Over the years fashion has found a way of seeping into every nook and cranny of our lives and taking over. From brightly coloured cars to shiny, silver mobile phones, most things will eventually succumb to a fashion-conscious makeover.

But until recently the technology-sussed designers of laptop computers around the world have been far more focused on turning their creations into super-computers than making sure they were pleasing to the eye, and the notebook's design has changed little since the concept was first thought up by inventor Adam Osborne in 1981.

But all that is about to change...

Imagine if you will, a laptop computer so stylish that it could easily be mistaken for a luxury designer bag; then imagine that that bag has a price tag of anywhere around Lm21,000 (€50,000). If you think that's outrageous then you really do need to see these computers: Laptops which have been custom-made by an international company called Ego and which are now available in Malta and ready to take our developing luxury market by storm.

As I sit down for a chat with Ego's vice-president Hesse Mulder, a very friendly Dutch fellow who looks proudly over the two exquisite laptops that sit before him, I can't help but be overcome by a desperate want for one of these slick machines that easily resemble something out of a Bond film.

Before I get too carried away Mr Mulder begins his story of how the Ego laptop came into fruition.

"My boss came up with the original concept one day when he observed beautifully dressed women walking to and from work lugging a rather unfashionable looking laptop-case around with them," explained Mr Mulder. "It didn't seem to fit their overall, well-groomed image.

"So we came up with this totally simple idea: A notebook that you can carry like a bag, it seemed odd no one had thought of it before!"

Almost immediately the company set to work trying to turn that straightforward idea into a successful reality.

"Getting a prototype together was hardly as easy as we thought. Part of the beauty of Ego is that it is completely rounded - unfortunately there weren't many rounded motherboards or other computer parts waiting for us to come along so we had to set about designing and creating everything from scratch. We did try to work with some of the large manufacturing companies in the East but immediately realised that their production lines wouldn't fit our needs for exclusivity and smaller demand; so we worked on everything ourselves.

"We really took our time developing this product and in the end it took us three years to come up with a prototype. Within that time we consulted a large number of focus groups and it was through them that the decision was reached that we shouldn't cut corners or do things by half measures as that would effect the sort of people we are targeting: The elite.

"The people who spend this kind of money expect only the best and that's not often available in the computer world; up to now it's been hard to make a statement with your laptop computer but Ego makes that possible."

Since launching the product worldwide earlier this year over 400 intricately personalised Egos have been sold to happy clients all over the world, two of which have been in Malta.

"We have found that for the most part these computers have been bought by men for women as a present, but we have had all sorts of customers, from those people who have copious amounts of money to spend to those who will scrimp and save in order to afford it purely because they feel they cannot live without it. The desire element is felt very strongly: Ego is a lavish reward and something for those people who want to be seen.

"Our most exclusive model so far is the Diamond model which has our logo, a tulip, made up of diamonds on the shark-skin cover. We found that this was especially popular in Moscow."

But if diamonds aren't your thing then do not worry, the Ego can be tailor-made to anyone's taste in a huge variety of textures and colours. "You can even change the laptop's 'skin' to match your outfit, or your car. We've found that most buyers so far have chosen more than one skin for versatility's sake.

"Even the inside can be personalised: You can choose to write your name, or your lover's name for instance, on the space bar. Meanwhile, the specialised screen serves as the perfect mirror for reapplying lipstick."

And just in case you were wondering, this laptop is also capable of great things from a technology stand-point too.

"While our focus was definitely on style and fashion it was vital to get the technology of Ego right too and we have set the bar high to meet with our customers' requirements just in case they need to use it for work purposes too."

Whichever way you look at it an Ego laptop is delightful, and by bringing technology and fashion closer together it goes a long way towards giving those that can afford it exactly what they want.

"Today we feel that we have set a new benchmark, not only style and fashion for laptops, but also in pricing," Mr Mulder continued. "Each computer is handmade to the highest specifications making each one unique, but that also means that it is going to be an expensive product (with the starting price at around Lm3,000) and we are proud of that as each one is exclusive and special.

"The result is the world's most luxurious notebook and portable DVD players in one; an easy-going device that combines optimal usability with state-of-the-art design. We are thrilled with that and believe we have reached our goals; Ego has a very exciting future."

Well! I know I want one!

• More information may be obtained online at www.ego-lifestyle.com

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