Being the gadget fanatic I am, I've always wanted to have a gizmo that stands out from the crowd. Whether it's my laptop or my MP3 player, I've somehow always wanted something different. Yet, despite my various arduous attempts to garner high quality, but less popular, equipments, my collection is nonetheless full of generic, mass-consumer products.

Enters Unique Skins - a web-based company that customizes vinyl skins for Mobile Phones, Laptops, MP3 Players, & Gaming Devices. Looking through their website, I decided to jazz up my 4 year old Built-on Asus laptop. The online design interface is very simple to use and it allows users to upload custom photos for the design of their own skin. The pricing is also very appealing. A complete set of skins (front and back) for an iPod Classic, for example, only runs for $6.99. The skin for a laptop cover, regardless of size, costs $20.

Below are the "before" and "after" pictures of my Asus Z71V notebook, sort of like the ones you would see on a weight-loss or hair-growth infomercial.


Before




After




Looks pretty neat, eh?

The print quality of the skin is very decent, both in tems of colors and details. Under a careful examination, however, there are minor imperfections from lint or dust during the printing process. The texture has a very pleasing smooth finish to it, giving the notebook a shiny glow. Since it is made of vinyl, the skin can be stretched and fitted to the contour and detailed lines of the cover. Overall, I'm pleased with the product.

One thing I do like to see, however, is the company being able to offer skins for a more variety of products. The database on notebook models alone should be significantly expanded. More importantly, Unique Skins should aim to include to their service the availability of custom dimensions and custom cut-out designs. There actually wasn't a design for the Asus Z71V. The nice picture you see above required some self measuring and cutting. Nonetheless, if you're able to find your laptop model or iPods on the site, the process from designing and ordering to putting the skin on should be a bliss. So, if you're like me and are tired of your boring, generic electronic products, here's your chance to get some envious gaze from your friends by giving your gadgets an extreme makeover... at a truly wonderful price.


Written by Cecil Lau on September 18, 08.