The popular 70’s phrase, “Give me some skin” took on a new meaning in the technology age as laptop skin became the rage. This is basically a plastic decoration that is added to the computer for protection and personalization. Made of plastic or vinyl, it wraps around the computer. Most laptops come with a skin, usually just clear plastic with the company’s logo, to protect it. However, some people don’t realize the value of the covering and remove it only to find later they wished they would have left it in place.

A skin can be fashionable or practical depending on the personality of the owner. The fashionable skins can express any type of personality. You can find them almost anywhere such www.amazon.com or at www.ebay.com. Here are some of the many types of designs and styles.

• The wild animal lover. Some of the most exotic designs come in zebra stripes or leopard spots. These can express the owner’s love for animals or fearless heart.
• Favorite colors. The skin can be in your favorite color. But you don’t have to settle for plain plastic. Skins are available in suede as well as other kinds of material. Choose from bright orange (to support you favorite team) or a subtle blue. Some like a black skin to express their professional side.
• The artsy person. Some of the most famous art has been converted into a design you can put on your laptop. This includes Van Gogh’s “Starry, Starry Night” to Monet’s “Water Garden.”
• The music lover. Skins are available depicting musicians from Miley Cyrus to Kenny Chesney to  AC/DC. Whether you are retro or country, you can find a design to express your musical taste.
• The sports nut. Support your favorite team or athlete every time you open you laptop. A design is available for almost any sport or team. Look for real sports enthusiasts to change the skins when the sports’ seasons change.
• The advertisement. You can create a skin to promote your business. These are good for people who like to use their laptops at the local wifi hotspots. You can also give away laptop skins as a promotion for your business. They are rather inexpensive to purchase.

While you can purchase skins from many sources online, you can also find directions to make your own. If you are a budding artist that wants to put your original work on your laptop, you can do so. You can even use pictures of your loved ones. You need some vinyl laminate, scissors, a sealer and your favorite images. You simply place the vinyl laminate on the laptop and add the decorations to the top. However, if you decided to make a cover using images from The Jonas Brothers, you may decide a few years down the road they are no longer your favorite band. If you decide at a later date that you hate the band, you can remove the laminate and start over or leave the laptop blank. Look for supplies at craft stores such as www.hobbylobby.com.

When cell phones first hit the market, it wasn’t long before decorative covers were popular. This is what has happened as laptops have become a “must have” for almost anyone—not just students and busy professionals. A laptop skin will also be a “must have” to show off the owner’s unique personality.