the conservatory, its unique digital active loudspeaker technology fills any room with clear and captivating sound. The Meridian F80 is a multi-talented performer, at home wherever you plug it in. It can fill a large living room party with superb quality CD sound or, when connected to a display device, play your DVDs. Equally, with a dual function alarm, it's the perfect bedside companion and can wake you in the morning with gentle chimes, a preset radio station or your favourite CD. Use it in the study as a music system or as a high performance computer speaker. Hook up your Airport Express digitally. Connect your iPod and enjoy your stored music library. Catch the news on your local FM, AM or DAB Digital radio station as you lunch in the kitchen. Take it to your holiday retreat and enjoy complete home entertainment away from home. Regardless of application, the Meridian F80 is neat, complete and everything you need. All F80 systems come complete with: Remote; Power Cord; Antenna; Owners Manual

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

Have you ever purchased a laptop, stapler, whatever that was based on or perhaps by an automotive design house?

As part of my car hobby, I collect watches specific to them. It started with a Porsche Design watch when I had my 3 1983s - the old black titanium ones (luckily before prices spiked on them). When I bought my Z4 I got a $200 gift card for their online store and the only thing that appealed was the Z4 watch. Most recently, after picking up my Mini Cooper S with Black Jack emblems about a week ago:



I ordered this:



I don't wear them - I just think it's cool to have them.

Edit: I also keep a copy of the dealer brochure for each car I've had. It was actually getting the 1983 dealer brochure for Porsche when I had my 911SC that inspired me to get the 944 and 928 as well.

[VINMAN]

The whole "Porsche designed" thing always made me shake my head.

[flipper35]

I have a Momo banded wheel for the computer but I didn't buy it for the Momo in red across the front. Pretty decent wheel for the money.

[tcar]

Man, apostrophes don't grow on trees... you killed two of them in your title.

Should be none.


Does anyone make a typewriter anymore? Is that new?

[scottmandue]

I also roll my eyes at such things...

However I think many of these objects fall into the buying for "the person who has everything".

OK I gotta admit... the Lambo laptop is prety cool

[nota]

the Porsche laptop must be 10 years old with those specs

I got a pair Ferrari folding sun glasses at a yard sale for a buck
but that is about it for branded BS