Dell opens Design Studio: Custom lids
for Studio laptops

To be honest, I've never thought Dell's new Studio laptops did much to befit the Studio name. Dell trumpeted personalization when it launched the Studio line earlier this year, but aside from the standard rainbow of solid colors also found on lunch-pail Inspiron models, the Studio line offered only a handful of graphics patterns from Mike Ming (one of which, Sea Sky, is also an Inspiron option). Expanded feature set aside, Dell's Studio laptops looked like slightly more stylish versions of Inspiron laptops.

Today, the Dell Studio line further distinguishes itself from Dell's other laptop lines with the introduction of the Dell Design Studio. There, you'll currently find 58 options for personalizing the lid of your Studio 15 or 17 laptop. (Dell states its Design Studio "offers more than 100 exclusive and original works of art," so expect more to be added soon. Featured artists include Joseph Amedokpo, Jason Bacon, Tristan Eaton, Siobhan Gunning, Bruce Mau, Mike Ming, Brittany Waldner, Derek Welch, and Guillaume Wolf.

(Credit: Dell)

The artwork is permanently affixed to the lid of the laptop; the keyboard deck does not receive any accompanying art treatment. Each design costs $75. Solid colors are $25. Choose a (Product)Red design, and Dell donates $20 to Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.