Notebook vendor MicroStar International is taking fashion seriously in its latest notebook additions. This year's CeBIT that ended yesterday unveiled the company's new approach towards mobile computing: beauty as a manufacturing concept.

Notebook computers get carried almost everywhere, and have quickly become a true fashion object. As usually, the users' attention was shifted from Prada bags directly to the notebook's aspect. MSI was able to integrate into their latest addition to the PR-2000 Crystal collection just enough glamor to ensure you don't go unnoticed. The MS-1221 model is primarily targeted at business users and comes accessorized with 120 Swarovski crystals.

The crystal-decorated notebook system allows individuals to break free from the black or silver monotony, while avoiding over-extravagance. Under the shiny hood, the notebook hides Intel's Santa Rosa platform with a wide choice of processors, including the Core 2 Duo T7100/7300/7500/7700 offerings. The 12.1-inch WXGA display running at a maximum resolution of 1280 x 800 is powered by GMA X3100 graphics.

The crystal-enabled computer comes with up to 4 GB of system RAM, a 200 GB conventional hard-disk drive, a built-in Super-Multi Drive with DVD RAM support, 1GB of Intel's Turbo Memory 1.3MP camera, a built-in MS-6837D Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR USB module Wi-Fi and HDMI connectors for a full high-definition multimedia experience. The manufacturer also included a built-in biometric fingerprint sensor in order to unlock your workstation at the touch of a single finger, which adds an extra layer of protection to your stored data.

The Crystal notebook is powered by Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system and comes with a Li-ion 8-cell battery pack that can deliver 4400 mA/h, rated by the producer for 4 hours of continuous working.

The notebook is currently available for a starting price of $719.



Live report by Bogdan Popa and Alex Vochin from CeBIT 2008 Hanover, Germany.