While there are a plethora of definitions, going to the Dark Side for computer users often means switching sides with respect to operating systems. But in a bold move, Hewlett Packard (HP) has taken a page from Hollywood and has truly gone to the “Dark Side”, unveiling its Star Wars Special Edition notebook in anticipation of Star Wars: “The Force Awakens,” the next instalment of the blockbuster franchise.
“HP is delivering an amazing Star Wars experience as the only PC vendor collaborating with Disney and Lucasfilm to create a one-of-one-kind notebook,” said Kevin Frost, vice president and general manager, Consumer Personal Systems, HP. “As part of this relationship, we were able to tap into Lucasfilm’s media archives to create custom screen savers, desktop backgrounds and sound profiles – configurable by the customer.”
It starts with the distressed-look Star Wars motif outer shell emblazoned with “Galactic Empire” in an unmistakably Star Wars Aurebesh font. The look and feel is extended to the track pad which mirrors the X-Wing Star Fighter Guidance System with a red backlit keyboard completing the dark side design.
It’s still a PC under the hood, with a 15.6” full HD touch screen and with a choice of Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. You can get it with up to 2 terabytes of mass storage and 12GB ram with the choice of either NVIDIA or Intel Graphics processors. It will have an optical drive, dual speakers and B&O audio. Battery life is rated at up to 7 hours. And of course, its powered by Windows 10.
Star Wars Bonuses
The Star Wars theme continues beyond the physical design. There are a few more bonuses that come with the Special Edition notebook including access to the first Star Wars Marvel comic, excerpts from Star Wars e-books and movie trailers accessible right from the desktop. They’ve also added nice touch by replacing the Recycle Bin icon with the Death Star and added the Aurebesh font to the font library.
There’s more. Users can access the Star Wars Command Centre by clicking on the Imperial Cog icon. There they’ll find Themes and Galleries and a plethora of unique content including 1,100 images covering the entire Star Wars history, storyboards, artwork, set and costume designs, screen savers, wallpaper and audio selections. You can even change your notification sounds from the usual to R2-D2 or a lightsaber. These might be the sounds you’re looking for.
Street pricing in the U.S. for the notebook starts at $699.99. Star Wars inspired optional accessories include a sleek slimline wireless mouse and Star Wars motif sleeve. Each will retail for $39.99.
The HP Star Wars Special Edition notebook is available on pre-order starting today at HP Shopping and expected to be available In the US within a month, November 8, 2015. No delivery dates are available on the special edition wireless mouse or sleeve or availability of any of these for the Canadian market.
Photo Courtesy HP, Lucasfilms.
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Greg Gazin is the Real Canadian Gadget Guy.
Follow me on Twitter @gadgetgreg or Empire Kred as (e)GADGET1.
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