msi_wind_u210_sticker_5.jpg 

See my new MSI Wind U210? Looks pretty clean, right?

Well, it took a little effort to make my new 12” netbook appear that way. See, I had to spend some time removing the stickers littered all over the wrist rest. Here are those stickers arranged approximately like they were before I peeled them off the laptop:

msi_wind_u210_sticker_4.jpg 

msi_wind_u210_sticker_3.jpg 

msi_wind_u210_sticker_2.jpg 

While removing the sticker summarizing the Wind’s specs was relatively easy, the AMD Neo X2 badge left a significant amount of gum. I actually had to heat some water, dab a cloth in it, and vigorously wipe the wrist rest to eliminate all traces of the stickers.

I still don’t understand why PC makers plaster stickers on their products. And by plaster, I mean “use enough adhesive to make removing these stickers a mini-nightmare."

Even average users pay attention to a computer’s specs. In fact, a common tactic of unethical computer retailers is to wow potential buyers with the numbers (the higher, the better) to make customers spend money unnecessarily on a computer that’s too powerful for their needs.

The point is, those who buy computers are most likely aware of what their new gadget is capable of. Even before I bought the MSI Wind U210, I already knew it featured a 1.6GHz dual-core AMD Athlon X2 Neo CPU, a 250GB hard drive, and Radeon graphics from ATI. Why do I need a sticker reminding me of what my own netbook is capable of?

This isn’t limited only to computers; the Cyber-shot TX1 comes out of the box with stickers plastered on its sliding lens cover, again listing the camera’s capabilities. Yes, I’ll admit I know the rationale behind those pesky stickers – companies want to turn each sold unit into an advertising platform, just in case other people see it in action.

But I didn’t spend money to become a marketing pawn for companies I’ve patronized. If anyone’s going to slap on garish stickers onto my gadgets, it should be me.

If you’re less interested in listening to someone rant about aesthetics, and would like to know more about why I actually bought the MSI Wind U210, tune in next week. Same URL, same section.

 




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COMMENTS


  1. t3chieboi: stickers are sooo irritating. you don't see cars rolling out of the factory with decals indicating the engine displacement, tire size, and battery capacity.
    November 19, 2009 at 3:39 pm

  2. Aldrich Barcenas: I disagree. Most normal users enter the store clueless on what they want to buy. Those stickers aid/fool casual buyers on making the final decision on which laptop/netbook/PC/Parts they want to by. Besides, most people won't demand for a manual to see the specs of the machine; Or, do a significant amount of research on a particular product, than most enthusiast do.
    November 19, 2009 at 8:12 pm

  3. Reel Advice: I have to agree with Aldrich here. Majority actually do not do research before they buy electronics. I know more people who get frustrated scouring the internet for gadgets because they do not understand even basic technical specs.
    November 25, 2009 at 9:17 am

  4. laptop stickers: I am looking for a cool new sticker, I guess I can spare money for a nice one like this and I will love to get some more skins from here.
    April 14, 2010 at 7:01 pm

  5. mat tinh xach tay: thank for sharing ..
    May 19, 2010 at 10:15 pm

  6. laptop asus: I like product it....
    May 31, 2010 at 12:18 pm

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