The World’s First Mass-Produced Fabric-Covered Lifestyle Laptop

March 2005 -- The ubiquitous gray and silver laptop computer just received a makeover with the unveiling of the "E-Go," the world's first line of mass-produced leather and fabric covered laptop computers. Tulip Distribution International Holding, owner of the national sales organizations for Tulip branded products, and Inclosia Solutions", a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company that specializes in developing enclosures, will join together at CeBIT to bring an element of fashion to devices that for decades have been stylistically challenged.

"Tulip has identified a growing tendency towards design needs within the computer industry. The ordinary computer has grown from a specialty product to a commodity product. Competition in the computer market is driven by specifications and price, with a growing demand of users willing to pay a premium for computer designs which are more personalized," said Huub van den Boogaard, Founder, Tulip Distribution International Holding.

One of the key objectives for TDIH is to become a leading player in the design niche market. Therefore, TDIH has developed the first lifestyle design laptop. The laptop is aptly named the Tulip "E-Go." It's an 'Easy Going' device that has the ability to reflect the individual personality and mood of the owner by changing the covers. The E-Go utilizes Inclosia's patented mass-production EXO* overmolding system technology which is designed to incorporate fabrics, leather and other materials into electronic devices. Six fabric and leather laptop versions have been designed and developed, a preview of what will become available in October 2005. The Tulip E-Go will be a premium quality product which distinguishes itself by its contemporary design and unique organic styling. To ensure 'Easy Going' the E-Go will embody the latest mobile technology; furthermore, the functions and benefits will meet the demands of the most advanced user (widescreen, integrated units, checking mail without having to wait for the OS to load, etc). Inclosia and Tulip Distribution will preview the E-Go lifestyle laptop with the Inclosia fabric and leather covers during the CeBIT show at the Inclosia booth, Hall 11, stand E36 and at the Tulip booth Hall 25, stand D79.

"Tulip has always provided reliable high-quality performance laptops but the challenge for years has been in the aesthetics," said Jeroen de Punder, Marketing Director, Tulip Distribution International Holding. "Inclosia's EXO helped us find a new niche in the design marketplace. Inclosia is enabling Tulip to strike an emotional connection with consumers."

"For years laptops have been differentiated by electronic capabilities," said Tony Frencham, global business director, Inclosia Solutions. "The housing was often designed for basic protection with very limited aesthetic appeal. We believe the E-Go will be the first of many devices to use fashion as a major focus for consumer satisfaction."

"The trend toward genuine and luxury materials has been growing for some time now," said Frencham. "In a recent survey conducted by Russell Research on behalf of Inclosia Solutions, we found that 72% of Inclosia's target audience see authentic materials as making their consumer electronic devices a lot more stylish."

The Tulip E-go is another example of how Inclosia Solutions continuously monitors and analyzes consumer trends and behavior to help OEMs identify new opportunities to differentiate their products through aesthetics and functionality.

For further information visit www.inclosia.com.

SOURCE Inclosia Solutions