I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I just got an email from Dell telling me about their new 'Della' service:

Introducing Della, designed exclusively for women where style, technology and mobility meet. Dell Home helps organize your busy life with ultra portable netbooks that go everywhere you do. Personalize your Mini 10 at Della with exclusive artist designs, and make it all your own. Experience the freedom, experience sophistication, experience Della today.

Introducing Della! Life is complicated. Technology should be fun.

After glancing through the Della site I had to wonder if this is something good or something patronizing. The gamer in me remembers all of those super cheezy 'games for girls' video games from the 90's that looked like something a guy who had never met a girl would design.

Designer 1: I hear girls like horses.
Designer 2: Yeah? I heard they like dolls.
Designer 1: Let's design a game with horses that are dolls!
Designer 3: I knew a girl once... She liked to clean.
Designer 2: We can make a series of mini-games where the girl cleans up horse poop!

Girl with game talking to parents: You bought me a game where I have to clean up virtual horse poop???
Brother of said girl: Are you done cleaning up horse poop? I've got muties to mow down!!!

So... After giving it some thought I asked my wife her opinion.


After spending a few minutes on the site she told me that this site is a good thing. That a site like this is good for Dell in that it is aimed at educating their target audience and helping them find the right computer for their needs. Whether that need is processing power or something that is stylish and matches her shoes.

In that end I pronounce the new Della service as a good thing.