Dell lines up new laptops ... on a Macy's model runway!

In addition to introducing new and colorful shells for some of its higher-end laptop computer systems, Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) is going for broke in the uber-glitz department by trotting out some of its XPS machines in a model-catwalk facade. Maybe that interests some, but for now, Dell's apparent and overnight attempt to inject some marketing life into its product lineup seems a tad strange to me.

I'm all for the design and marketing folks at Dell poking their hands and fingers into making Dell machines look nicer as well as attracting more design-conscious eyeballs. These are great moves for Dell as the computer maker strives to kick-start its marketing and get customers out of the clutches of competitors like the re-energized HP and that design darling, Apple. Dell's "Yours is here" marketing campaign that kicked off this week tells the market that Dell will have "your system" built -- your color, your specs and hopefully, "your price," heh.

But, unveiling new Inspiron and XPS machines on a makeshift catwalk at a Macy's location in Manhattan is a little premature, right? That is, unless, Dell is targeting the techno-chic and "gotta have gadget" crowd that appreciate some life in the technology they use and have the pennies and motivation to be looking for a new laptop computer. Aren't you rushing to splurge on a new dell XPS laptop in candy-apple red after having seen a Macy's mannequin holding one in those sexy, polycarbonate hands? Thought so.