Asus Hopes You'll Stop and Smell the Laptops

I can't make this stuff up, ladies and gentlemen.

Asus, the maker of the terrific Eee series of laptop and desktop PCs, Tuesday announced its F6V line of laptops, which smell. Literally.

The new 13.3-inch screened computers (with Intel Centrino2 processors, Windows Vista OS and other applications) are, to my knowledge, the first such computers to feature individual scents. Asus predicts these machines will appeal to all senses.

There are four laptops involved here, each with an individual color and accompanying scent embedded in the plastic to match the model's style name. According to the company's press release, these models are:

• Musky Black (cologne scent) -- "Boasting a glossy black surface emblazoned with a colorful motif inspired by extreme sports and graffiti art, this model emanates power, daring, and energy with its playfulness and musky scent."
• Floral Blossom (floral scent) -- "In glorious pink, this design evokes the imagery of a summer party, leaving the somber feel of conventional laptop designs far behind with its cheerful, floral motif and a floral scent -- the most attractive laptop for ladies!"
• Morning Dew (grassy scent) -- "Realized in a pastel green hue, this graphic motif is inspired by the love and respect for nature. Return to the embrace of Mother Nature for a crisp and refreshing awakening of the senses whenever you work on your notebook".
• Aqua Ocean (ocean scent) -- "The freedom afforded by a boundless expanse of sky and the energy of breaking waves are captured perfectly on the cover of this notebook. The matching invigorating aquatic scent will keep your days energized!"

In its press release, Asus warns that "the lifespan of fragrance depends on actual usage." In other words, your mileage may vary. The company says that the scent will last three to six months depending on how often the computer is powered on.

Asus F6V laptops

The V6N line of scented laptops, which will soon be ready for shipment, are available for preorder (along with a new $1,999 bamboo-clad computer) on Amazon.com. The scented machines are priced at $1,299 each.

It will be interesting to see how Dell (DELL Quote - Cramer on DELL - Stock Picks), H-P (HPQ Quote - Cramer on HPQ - Stock Picks) and Apple (AAPL Quote - Cramer on AAPL - Stock Picks) respond to the new line, if they choose to at all.