A notebook with a difference

How would you like to own a laptop that not only has up-to-the-minute technology, but which also reflects your style and personality?

Well, for Dh377,000 or more, depending on your tastes, you can get just that, thanks to a Dutch entrepreneur Huub van den Boogaard.

It all started when Boogaard, who was the chairman of a major Dutch computer firm HCS, noticed during his travels that even the most nattily dressed people were forced to carry dull and unflattering laptop bags.

He wondered why could laptop bags not be as colourful and trendy as their owners and why when there were luxury designer brands for everything people wear or carry, why had no one thought of jazzing up laptops?

With his vast experience in the computer industry, Boogaard decided to do something about this and set to work.

He wanted a laptop that would look like a beautiful designer bag, which would have an interesting round shape with an integrated handle and which would have interchangeable skins so that it could match its owner's outfits and moods.

However, that was easier thought of than done and it was only after four years of research and development that the first Ego notebook was born in 2007.

It was an innovative, luxurious designer notebook, a perfect fit for the trendy traveller of today.

Jolyne Eringaard, Communication Manager, Ego Lifestyle told Emirates Business: "The starting point was never to make something specifically for the high-end market. The founder of Ego Lifestyle, Huub van den Boogaard, just started with an instinct based upon his numerous years of experience in the IT sector. Ego was his own special project for which he knew a market must exist! During the product development of Ego, we did notice however that the unique features the notebook carriers (interchangeable skins, integrated handle, fashionable designs and different shape) are most valued by clients located in the higher market segment."

Crafted, personalised and assembled completely by hand, the Ego notebook's interchangeable wardrobe is made from exclusive materials like the finest leathers and fabrics, chrome and titanium.

Eringaard said: "Ego acknowledges the importance of individualisation and enables you to stand out in a world of mass production and uniformity. Ego represents how technology can be dressed by design, not just innovative but a real fashion statement; it is an extension of your own ego.

"And as Ego isn't a mass production product, every time a clients orders a design, he receives a one of a kind item."

Today Ego has gone beyond the initial requirements of its creator and Ego Lifestyle's Diamond collection starts at Dh377,000 with customisation taking the price up even more.

Eringaard said: "The Diamond Collection has been designed in co-operation with Rodrigo Otazu, an international renowned jewelry designer for celebrities such as Madonna, Britney Spears, and Beyonce Knowles."

Even though the Ego logo on the cover in the shape of a tulip, the logo and ornaments on the inside are completely inserted with 600 top quality diamonds set in white gold, the Diamond Collection gives clients the option to personalise their notebook to any extent.

Ego Lifestyle enables complete personalisation by offering you the opportunity to integrate unique elements such as embroidered initials, diamonds and symbols.

Eringaard said: "Recently we received a request from a woman who wanted the space bar in solid white gold and with her name in diamonds. Most of the time, people ask to include their initials on the cover of the Ego in diamonds, which is often initiated by the husband who wants to buy a present for his wife!

"Also, clients are becoming more and more interested in designing their own skins with one of our in-house designers.

"Individualisation has become more and more an important issue; our clients take pride in showing off their designs and standing out in the crowd; Ego provides clients with this opportunity."

However Ego notebooks are not just about bling and style, they have the knowhow too.

The Ego Notebook comes with the latest Microsoft Vista ultimate software, a 64 bit processor and a 160gb hard drive, 12 dedicated direct access keys to make wifi, bluetooth, webcam, media centre and other applications.

The notebooks are sold in Dubai by Tanagra stores.