The Consumer Electronics Show kicked off today in Las Vegas and thousands of new gadgets, technologies and innovations are on display for all the lucky attendees.  Say goodbye to the old boy’s club at CES, hello ladies!  According to the Consumer Electronics Association, engineers and product managers at huge tech companies, like HP, Dell, Sony and Samsung, are waking up to a new reality – women now make more than 61 percent of the purchasing decisions for high-tech products like TV’s and cameras. As a result, many companies have brought on designers whose have an understanding of the women’s tech-buying market, and of product design in general, helping traditionally male focused companies create technologies that are more appealing to women and families. 

Philips Electronics is one manufacturer that understands and is embracing the power of the female consumer.  It’s not just about the electronics, its about the person that is buying the electronics and what they want.  This year, Philips is incorporating more ‘feminine’ touches to their products including the launch of the Design Collection which includes Ultimate Dream TV with a white bezel with a translucent frame and Swarovski crystal-studded USB drives and headphones.   The crystal USB drive is not exactly something that appeals to me, but there are definitely women that will love it.  The sleeker design in their plasmas and LCD panels will definitely make their products more aesthetically appealing and will certaily catch the eye of the female consumer.  I have always been a fan of ‘Apple’s’ look and to be honest, it was a significant factor in my decision to buy the new Apple computer when the hard drive on my Dell called it quits in the fall.  Seeing other companies start to incorporate the same sleek design that has been seducing Apple fans for years shows that companies are catching on to what sells and who is buying. 

New products on display also include accessories like computer bags designed with a fashion sense.  Finally options other than the stereotypical black nylon bag.  I can’t tell you how long my friend Elizabeth has been in the market for a new computer bag that has style and pizzazz…maybe now she will finally find something!  Companies are starting to make elegant, nicely-designed computer and travel bags that combine style with functionality. Bags that are coming out have tons of the pockets and slots to keep your stuff, but the utility is hidden by the beauty.   Acmemade is one brand that sells reasonably priced computer bags for the fashionista. 

From all the news reports and articles I’ve been reading, CES 2008 is the place to be.  I can’t wait to keep reading about all the new products out there.  Hopefully next year, I will be able to give you a live report as Darren and I are hoping to attend.