GeekSugar

Celebrity Gadget Endorsements: Top 10

GeekSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:00:53 -0700

Despite studies that say consumers aren't swayed by celebrity endorsements, celebrity-driven gadget ad campaigns are at an all time high.

Whether celebrity gadget sightings are unintentional (take for instance Alicia Keys playing with her Samsung Camcorder at a Knicks game, or Lauren Conrad taking her BlackBerry with her everywhere), others are very intentional and well paid for. The reemergence of HP's The Computer is Personal Again staring Serena Williams got me thinking about the top celebrity gadget endorsements of the last couple of years and why companies continue to use famous names and faces to rep their products.

I've picked a selection of 10 campaigns that made me stop, rewind and pay attention, even if I didn't end up buying any of the items. (How cute was Little Miss Sunshine star Abigail Breslin - seen at right - in her HP printer commercial where she talks about moments in her life captured with pictures?!) Scroll through the widget below to see my picks.

To check out the actual ads, read more

Maria Sharapova for Canon
I knew who Sharapova was before the Canon ads, but the clever smiley-faced tennis ball gimmick was the first thing she did that got my attention.

Shakira for Panasonic
Her hips don't lie, so she must not either, right? Shakira's Panasonic ads are as beautiful and mesmerizing as she is. The company gets bonus points for letting Shakira show off her dance moves and music and not just their cameras.

David Beckham for Motorola
We give David Beckham a hard time for his questionable gadget accessory style, but his ads for the RAZR2 and MotoRAZR are all chic. Becks just does print ads in the US for Motorola, but this behind the scenes of him on a European Motorola set is worth sharing.

Vera Wang for HP
Designer Vera Wang was the first woman to take part in HP's The Computer Is Personal Again campaign and her ad is whimsical and romantic as her designs.

Jay-Z for HP
Hip hop mogul and entrepreneur Jay-Z exudes cool so it was no surprise HP picked him as well for the The Computer Is Personal Again campaign. I love that the ad shows his resume. Like he needs one.

Shakira image courtesy of Shakira Gallery.

Serena Williams Gets Personal For HP Ad

GeekSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:19:42 -0700

HP has announced Serena Williams as the latest celebrity to take part in its "The Computer is Personal Again" ad campaign just in time for the US Open.

The series previously featured Jay-Z, Vera Wang, Pharell and Shaun White and has generated some buzz for showcasing headless celebrities talking about what they do on their computers. Last time we saw Williams around gadgets she was "making news" clutching her limited edition Dwayne Wade Sidekick, so this ad is a real upgrade. I'm a mac girl through and through, but I can't help but be mesmerized by the playful and colorful graphics. Or maybe it's just her biceps.

Serena Williams And Kimora Simmons' Pre-Oscar Party Gadgets

GeekSugar — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 05:00:14 -0800

With our first year of Oscars madness under our belt, we couldn't help but recognize some tech savvy divas who took part in the festivities. Kimora Simmons was having a great time snapping some pictures with her super teeny digital camera at the Queen Latifah and Vibe Magazine Hollywood Pre-Oscar party. Meanwhile, Serena Williams was on the other side of the room shaking it up with friends while staying connected with her chic white Sidekick, which I'm still trying to figure out where she purchased.

MTV And HP Host PC Design Competition

GeekSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 03:06:16 -0700

If you're sick and tired of boring computer designs now is the time to get out your art supplies and seek inspiration. HP and MTV are hosting a global “Take Action. Make Art" design competition and challenging people around the world to create graphics for a special edition HP notebook PC. read more

Contest entrants are being asked to submit ideas from "subjects they are passionate about, whether it’s related to fashion, music, the environment or peace." The winning design will be selected by a panel of judges including Shaun White, snowboarding Olympic gold medal winner and one of the “achievers” featured in HP’s “The Computer is Personal Again” marketing campaign. The winning submission will then be used in the design of a special edition HP Pavilion notebook PC.

HP has been on an advertising roll recently, launching a print campaign with Gwen Stefani as well as online and TV spots with Serena Williams, Jay-Z and Vera Wang.

Contestants can submit a design along with a brief explanation at MTV through Oct. 17.

Conan vs. Serena at Wii Sports Tennis

GeekSugar — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 10:17:34 -0800

Last night NBC late night host Conan O'Brien challenged 2007 Australian Open champion Serena Williams to a set of tennis on Nintendo's Wii Sports wearing a very fashionable and geek chic tennis outfit. The result was almost as hilarious as Conan's fake iPhone commercial.

Maria Sharapova Canon PowerShot	Shakira For Panasonic
David Beckham Shows Off His RAZR2	Vera Wang Gets Personal For HP
Jay-Z Gets Personal For HP	Serena Williams For HP
Abigail Breslin For HP	Dwayne Wade For Sidekick 3
Justin Long 'Get a Mac' Ads	Pharrell Reps HP With A Commercial