|
For the CrackBerry addict who has it all: These 10 BlackBerry smartphones and related accessories will break the bank—some cost tens of thousands of dollars! But if only the best will do, check out these swanky handhelds and accessories, from diamond-studded cases to custom BlackBerry purses in python.
By Al Sacco
Until recently, BlackBerry smartphones were expensive items used almost exclusively for business and purchased by companies with accordingly deep coffers. Having a corporate BlackBerry was a status symbol in itself; if your organization issued you a BlackBerry, you were "important." No more.
Research In Motion's (RIM) push to conquer the vast consumer smartphone market—what I affectionately call the "John Mayer-ization" of BlackBerry—has led to millions more BlackBerry owners. And that's largely a good thing. Unfortunately, this deluge of new users served to erase much of the prestige associated with using a BlackBerry, since just about anybody can afford one now.
On the upside, business bigwigs now have a heck of a lot more options available for BlackBerry customization than in the past. Always thought your smartphone needed a few diamonds or a bit of white gold? How about platinum highlights? No worries, we've got the device, or devices, for you. Not satisfied with the boring old BlackBerry case designs? How about one featuring your favorite sports team logo in crystals? And ladies, we found a fashionista in London who'll custom make a BlackBerry purse for you in gold python leather.
Click on through our slideshow for the best in BlackBerry Bling.
Amosu Luxury Ltd. produces some of the most lavish, jewel-encrusted and precious-metal mobile phones on the market. This British company makes the BlackBerry Diamond Pearl to order. When you tire of last year's sparkles, you can upgrade to another handset in the future and Amosu will "recycle" and reuse your diamonds in your phone's replacement. Technologically, the Amosu Pearl is identical to any other BlackBerry 81xx, and pricing starts at 12,000 pounds (roughly $17,200) plus delivery. FYI: Amosu only accepts bank transfers as payment.
If Liz Taylor breezed into Cartier and demanded a BlackBerry case, it might look like this. Initially unveiled as part of a promotion at CES 2009, Case-Mate's entirely hand-made Diamond BlackBerry Curve Case boasts 42 individual diamonds (3.5 carats, VVS1 clarity and H color) set in 18K white gold. The case itself is made of "Carbon Fiber" leather, previously available only in luxury sports cars and other equally lavish items. This case sells for a cool $20,000. But shipping's free.
Goldstriker, a U.K.-based company that makes high-end gifts and gadgets, has released some impressive BlackBerry smartphones in the past. Though Goldstriker is not currently focusing on custom BlackBerry devices—and has moved on to making iPhones and Nokia devices—its earlier efforts deserve mention. Unveiled for Valentine's Day 2008, the company's Platinum & Nightfire BlackBerry Pearl will stun even the most jaded shoppers. Made in conjunction with German designer Sascha Hildebrandt, the 800-pound ($1,600) device features luxurious red leather with platinum highlights.
Another precious creation from Alexander Amosu, the Pink Diamond BlackBerry Bold could certainly be a (rich) businesswoman's best friend. In addition to all the cutting-edge functionality packed within the Bold handset—which is unlocked and can be used on a variety of wireless networks—the device sports 86 "brilliantly cut" diamonds on its face, 242 on its back and a total carat count of 3.95 on the bezel alone. And if pink isn't your color, there's an all-black version (link to slide number seven ). In fact, you can pick any color under the sun for the battery cover. Pricing starts at 4,000 pounds (approximately $5,700) plus delivery.
Colorware, one of the simplest ways to customize your BlackBerry smartphone, looks affordable in comparison to other options in this slideshow. The service lets you preview color combinations online before purchase. Then you may either send in your existing BlackBerry device with instructions for personalization or buy a new one directly from the company. (Bold users can even buy parts separately.) Best of all: Colorware's available for a variety of BlackBerry devices. Prices vary depending on device model and customization method, but mail-in services typically cost around $130, while brand new, unlocked devices go for about $700.
Frontpage Slideshow (version 2.0.0) - Copyright © 2006-2008 by JoomlaWorks
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
