Why Shouldn't High Tech Look High Style?

While I was writing about glammed gadgets, I took stock of my own trusty workhorse, my two-year old iBook. It had definitely seen better days, and its white plastic case--which had once signaled "creative iconoclast at work"--was dingy, scratched and dull.

Now, it says, "freelance editor who can't afford an upgrade to MacBook Air."

Time for a makeover.

Swarovski crystals were out of the question. Too much surface to cover, and with the daily wear and tear involved, I would always have to carry a glue gun for emergency touch-ups. The hard acrylic cases were fine; my editor-in-chief covered her own MacBook Pro in shiny red. Alas, they don't make one for my model. I considered sleeves too, but they were too bulky.

Then I chanced upon GelaSkins.

Essentially, this is a microthin (less than 2mm) protective cover for your iPod, iPhone, laptop or RAZR, made with premium 3M vinyl and adhesive technology. It's ultra-thin and scratch resistant for a durable photo-quality finish. The adhesive has patented micro-channels for a bubble-free application and, if you're really careful, re-application.

GelaSkins cost around $15 for an iPod skin and $29.95 for a 12" Powerbook. They're available in many countries, including Hong Kong and Singapore. They also ship worldwide.

I realize that the concept is not unique, but the execution is. Tapping many gifted graphic designers, as well as a few museums, GelaSkins can make my laptop look like a work of art, and me, the stylish tech maven that (I think) I am.

(Topmost image by Bertrand Delgoff)