Ding - Like Bling, But Punker

I know we’re all familiar with (and sick of) blinged-out crap like cell phones and MP3 players, when folks cover their devices with faux (which is a classy way of saying fake) diamonds and all sorts of obnoxious glitter in order to emulate Paris Hilton or the latest gangsta rapper.

That ain’t punk rock.

Generally, you can recognize the possessions of a punk by the fact that they’re often layered inches deep in band stickers. I know I have my speakers, car, cooler, lunch box and even the file cabinet in my office covered in stickers from bands, many of whom are no longer together.

My laptop, phone and iPod, however, I have opted to not cover with band stickers. I like to keep them looking sleek, and stickers might junk them up.

Full-blown band graphics however? That might not be a bad idea. It’s kind of like writing “Sex Pistols” on your notebook in high school, version 2.0.

This is where DiNG stepped in. DiNG makes wraps for iPods, cell phones, gaming systems and laptops, nicely imprinted with the artwork for the bands you want to flaunt your love for.

Co-founded by John Reese, who also co-founded the Rockstar Taste of Chaos Tour and the Mayehem Tour with Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman, DiNG already has a ton of bands to choose from. They are currently light on the old school stuff, but they are promising a ton of new bands as well as available device wraps in the next few months. They are also promising a series of summer promotions intended to bring fans closer to the bands through meet-and-greets, on-stage and backstage access, as well as VIP front-of-the-line entrance into concert venues. I’m guessing that means (and this is just a guess) that if you buy a ticket, you get into the show, but if you buy a ticket and flash a DiNG-ed out bit of hardware, you get more access.

For now, the Social Distortion and H20 graphics are the best looking in my opinion, although a Misfits skull would also be pretty impressive. Either way, when you pick up a DiNG, you're trading in the DIY element for the slick look. It's up to you if you want to make that sacrifice. If you also get clothes from Hot Topic, there probably won't be any internal conflicts, though.

You can scope out the full range of bands and device wraps on the company's site, and their selection does include a bunch of previous and current bands on the Warped Tour.