Vivienne Tam’s Clam Cloned

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Comments Posted on Aug 14, 2009 Posted by Yellow Tiger

Last year, HP approached fashion designer Vivienne Tam to help them with a new computer. The result was a clamshell-style 10.1 inch netbook that was debuted at New York City fashion week. Tam apparently thinks the device is a "true reflection of the needs of a modern woman who cares about fashion but is also passionate about her technology." Not sure about that, but the netbook was sufficiently popular for the shanzhai guys to bring out a clone.

Dimensions of the clone, manufactured by Shenzhen Qifang Electronics, are exactly the same as the HP version, although there have been some internal changes that create a bit more space and allow the device to house a 2.5 inch HDD instead of the 1.8 inch HDD in the original.

Scheduled to hit the market later this month, the unit is expected to retail for under USD300, or less than half the cost of the original.

Western Opportunity Analysis:

Although a straight copy of the Tam design is likely to strike legal problems in the West, this clone clearly shows the quality and affordability the Shanzhai manufacturers can bring to the market. Big scope here to bring out a range of netbooks with designs that aren’t subject to coyright.

Conclusions:

Probably wouldn’t buy it myself, but it would make a perfect gift for a modern woman who cares about fashion but is also passionate about her technology…

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