COLUMN: In a somewhat stealthy mode, Open Labs has finally put up a page on their site promoting custom paint colors, bigger hard drive options, extreme motherboard upgrades, and various customization options for new and existing OL customers who buy one of OL’s keyboard or rack mount workstations. They call this their “Custom Shop.”

For example, instead of the basic black, you could get a new Open Labs NeKo or MiKo in “Glacier Blue” or “Italian Red” for $499 additional. A new “hot rod” option to install an Intel Core i7 with 6GB RAM (3x2GB) on a higher end motherboard, runs $1999. Custom band/brand graphics can be added to the case for $249.

Additionally, custom software installs, custom metal work, can be quoted.

Not sure why Open Labs hasn’t promoted this to their user base. I didn’t get any e-mails or postal mailings as a current customer having bought two NeKo models including the current Gen5 XXL. Looks pretty cool.

Check it out here: http://openlabs.com/customshop.html .