... but... errrmmm... do they do a version with XP instead of Vista???

Okay, so it does something when there's a magnetic field, which I assume to mean when it's on? What does it look like when there's no magnetic field, i.e. when it's off? That would be useful to know. Can I hold a car speaker near it to see the cool 3D effect (and wipe my hard drive)?

Just enough for Vista then!

That was my first thought too -- then I realised that the magnetic field is most likely only applied while the paint is drying and, once the paint has dried, the pattern is fixed in place and the filed is no longer required.

1) Format

2) Insert XP install disc

3) ...

4) Profit!

Michael, you can combine phase (1) and (2).

Then phase (1) is format HD with XP disc. Phase (2) is ... eh. Phase (3), PROFIT!

Painting laptops eeees BIG BUSINESS.

But hey, if they are anyway playing with metal particles during the drying: why this borin' diamond pattern? You can get all kinds of weird figures, no sweat.

How about some more technical info. about the paint to go with the headline?

I'm with Marvin. Just paint your rusty old laptop with hammerite.

"a hologram-style criss-cross diamond pattern"

This is nonsense. It is clearly an ice cream wafer pattern. The orange laptop resembles a large, folding ice cream wafer, with USB ports etc. The people who buy these laptops will be teased because of this; they will be teased for carrying around a large, inedible ice cream wafer. I predict poor sales.

In Japan, something as kitschy as ice cream wafer paint might be a hot seller! It's been the 80's over there for two decades running, especially where electronics are concerned. I think it's cute. =D

Richard, you can't wipe a hard drive with a magnet, no matter how amazingly strong: http://www.treachery.net/~jdyson/infosec/secure_del.html [Scroll down to section 4 for magnetic methods.]

Well, a point-blank EMP might do it, but I think you'll have bigger problems then...

From the link you posted foxyshadis:

"although even small external magnetic fields are sufficient to upset the normal operation of a hard disk"

From a user's perspective, scrambling is just as bad as wiping. Either way, your system is toast.