Microsoft is about to launch some new Zune portable music players that will be available in customised form via https://zuneoriginals.net/. Microsoft says:
Consumers no longer need to settle for the same portable media player as everybody else. The new Zune Originals online store will let people make a unique statement by customizing their Zune with laser-engraved art or personal text. Zune worked with 18 accomplished artists from all over the world to create a collection of 27 different designs, called the Artist Series, which will be available exclusively through Zune Originals. In addition to the Artist Series, a separate Tattoo Series will feature 20 graphics that consumers can have laser-engraved on their Zune with up to three lines of text. Alternatively, people can choose to engrave up to five lines of text in place of a design. On the Zune Originals Web site, customers can choose their Zune (Zune 80GB, Zune 8GB or Zune 4GB), pick a color and then select a design and their desired text.
The Cool Hunting site has an interview with Microsoft's general manager of global marketing, Chris Stephenson, on the background, plus "all 27 of the illustrations and the artist bios".
Update: Here's a round-up of some early reviews....
