New Hip Windows PC Ready To Challenge iMac G5?

It’s worse. You thought the new iMac G5 was the perfect “digital hub” computer, right? You’d be wrong.

A new company just crawled out of the digital woodwork, designed a “hip” and “cool” and “groovy” new computer that’s aimed right at the heart of the teenage iPod crowd.

It’s loaded with Windows XP, everything your digital hub should need, and more colorful plastic than you’ll find in toys in all the Pixar films ever made.

A company called Digital Lifestyles Group “designs, manufactures, and markets digital lifestyle products...” including the new hip-e (like “yippee” but starts with “hip") PC.

The “hip-e” PC makes no bones about targeting the undecided (or ignorant) Apple iPod and iMac G5 crowd. If you like plastic and hype, you’ll love the “hip-e”.

The specifications read like a Dell Computer ad. It’s an all-in-one ultra thing device, just like the iMac G5; integrated computer and display. It starts with Windows XP, of course. Then, there’s a 1440x900 pixel 17” flat panel display.

The “hip-e” handles music, movies, TV, games, shopping, news, Internet connectivity, and can be ultra-customized (assumes you have an imagination).

TV is integrated and uses the full screen and comes complete with video recording capability. It can be mounted on a desk, like an iMac G5, or mounted on a wall-- hmmmm, just like an iMac G5.

Do you like wireless? The “hip-e” comes with a wireless keyboard, a wireless mouse, and a wired docking station. Also built-in is a DVD Player/CD burner drive.

How fast is the “hip-e”? Well, it must be fast because it has the “Latest Intel processor: high performance, low power consumption, quiet, Intel Pentium-M System. Can you hear the cash registers ringing?

There’s also 6 USB ports (more than in the new iMac G5), a single Firewire port, an integrated microphone, built-in 802.11 b/g wireless, and 10/100 Ethernet.

The software package includes Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition (Trial), and AOL Instant Messenger. Obviously, there wasn’t much money left over for software.

Got some time on your hands? Accessories for the “hip-e” are listed as “coming soon.” The price? A hefty $1,699. And that includes the “customizable skins” which can make the “hip-e” look different to match your teenage daughter’s bedroom.

Between you and me, I love products like this. They bring such disappointment to those kids whose parents don’t understand real “cool”. There’s a great “hip-e” PDF which compares the PC with other PCs and Apple’s iMac G5. You’d assume from the ad copy that unemployed ad writers for either Bush or Kerry campaigns were early investors and helped make the “hip-e” what it is today.

This is the era of “no child left behind”, right? So it is with the “hip-e” PC. It’s almost like that little Mickey Mouse Disney PC-- aimed squarely at the Barbie-doll or GI-Joe crowd.

I also like product comparisons. Since most home Windows PC users don’t do much comparison, the “hip-e” folks will do it for you. For example, their comparison table says an Apple “system” (doesn’t say eMac, iMac, or iMac G5) will cost between $1,299 and $2,100.

Then you’ll have to fork over another $150 to $500 for MP3, another $150 to $400 for Mini-System Stereo, another $150 to $300 for a Cell Phone (there’s a Voice Over IP application included), and, finally, totally comparing apples to squash, another $300 to $400 for a 27” TV.

Add it up and the total for “cool” could cost between $2,049 for the Mac (don’t know which one is being compared, but let’s just say it’s the “cool” one) to $3,150.

A 17” iMac G5 with a SuperDrive lists for $1,499. It also comes with everything but the TV listed above. El Gato’s EyeTV 200 would set you back over $300. Now the latest and ultra “cool” iMac G5 seems comparably priced to the “hip-e” PC.

Except for all the things you get with the iMac G5; Mac OS X, security, stability, virus-freedom, iLife applications, and so on.

I know, I know. You’re salivating right now and can’t wait to get your hands on the “hip-e,” right? Click Here to check out the details for yourself.

Like what you see? I thought you’d like the colorful look. Share your viewpoint and perspective with other readers. Click on the Comments link below.

Off Topic Note: Here’s a few questions for Mac users: (1) What’s the world’s fastest browser? (2) What’s the best notebook for Mac users? (3) What’s a good back up strategy for your Mac?