Oh my....

I mean, have any of you seen those “creations” that the models wear? It was always my lament that there was so much waste of good looks when those models wore those extravagantly styled clothes.

As time goes on though, I have adjusted my viewpoint and have found that expressions in style, not only in clothes but also in all consumer goods, are simply manifestations of “probes” and exploration into whimsy or extremes that eventually will define the style of a future generation. In other words, what seems ludicrous in the here and now is just a seedling of an idea from where a more streamlined and acceptable design will spring from.

                                     Stylish simplicity circa 1982

Computer products are not known for their good design. There has been inroads on this matter, most notably from Apple with their simple and sleek products, and a few manufacturers here and there. There is one thing in common among them though: none of them has gone far enough. These computer-related companies prefer to stay safe and produce “the standard beige box” so to speak, changing a color here, producing a different shape there. Which is perfectly understandable, since functionality and usability is still the main priority for the majority of buyers.

It is thus a refreshing change then, that Hannspree has the foresight to explore farther into design and style than any of the previous brands that I have encountered. Their 19” W19 “New York” model is a prime example of this methodology of design exploration. The stand used with this model recalls camera stands, bringing with it the flavor of artistic professionalism. The cabinet itself is lined with an extruded plastic extension with hexagonal allen screws of the type usually found in industrial machinery. Rectangular speakers flank the main buttons, which themselves take design cues from camera buttons and controls. Suffice it to say that uniqueness is definitely not lacking.

                                     Note the Allen screws on the screen edge

Hannspree made sure not to skimp on the functionality side before delving into form – this LCD runs at the standard 1440x900 of a widescreen 19" LCD, and incorporates standard VGA-in and audio-in, plus an HDMI connector – a slightly different model swaps out the VGA for a DVI connector. Brightness of 300 cd/m² and a contrast ratio of 700:1 is par for the course for a 19” widescreen. Swivel and tilt adjustments are available, and the whole shebang is wall-mountable.

The computer industry at this stage is only starting to realize that consumers here in the Philippines are starting to prioritize design right along with usability. We need more manufacturers who will take Hannspree’s lead and make design an expression of confidence in a market that not only wants things to work well, but also for them to look good while doing it. It is of course up to the individual buyer to decide what fits them.

                                          New York as the inspiration - minus the spread eagled guy

Are we ready for the radical changes to be brought in by daring components manufacturers like Hannspree? Definitely, although it still depends on the person and what generation they came from. I might not understand where Hilton’s popularity (or notoriety!) comes from, but then again, I see the direction from where Hannspree is coming from. There is no advancement in design without risk – I’m just glad I can still realize this fact and not be labeled a fuddly-dudley.

Look out for an in depth review in the following months in HWM.