So, Apple recently unveiled their latest iPhone, with one of them being available in gold (the 5S). Granted, the entire phone is not gold (bummer, we know) but it still looks really nice and will hopefully come with an affordable price tag. Interestingly enough, there have been many other gadgets and mobile devices that have gone gold in recent years before the iPhone 5S. From other Apple-related products to sex toys (yes, sex toys) various companies have turned certain devices into high-end products for people who have the ability to blow large amounts of money. Here we recap those items that went through an all gold everything (and then some) conversion, becoming one-of-kind rarities that have been bought by rich, gadget-savvy enthusiasts across the world.
So, Apple recently unveiled their latest iPhone, with one of them being available in gold (the 5S). Granted, the entire phone is not gold (bummer, we know) but it still looks really nice and will hopefully come with an affordable price tag. Interestingly enough, there have been many other gadgets and mobile devices that have gone gold in recent years before the iPhone 5S. From other Apple-related products to sex toys (yes, sex toys) various companies have turned certain devices into high-end products for people who have the ability to blow large amounts of money. Here we recap those items that went through an all gold everything (and then some) conversion, becoming one-of-kind rarities that have been bought by rich, gadget-savvy enthusiasts across the world.
Gold TV
Made By: LG
If you've ever thought to yourself, "I need a large plasma TV plated with gold," well you're in luck. In 2006 LG created a 71-inch, full-HD TV plated with 24k gold. And to top it all off the TV came with a gold home theatre system, too. We wouldn't be surprised if some people dropped the $132,000 necessary to buy this luxury set, but at least they're probably the only person on their block that owns one.
Gold Sound System
Made By: Stuart Hughes
This is the first of three times Stuart Hughes appears on this list (the dude likes to make a lot of obsecenly expensive versions of high tech items and gadgets). The sound system is made out of 24k gold, diamonds, and gemstones, and, unsurprisingly, is one of the more expensive items on this list, totaling near $1.9 million. If you were hoping to get one you probably already missed your chance: only five of these sounds systems were made.
Gold Nikon FA
Made By: Nikon
Created to commemorate the Nikon FA receiving "The Camera Grand Prix '84" award, this gold version of the Nikon FA features a 24k gold plating over all of the main body parts of the camera. The lens even has a gold ring. Although it's not practical or advised to actually use this camera (you're probably asking for this to get stolen if you take it out of your house), it is purchasable. The cheapest gold Nikon FA is available for approximately $2,400 on eBay.
Gold iPad 2
Made By: Stuart Hughes
Talk about bling-bling overload. This iPad, created by Stuart Hughes (this guy might as well rename himself "Mr. Excess"), has a back made of 24k gold and a front frame made out of ammolite, the oldest rock in the world. And to top it all off the apple logo on the device's back is made out 53 diamonds. The price tag for such an item? $8 million. Hopefully this comes complete with unlimited 3G and wireless service, too.
Gold Remote Control
Made By: Lantic Systems
A gold remote that can control your TV, DVD player, CD player, e-mail, burglary alarm and other things? Yes, such a device exists. Danish manufacturer Lantic Systems released their Gold RC1 remote in 2007 and aside from the fact that it can do so much, it's made out of pure gold. Pure gold. Sure, it's $55,000 but you can even use it to control stuff on your yacht*.
*We're assuming you own a yacht if you're ridiculous enough to purchase this remote.
Gold MacBook Pro
Made By: Computer Choppers
Yes, that is a 24k gold MacBook Pro with the apple logo filled with diamonds. Computer Choppers, the West Coast Customs of gadgets and other mobile devices, dropped their customized MacBook Pro earlier this year for $30,000. Expensive? Yes. But the cost to be at the top of the gadget mountain is never cheap.
Gold Keyboard
Made By: KYE Systems Corp
Although it's intended for decoration rather than personal use, this keyboard, made of 14k gold, can still be used by people who know how to touch type. As you can see in the picture the keyboard is missing the letters, numbers and symbols. You would be typing in style and you'd probably be remembered as that one guy that typed everything on an all-gold keyboard. That in and of itself is more than enough reason to purchase this. KYE never placed a price tag on their device but we would imagine that it's in the $100,000-plus range.
Gold iPhone 4S
Made By: Stuart Hughes
Now this is just ridiculous. Not only is the phone incredible, featuring a 24k gold back and 500 diamonds placed all over, but it also comes in a solid platinum chest. It's the most expensive item on this list, totaling $9.4 million. We know—insane, especially because people actually bought this phone. (There were only two made.) Oh well, at least you have a chance to purchase Hughes' take on the iPhone 5. Just kidding, a Chinese-based businessman already bought it.
Gold Speakers
Made By: Shape Audio
Fifty-three inches tall and made of 18k solid gold these speakers from Shape Audio will add a touch of class to your home, and burn a hole in your pocket; they'll run you $6 million. But hey, you're not just paying for the speaker's external appearance: you're also paying for the sound quality it provides, which is supposed to be really good. And the guys at Shape Audio were even nice enough to throw in a lifetime guarantee. They must've convinced somebody to purchase it and considering they only made one of these, that's all that matters.
Gold iPod Shuffle
Made By: Xexoo
Finally, the iPod Shuffle gets an extreme makeover. Xexoo, a company that has also made gold cases for iPods, created a 18k gold iPod Shuffle in 2007, for those very few few that actually prefer a Shuffle to a regular iPod. The 2G Shuffle was sold for nearly $20,000 and came with a black wooden box and a certificate of authentication.
Gold Sex Toys
Made By: LELO
Swedish-based company LELO is all about offering pleasure to both men and women through their luxurious sex toys, and these items are proof of that. Each item is made out of 24k gold and cost anywhere from $1,190 to $13,500. Yes, these are high price tags to put on pleasure. But each item can give up to several hours of enjoyment and, most importantly, they're made out of gold. It's a win-win.
Gold Nokia 8800 Cell Phone
Made By: Sayn Design
Before iPhone had its own all-gold version, there was the gold Nokia 8800 made by Sayn Design. The back cover and keyboard consist of 150 grams of pure gold, and the display cover is crafted in 24k gold. Sure, the phone's battery life sucks (it only lasts for about 2.75 hours) but this still isn't that bad for $16,000. OK, we're lying, just save up for something else on this list or, you know, spend such an insane amount of money other than an outdated phone.
Gold USB Drive
Made By: Super Talent Technology
In 2008, Super Talent Technology dropped their limited edition 18k gold USB Drive for $599. The device came with a black jewelry box and a certificate of authenticity, and buyers could even get their name or logo etched onto the drive for free. We're not spoiling anything by telling you that this is the cheapest item on the list. Although we would still advise you to not go and spend almost $600 on a USB that you'll probably lose.
Gold Computer Mouse
Made By: DATA IT
You're nothing until you own a gold-plated computer mouse that weighs 304 grams and costs nearly $5,000. The mouse was unveiled in Bangkok in 2003 but doesn't seem to be available anymore. Oh well, there's bound to be another gold computer mouse out there somewhere.
Gold Earphones
Made By: Final Audio Design
If you've ever wanted gold earphones that provide a concert hall-esque sound quality, then these earphones are for you. Japanese sound specialists Final Audio Design dropped their gold-plated earphones in 2011 for $940, and are still selling them today. If you want to leave all of your pro-Bose friends speechless, you might want to invest in a pair of these.