Dell launches online 'design' studio

Dell has launched a new website that allows buyers to customise laptops with a range of specially commissioned designs.

The Dell Design Studio offers more than 200 designs, each of which can be customised: by default the illustrations will appear on only a small portion of the laptop lid, but by adjusting an option on the page buyers can make the designs larger and more prominent.

Dell's Michael Tatelman described the service as “a major breakthrough in how people personalise, customise and buy their computer”.

Currently the site offers graphics commissioned from designers including Derek Welch, Mike Ming, Bruce Mau and Tristan Eaton, but the company has pledged to add more designs in future. Mr Tatelman said that these could include designs representing “music acts or sport teams”.

As well as the custom designs, the site offers a range of coloured laptops and models from the company's Product RED range, from which a proportion of profits are donated to charity.