It shouldn’t be surprising that golfers, numbering doctors and other affluent individuals among their ranks, have some fairly expensive pieces of equipment available to them. From clubs to bags and even ball markers, there seems to be no end to the luxurious versions of standard golf equipment.

Hummer H2 golf cart – $19,999

Based on the military’s HMMWV, or Humvee, Hummer proved popular in the States before General Motors’ bankruptcy forced them to look into selling the brand. This Hummer H2 body kit, licensed by GM, is built over a 3.75 hp aluminum club car chassis. The electric cart is an NEV capable of speeds up to 20 mph and includes headlights, turn signals and brake lights. As for convenience, the cart also includes a cooler under the hood, storage under the seat, a tinted windshield, fog lights, glove boxes, a fold-down tailgate and, of course, drink holders. It’s stamped with H2 logos on the sides and rear bumper and has another pair of bumpers embroidered into the seats. It even has the option of either a carbon fiber or wood grain dashboard.

Garia Edition Soleil de Minuit Golf Car – $52,000

From the Porsche factory in Finland comes a golf car with practically any feature you could ask for. The aesthetically pleasing cart is a limited edition of the standard Garia golf car with custom paint, two-colored hand-stitched seats and a carbon roof lined with alcantara, as well as standard Garia features such as two golf bag carriers, a painted utility box, scratch-resistant side skirts, a scorecard and penholder on the steering wheel. Perhaps the most impressive Garia feature, though, is the optional dashboard refrigerator. You’ll never want for a cold drink on the links again.

Garia LSV – $62,000

This model of Garia’s expensive golf cart has one significant advantage over its less expensive predecessors–it’s street legal. Equipped with seatbelts, side mirrors, hydraulic brakes and a 4 hp electric motor capable of speeds up to 25 mph, this luxury golf cart has all the safety features necessary to allow it to be classified as a roadworthy low-speed vehicle. Like the Soleil de Minuit, above, the LSV may also be equipped with such amenities as hand-stitched seats, digital instrumentation layout, a stereo and a dashboard refrigerator. If you order directly from Garia, you can even customize the Garia LSV with your choice of over 100 different body, roof and dashboard colors, three different colors of upholstery and 10″ or 12″ wheels.

When you think of electric string instruments, the guitar is probably the first thing that comes to mind. To the electric rock string duo known as Fuse, however, it’s the electric violin that tops the charts.

The act, now the face of C Music TV, is comprised of virtuoso musicians Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee. The artists reinterpret classic rock songs to be played on their electric violins—and what violins they are!

The pair of Bridge electric violins was coated by Swarovski with 50,000 of their signature crystals each. The resulting instruments were displayed at Harrods after a photocall to celebrate the launch of Fuse’s debut album. Of course, the duo played a few tracks from the album first.

These remarkable violins are insured for £1million (US $1.58 million), making them the most expensive electric violins in the world.

A recent survey by Tableau Software has concluded that iPad users in the US are lucky enough to pay for the fifth most expensive iPad data plans in the world—“lucky” meaning, at $12.50 per gigabyte, we’re not paying the rates of the top four.

Users in France pay the local telco, Orange, the most for their iPad data plans. At $25.47 per GB, their rates are over twice that of AT&T in the US. Users in Belgium and Luxembourg pay Mobistar $21.77 per GB and users in the Netherlands pay an average of $19.58 per GB to either Vodafone or T-Mobile.

The cheapest rates are available in Singapore, where users may pay as little as $.51 per GB. Users in Hong Kong, Germany, Japan, Italy and Austria all pay less than $1.50 per GB. This may be due to the fact that, in many of these countries, iPad users have more than one option for their data carrier. Of course, that didn’t help the Netherlands.

The global average is around $7 per GB.

Google’s Android mobile platform has made some waves since it was announced in 2007. As of May 2010, Android claimed 13% of the market share of smartphones in the US—over half of that claimed by the iOS platform run by Apple’s seemingly ubiquitous iPhone. One of the great advantages Android has over iOS is that it isn’t married to a particular hardware manufacturer, allowing many different companies to try their hands at Android smartphones.

The Chairman by Ulysse Nardin is one example of such a phone. Billed as the “world’s first luxury hybrid smarthpone,” the Chairman includes both a touch screen and a physical number pad. The Ulysse Nardin name is most often associated with luxury watches and that fact shows in the Chairman’s sophisticated design. The volume controls look like watch buttons and the crown between them can actually be wound to generate power for the device. In fact, the phone features a kinetic rotor power system visible through the backplate.

As for its hardware specifications, the Chairman has 32 GB of internal memory, an 8 megapixel camera, a Freescale i.MX processor and a display capable of high definition video playback.

There are five versions of the phone, made using either steel or 18k rose gold in the frames. Only 1846 units of each model will be produced. At a staggering $12,800 to $49,500, it’s the most expensive Android smartphone in the world.

Nothing says luxury like lazing the hours away in a tub that costs more than a lot of houses. Those looking for such a tub, however, have a few more options than they used to. If you’re not happy with plain porcelain, you can purchase a tub made from fine materials or hi-tech gadgets.

Water Games Technologies’ Red Diamond bathtub – $47,200

(via bornrich.org)

Designed by Aldo Puglielli, this bright red tub is big enough for two people. That’s just the beginning of the tub’s laundry list of features, however. It also includes a console framed in gold—42 grams of 18-karat gold, to be exact—and Swarovski crystals. The console controls two waterproof HDTVs that remain hidden when not in use. Among the tub’s other features are a massage function, multicolored lighting, a hand-held shower unit, automatic disinfection and even a Swarovski-coated Champagne holder. At $47,200, however, the Red Diamond bathtub is not for the faint of wallet.

Kallista Archeo Copper Bathtub – $67,557

Made of solid copper, this tub is hand-crafted by the very people who refurbished Lady Liberty’s torch. Over five feet long and two-and-a-half feet wide, the tub is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate just about anyone. The fluted faucet and hand-held shower unit are designed with the same aesthetic quality as the rest of the tub, featuring a finely engraved starfish-on-seashell knob.

Baldi malachite bathtub – $222,000

This boat-shaped tub, designed by Luca Bojola is made from turqoise malachite that is perfectly complemented by its ornate, 24k gold-plated feet.

Baldi Rock Crystal bathtub – $790,310

Also designed by Luca Bojola, the first of these three-person bathtubs was created in 2008 and shown at that year’s Salone de Mobile. TThat tub was carved from a single piece of Amazonian rock crystal measuring over 8 feet in diameter and sold for over $850,000. This second tub was created for Harrods and, as the exteriors of both tubs were left rough, is as unique as the first. Baldi even offers a rock crystal basin to complement the exquisite bathtub.

While Apple’s iPhone is already something of a luxury device, there are clearly some who believe it just isn’t flashy enough. Luckily for them (and those of us who write about such things), luxury designers have created these—the most expensive iPhones in the world.

Goldstriker iPhone 4G Diamond Edition – $19,460

Stuart Hughes of Goldstriker International presents the iPhone 4G Diamond Edition, likely the first of a bevy of luxury editions of Apple’s latest iPhone. Hughes has adorned the phone’s surrounding metal band with 6.5 carats of VVS diamonds and, on the back, recreated Apple’s iconic logo in platinum and diamonds. The iPhone 4G Diamond Edition has 32 GB of memory and is factory unlocked so you can enjoy it regardless of your wireless carrier. It also comes with an ostrich-foot wallet with pockets for up to four credit cards. If you want the phone, though, you’ll have to act soon–only 50 will be made.

Peter Aloisson’s iPhone Princess Plus – $176,400

The Princess Plus got its name from the Princess cut used on 138 of the 318 diamonds on its surface. The other 180 diamonds on the phone were brilliant-cut. In total, the phone has 17.75 carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold around its rim. The iPhone Princess Plus is worth $176,400 while the somewhat more pedestrian “Brilliants only” version sold for $66,150.

Peter Aloisson’s Kings Button iPhone – $2.4 million

The Kings Button iPhone is, like its predecessor, a jewel-bedecked iPhone. This time, however, Aloisson had the iPhone 3G to play with—and, apparently, a bit of a bigger budget. One hundred and thirty-eight brilliant-cut diamonds line the sides of the phone, but the real prize is the home button—a rare 6.6 carat white diamond.

Goldstriker iPhone 3GS Supreme – $3.2 million

Stuart Hughes is known for giving luxury devices such as phones and video game consoles the “Supreme” treatment—covering them with gold and diamonds—and the iPhone is no exception. The iPhone 3GS Supreme features a casing made from 271 grams of solid 22k gold and a screen trimmed with fifty-three 1-carat diamonds. The home button is covered with a single rare 7.1-carat diamond. That’s not all, though—the iPhone 3GS Supreme comes in a chest carved from a single block of granite and sports Kashmir gold and an interior lining made with Nubuck top grain leather.

Why not spend some money to protect your precious iPhone? These luxury iPhone cases are made from carbon fiber, Tuscan leather, mahogany, ostrich skin, alligator skin and even gold embellished with diamonds and have prices ranging from $180 to over $100,000.

10. Ultra Case Luxury Edition Royal Crown – $179.99

The enormous, heart-shaped artificial crystal affixed to the back is this case’s claim to cost. It also features a stunning array of Swarovski crystals topped with a jeweled crown that will let everyone around you know who’s in charge. This case isn’t for anyone who values a slim case, however, as the decorations make the encased phone at least half again as deep as the phone itself.

9. SGP Ott-Paint Ultra Thin Limited Edition Gariz Case – $249.99

This case, created jointly by Gariz Design and United SGP Corporation, is beautifully painted with Ott, a special chemical paint that is not only flame retardant and heat resistant but also waterproof, mothproof, antiseptic and antibacterial. The case comes with a leather sleeve and protectors for both the screen and Apple logo. If you want one, though, you’d better hurry—only 50 of these premium, individually numbered cases will be produced.

8. Swarovski Wildcat
$299.99

Featuring Swarovski crystals arranged by hand in a leopard-spot pattern, each of these luxury iPhone cases is completely unique. The easily snapped-on case is supposed to be as protective as it is aesthetically pleasing, but Ultra Case doesn’t list the materials used to create the “crystal hard case.”

7. Orbino Strada
up to $319

There are other iPhone cases out there made of the “finest” Italian leather, but what makes the Strada unique is its patented belt clip/pedestal. Not only is this belt clip removable, it’s also made of palladium metal and it can even be used to prop up your iPhone so you can watch videos at your desk. After all, you probably don’t have any other viewing apparatus there. The Strada also features a screen protector and connector access. Oh, it’s also hand-stitched. That automatically makes it at least twice as good. The Strada starts at $99, but you can pay more to get one made from one of a variety of gentle woodland creatures—from ostriches ($249) to crocodiles ($319).

6. GlitterRing iPhone Cover – $379-$399

GlitterRing’s one- and two-piece iPhone cases come in a variety of designs. Whether you’re partial to “Puffy Pink” or “Golden Swirl,” you can get it slathered on your iPhone 3G or 3GS in the form of over 1,000 genuine Swarovski crystals. In case of damage, GlitterRing’s premium cases even include a repair kit with extra crystals.

5. iWood + Ryou – $454

Miniot’s iWood case has been upgraded at the hands of Ryou Co., Ltd. and Urushi lacquerer Seiichiro Fujino. The artist uses Chinese raw lacquer, clear lacquer, pigment and silver foil to turn one of Miniot’s already posh cherry iWood casts into true works of art.

4. Softbank BB Samurai iPhone cases
$1,000

Softbank BB is bringing the aesthetic appeal of traditional Japanese lacquerware to your iPhone. These five cases commemorate five famous samurai from Japan’s storied history—(from left to right) conquerer Oda Nobunaga; one-eyed warlord Date Masamune; tactician and “Dragon of Echigo,” Uesagi Kenshin; famed lover Naoe Kanetsugu and triumphant underdog Yukimura Sanada. The cases were created in collaboration with 350-year-old lacquerware company Zohiko and each design comes with a different cloth pouch.

3. Louis Vuitton iPhone cases
up to $1,120

Louis Vuitton is now offering four different flavors of iPhone case: Monogram Canvas, Taiga Leather, Epi Leather and Alligator Skin. Everyone knows adding the LV logo to something makes it practically priceless. But these prices range from $225 for the Monogram Canvas case to $1120 for the Alligator Skin case. Unfortunately, these costly cases commit the cardinal sin of covering the phone’s screen.

2. Diamond iPhone Case
$20,000

If you think buying a case worth fifty times the phone it carries makes perfect sense, then this is the case for you. With its 42 VVS1 diamonds (3.5 carats), it’s the most bling for your buck. That’s only $5,714 per carat. Great deal, huh?

1. GnG “Golden Delicious”
$100,000+

What is the most expensive iPhone case in the world? This extravagant case is the culmination of twelve months of development. The case features a 1mm subshell made with 140 grams of 18k gold, a carbon fiber inlay and about 200 diamonds. The outer frame features another 400 diamonds in the logo, which may be customized. As a customizable luxury item, however, prices may vary widely based on the materials needed.

Honorable Mention: exo2 Brass Engraved with Wood Insert – $150

Seen in an episode of Fox’s Fringe, “Brown Betty,” EXOvault’s metal iPhone cases are hand-made in Brooklyn, NY. Their latest and most expensive offering features a rosewood inset that provides better reception—and a more pleasing aesthetic—than the aluminum grills on their previous models. This particular model features a beautiful engraving above the insert’s dovetail joint. EXOvault also offers brass and aluminum cases for as low as $110.

Whether outfitting the kitchen in their restaurant or the one in their home, a person with cash to spare certainly has a high-end option available to them. The ovens below may or may not be the most expensive microwaves in the world, but they’re certainly among the most expensive available.

KitchenAid Architect Series II KBHS109SSS – $1,749

For the home kitchen, this 30” built-in stainless steel microwave is a 900 Watt oven with convection capabilities that can produce better results in less time than a traditional microwave. It has ten power levels, as well as soften, melt, defrost and reheat cycles to maximize the amount of control you have over the preparation of your food. The sensor steam cook cycle allows you to steam your food and it even has a function to keep your food warm while you wait to serve it to your guests.

Panasonic NE-3280 Sonic Steamer Commercial Microwave Oven – $3,099

This 3200 Watt commercial microwave, also stainless steel, features a sonic steamer and can hold up to two ½ table pans. The three-stage cooking device has five power levels and eight programmable pads that can hold up to sixteen programs. For larger fare, the center shelf is removable. It even has a self diagnostics to help ensure that it operates as well as the day it was purchased.

Once Apple’s premiere iPad tablet hit the shelves, it was only a matter of time before luxury gadgeteers got their hands on a few and set to work on creating the most expensive iPads in the world.

Mervis Diamond Importers’ Diamond iPad – $19,999

Mervis Diamond Importers bills their offering as “the world’s first diamond iPad.” Available on June 1st, 2010, this elite iPad is bedecked with 11.43 carats of diamonds in a micro-pave setting. With stones graded G/H (near colorless) and VS2/SI1 (slightly or very slightly included), this diamond device is sure to make you the envy of your peers.

iPad Supreme Gold Edition – $192,000

The iPad Supreme Gold Edition, similarly to Stuart Hughes’s other “Supreme” devices, boasts a 22k gold shell weighing 2,100 grams and encrusted with 53 flawless diamonds totaling 25.5 carats and individually set in the shape of the familiar Apple logo.

Of course, all of this customization would be next to worthless if Hughes hadn’t used Apple’s top-of-the-line 64GB 3G iPad as the basis for his creation.

Only ten iPad Supremes have been created and each is priced at a hefty $192,000. If you’re not lucky enough to be able to purchase one, however, Goldstriker International offers a diamond-less 24k gold iPad for a more reasonable $3,242.

If you’ve been following technology news for the past year or so, you should know one thing—it’s all about the iPad. Now, before you go furiously commenting one way or the other about how awesome/awful the iPad is, take a look at some of the world’s most expensive iPad cases. Apple fanboys, just think about all the great accessories available to you. Apple haters, sit back and laugh about the money people will spend on these things.

NewerTech iFolio – $129.99

This handcrafted Brazilian leather case will not only hold your iPad, but also documents, cards and even a pen, stylus or similar device. The left side features a hard back to protect your documents while the right side protects your iPad with non-marring, double-stitched leather straps. Best of all, the zipper is a “genuine YKK pull tab.” Get excited.

Piel Frama iPad Cases – $140-$165

Each of Piel Frama’s premium iPad cases features either a magnetic or snap closure system, a document compartment and a soft leather lining. For $140 you can get one of the high quality cowskin cases or, for $25 more, you can have your case in 1ª quality cowskin-ostrich or cowskin-crocodile.

Vaja iVolution Top Crystal – $350

Vaja’s premiere iPad case takes a full thirty-five days to craft by hand. In that time, they’re creating a great leather case with access to all the necessary ports—and icing it up. The completely detachable front cover of this case features an understated design that is tastefully decorated with glittering Swarovski crystals.

Louis Vuitton iPad Cases – $350

All you need to know is they’re Louis Vuitton. Got it?

Apple’s MacBook laptop computers may have gotten off to a rocky start in 2006, but that doesn’t mean things can’t get rockier still. Of course, we’re not talking about random shutdowns anymore. No, this time the rocks are diamonds and Swarovski crystals.

PowerMax Maxbook pro – $6,499 or $7,999

In late 2007, PowerMax introduced us to the gold-plated MacBook Pro. The 24k gold case, complete with diamond-studded Apple logo, housed a 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo CPU and could be purchased in 15.4” and 17” models.

Bling My Thing MacBook Air – $40,000

The extraordinarily thin MacBook Air has been given the Swarovski treatment. The Golden Age MacBook Air is coated with 12,000 hand-set Swarovski crystals. These special lead crystals bring out the sparkle in the 24k gold plate that forms the laptop’s case. Only twenty of the expensive MacBook were made and it took about a week to place all those crystals by hand.

Stuart Hughes MacBook Air Supreme Ice Edition – $200,000

Stuart Hughes’ “Supreme” luxury devices are usually high-end consumer electronics with their outer shells swapped out for solid gold and buttons replaced with precious stones. With the MacBook Air, however, he’s gone a slightly different direction. This time, the shell is made of 2.5 kilograms of pure platinum. Of course, he hasn’t forgotten the stones–the Apple logo is made with 53 flawless diamonds weighing in at 25.5 carats. The most expensive MacBook in the world is a limited edition of only 10 notebooks.

Modern projection televisions, flat panel LCDs and plasma TVs have come a long way since the black and white tubes which were first introduced in the mid-20th century. The TV is the centerpiece of most living rooms and often the TV is the most expensive purchase for one’s home theater system. If you really want to impress someone with your TV, though, then check out these, the most expensive televisions in the world.

Yalos Diamond – $140,000

From Italian company Keymat Industrie comes an expensive television studded with 160 real diamonds, totaling 20 carats. This expensive TV has no visible screws or welds, and the aesthetics are the work of Japanese designer Takahide Sano. This extravagant television can be purchased in sizes up to 46″.

Beovision 4-103 – $140,000

If you’re in the market for a television that’s priced for its technical merits, however, then you’ll want to take a look at the BeoVision 4-103. Featuring a 103”, 100 Hz plasma screen, this Bang & Olufsen television set acknowledges that size really does matter.

Its substantial viewing area isn’t its only feature, though, as the BeoVision 4-103 also features a motorized stand so that you can adjust the viewing angle on the fly. Auto Color Management and Auto Picture Control make sure that you always have the best possible picture, regardless of how much ambient light is in the room or how old the color elements in the plasma screen are.

Stuart Hughes’ PrestigeHD Supreme Rose Edition – $2.26 million

Luxury gadgeteer Stuart Hughes is at it again. After recently making a splash with the gold video game consoles, Hughes has tackled the common element that binds us all together–television. This 55″ PrestigeHD television, powered by Metz, is coated in 28 kilograms of 18k rose gold embellished with seventy-two round cut, flawless 1-carat diamonds. That’s not the end of the luxury materials used in its creation, however, as the most expensive television in the world features alligator skin hand sewn into the bezel.

For those whose wealth can support only slightly less epicurean lifestyles, the PrestigeHD Supreme Edition may be a more cost effective alternative to the Supreme Rose Edition. This one features only 19 kilograms of 22k yellow gold and the 48 brilliant round cut diamonds are only .75 carats apiece. It also features aventurine and topaz gems, all for $1.5 million.

Karl Lagerfeld, the German-born creative director for both Chanel and Fendi, is branching out. After all, you need somewhere to put all those handbags—somewhere like the most expensive personal safe in the world.

A collaboration between the Kaiser, as Lagerfeld is sometimes called, and German safe designers Döttling, Narcissus is nearly six feet tall and less than a foot deep. The steel safe is sheathed in high-gloss chrome-plated aluminum and looks very imposing when closed. When activated, two sets of cabinets, watch winders and drawers slide out from either side.

This luxury safe is not only ultra-expensive at $339,000—it’s also ultra-exclusive. Only thirty Narcissus safes will be made and the Kaiser already has dibs on one.

by Hunter Davis and Jeremy Harris

When you hear the phrase “most expensive camera in the world,” you probably imagine a super high-tech digital camera—maybe one used by NASA to take pictures of Mars or the moon or some cool camera capable of going underwater to extreme depths.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The first cameras used the daguerreotype process, pioneered by Jacques Mande Daguerre, to form images. A daguerreotype image is achieved by producing a direct image onto a polished silver surface. Unfortunately, a daguerreotypist couldn’t produce copies by means other than daguerreotyping the original and the process was obsolete within a decade.

1839 Susse Freres daguerreotype camera

In May 2007, a daguerreotype camera dating back to 1839 became the world’s most expensive camera when it sold at auction for €576,000—about US $775,000 at the time. The camera, designed by Frenchman Susse Freres, was housed in a sliding wooden box frame and was also believed to be the oldest commercially manufactured camera in the world, heightening its appeal to collectors.

In May 2010, another daguerreotype camera will go under the hammer and possibly become the most expensive camera in the world. Undocumented since 1839, this camera was built by Alphonse Giroux, brother-in-law to Daguerre, which may make it the oldest camera ever built. It was even signed by Dagguere, which can only increase its value to enthusiasts.

1839 Alphonse Giroux daguerreotype camera

The Camera will be on sale at the WestLicht Auction in Vienna—the same auction that sold the Susse Freres daguerreotype in 2007—where bidding will open at €200,000. It is expected to fetch between €500,000 and €700,000—that’s upwards of US $978,000.

Via LuxuryLaunches \ BornRich

iPhone apps generate a lot of buzz in this Apple world of ours, whether they’re useful, entertaining, offensive or just plain expensive. Below is a list of the ten most expensive iPhone apps. Are they useful? In some cases, that’s debatable. After all, the most expensive iPhone app in the App Store’s brief history was little more than a screen saver—that is, before Apple pulled it following user complaints.

Nursing Constellation Plus (Skyscape) – $179.99

Another medical app, Nursing Constellation Plus is intended for use by, er, nurses. Big surprise, that. The app has a variety of reference tools, including a drug dosing calculation tool, medical dictionary and a book of diagnostic tests.

ROSIE Home Automation (Savant Systems LLC) – $199.99

Finally, something really freakin’ cool—ROSIE Home Automation turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a remote control for ROSIE-enabled lighting, security, audio/video and other systems.

iDcrm (Numenes) – $199.99

This app is intended to sync with Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and provide all of the same functionality. It also has the ability to work offline.

Lexi-Dental Complete (Lexi-Comp) – $299.99

Much like Nursing Constellation Plus, Lexi-Dental Complete is a library of reference material—except for dentists. As such, their promotional image is GROSS. A slightly less expensive version, Lexi-Dental Select, is also available.

Mobile Cam Viewer (mobiDEOS, Inc.) – $349.99

Mobile Cam Viewer allows monitoring and control of NVR, DVR or Video Server surveillance systems. Of course, seeing as this is an app for the security conscious, access to the systems is encrypted.

PDR Quote (Labra PTY LTD.) – $349.99

Used to generate quotes for PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) and other automobile repairs, PDR Quote contains a database of over 900 automobile makes and models and allows prices to be customized and adjusted for tax codes.

MATG (MyAccountsToGo) – $449.99

Two varieties of this app are available—SAP BusinessOne and Dynamics GP. Both allow access to their respective financial management systems and may be synced via secure FTP, HTTP or HTTPS.

iRa Pro (Lextech Labs) – $899.99

Intended for security professionals who need to maintain unlimited mobility, iRa Pro allows users to monitor IP-based surveillance equipment. Much like Mobile Cam Viewer, above, this expensive iPhone app interfaces with a video management server to provide that extra sense of security that comes from knowing that you can always check in on whatever it is you’re protecting.

iVIP Black (iVIP Ltd.) – $999.99

The first thing you need to know about using iVIP Black is that you need to be a millionaire; once you’ve purchased the app, you’ll be asked to certify that you’re a “High Net Worth Individual” before you can make use of its services. Also keep in mind that the service is UK-centric, so not only do your millions need to be in British pounds (worth about 1.6 times the US dollar) but you’ll also need to visit the UK in order to take full advantage of the services offered by iVIP. If you’re still interested, you’ll find that iVIP offers access to a number of exclusive goods and services, such as a limited edition iVIP Black iPhone, penthouses in London and New York, private islands, racehorse ownership, helicopters and VIP lounges. Best of all, iVIP Black can be customized to suit your individual needs. iVIP Ltd. offers two alternatives to the most expensive iPhone app in the world—iVIP Blue ($449.99) and iVIP Red (Free).

BarMax: California Edition – $999.99

BarMax LLC. had a very specific subset of people in mind when creating one of the world’s most expensive iPhone apps—law students studying for California’s bar exam. Intended as an alternative to expensive bar preparation courses such as those offered by BarBri, the app offers for $1,000 what traditionally costs three or four times as much. BarMax boasts 1,371 previously used multistate bar exam questions and 100 previously used essay questions. BarMax also has a multistate version, New York version and five other state-specific version in the works and hopes to roll them out before the end of 2010.

with help from Connor Willemsen

Two-way speakers—speakers with only woofers and tweeters and no midrange drivers—don’t get a lot of love from the high-end audio industry. Once you’re spending big bucks on loudspeakers, it seems like you might as well go with three- or even four-way speakers. That hasn’t stopped Audio Note from releasing their high-end AN/E two-way speaker systems.

While we previously reported Bower and Wilkins’ Signature Diamond system as the most expensive two-way speaker system in the world, its price is dwarfed by that of the Audio Note AN/E SOGON system.

Audio Note’s watchword seems to be “efficiency.” Well, at more than 95 decibels at 1 Watt, the AN/E certainly delivers. The AN/E SOGON is housed in a cabinet designed for both driver dispersion and bass output and has frequency bandwidth from 18 Hz to 23 kHz at -6 dB. It features AN silver foil caps, ALNICO woofer and tweeter magnets (as available) and braided strands of Audio Note’s 99.99% pure silver SOGON cables.

This luxury two-way speaker system is priced at $125,000, but several less expensive versions of the AN/E are available.

with help from Connor Willemsen

Sometimes it seems like there’s no limit to the amount of money audiophiles will pay to have the ultimate audio experience. For those of you with bottomless pockets and seasoned ears, here are the most expensive speakers in the world.

7. ADAM Audio’s Olympic Sound System
$325,000

Featuring sixty drives, twelve built-in amps and digital sound processing unit, the OSS is a sonic powerhouse. The 8.5-foot tall speaker system has a frequency response from 18 Hz to 50 KHz.

6. Magico’s Ultimate
$354,000

The Magico Ultimate speaker system is a five-way system housed in 7.5-foot aircraft-grade hard-anodized aluminum enclosures, featuring four pairs of high-grade compression drivers with 8 ohms of impedance and sensitivity greater than 110 dB as well as a pair of subwoofers with 4 ohms of impedance and 88 dB sensitivity. The system has a frequency response from 22 Hz to 30 KHz. It also requires the use of 10 channels of premium amplification, which could easily run you an extra $200,000 but will benefit from the Ultimate’s ultra-efficient design and could produce levels comparable to a hard rock concert.

5. Acapella Audio Arts’ Sphaeron Excalibur
$380,700

Made for rooms that are at least 40m², Sphaeron Excalibur features three-dimensional sound and can handle 1,000 watts for 10 ms with no distortion. Handmade in Germany, these speakers are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the ears.

5. CAT’s MBX
$500,000

California Audio Technology (CAT) specializes in custom speaker systems that are better than studio quality. These are usually built into their surroundings for maximum subtlety and are programmed with the layout of the room in mind. For those who want to show off their speakers, though, CAT can also make their speakers with their own housing.

4. Moon Audio’s Signature Titan
$500,000

At six feet and nearly 3,000 lbs, these limited edition speakers are no small matter. Their features include built-in auto-room tune correction and frequency response from 15 Hz to 90 KHz. Each of these systems are signed by the designer and only three have been produced.

3. Wisdom Audio’s Infinite Wisdom Grande
$700,000

Meant to be used in the largest of rooms, Infinite Wisdom Grande features twenty-four drivers per pair and an unprecedented number of transducers. They also happen to be over 13 feet tall and weigh almost two tons.

2. Kharma’s Grand Enigma
$1,000,000

Kharma, Dutch makers of top quality audio products, aren’t exactly forthcoming about the Grand Enigma. Reportedly, this expensive speaker system is entirely unique. What we do know is that the system was tested by a team of specialists and installed in a cellar in Belgium. Grand Exquisite, Kharma’s second most expensive speaker system, commands a mere $220,000 price tag.

1. Transmission Audio’s Ultimate
$2,000,000

At $2 million, Transmission Audio’s Ultimate system is truly the pinnacle of bank-breaking speaker systems. I’d wager it sounds pretty good as well.

Ultimate consists of twelve 500W speakers, an Audio Laboratory BP-1 dual-mono power amp and a BC-1 preamp. In addition to the already impressive array of speakers, Ultimate also features forty 15” subwoofers and another twenty-four 8” woofers. On the high-midrange and high frequency levels, ribbon technology is employed for high fidelity and reliability.

Before the Playstation 3 debuted in November of 2006, it was already generating bad press for its $600 price tag. It wasn’t the first expensive console—the Atari 2500 cost $330 when it was released in 1982, just under $740 in today’s currency, and 3DO Interactive Multiplayer console cost $699.95 when it was launched in 1993. Today, however, the world’s most expensive consoles are unique pieces made with precious materials and superior craftsmanship.

Xbox 360 gold faceplate – $36,000+

This unique faceplate was auctioned on eBay in 2005. Made of 999.9 ounces of solid 24k gold, the faceplate was cast with access to all the ports and receivers necessary to enjoy your Xbox to the fullest extent. While not a console in and of itself, you can be sure that whatever Xbox this thing is attached to is officially the world’s most expensive Xbox.

Ps3 Supreme – $323,000

The most expensive Playstation 3 in the world sports a 22k gold exterior accented with flawless diamonds. Fifty-eight .5 carat diamonds decorate either side of the disc loader on the PS3 Supreme and over 1,600 grams of gold were used to create its shell. The entire process took twelve weeks from start to finish. If you want one, though, you’d better snap it up soon—the PS3 Supreme is limited to only three consoles.

Nintendo Wii Supreme – $481,250

Designed by Stuart Hughes of Goldstriker International, the most expensive video game console in the world is coated in 2.5 kilograms of 22k gold. That isn’t all—the front buttons are decorated with 78 quarter-cut diamonds weighing in at 19.5 carats. This luxury console took six months to produce—four fewer than Goldstriker’s similarly treated iPhone—and only three have been created.

Blackberry smartphones come in a variety of models. Luckily, Blackberry users have even more options when choosing cases. Be careful when purchasing one, however, as not all cases will fit every BlackBerry model.

Now, check out some of the most expensive BlackBerry cases in the world.

RexRegina Winston Luxury Case in Black Lizard Embossed Leather – $49.95

This case fits a number of models from the BlackBerry 8830 to the Tour 9630. Made from Tuscan lizard leather with an aniline dye rather than a surface paint, this case is truly stylish. Even the interior lining is leather. RexRegina didn’t neglect the technological possibilities, however, as the case features proximity-sensing technology to conserve battery life by automatically shutting off the screen and a magnetic closure. The belt clip isn’t removable, but that means it won’t fall off while you’re wearing it.

Otterbox Blackberry Defender Case – $49.95

Otterbox’s Defender Series of Blackberry cases are touted as “fully-interactive” cases that wrap your BlackBerry in three layers of protection. The screen and keys are covered by a thin sheet while a polycarbonate shell and silicone skin add further protection from wear, tear and blunt force trauma.

Sena Magnet Flipper – $49.99

Available for a variety of BlackBerry models—although not, as yet, the Storm2 or Bold 9700—the Magnet Flipper case features a magnetic flap that covers the face and can be opened one-handed. It also features a removable metal clip. The Magnet Flipper can be purchased in a number of solid colors, dual-color patterns or even a crocodile-textured black or red.

Case-Mate BlackBerry Fuel – $79.99

Case-Mate’s Fuel line of cases—produced for the Curve 8300 and 8900, the Tour 9630 and the Bold 9000—don’t just protect your precious BlackBerry. They feature a battery pack, rechargeable via the BlackBerry’s standard micro usb cable, that extends battery life by up to 7 hours of talk time. It also features a 180-degree ratcheting belt clip.

Case-Mate Diamond BlackBerry Curve Case – $20,000

The forty-two vvs1 diamonds that went into the creation of this case weigh in at 3.5 carats and are set in 18-karat gold. The emblem on the back of the case is made of the same quality of gold. Even the carbon fiber leather, specially developed for the case, is gold. In fact, a total of fifteen grams of gold were used to make this expensive phone case. Of course, the case is as protective as it is luxurious—the plastic is impact resistant and the screen is entirely protected.

RIM’s BlackBerry has come a long way in the years since its introduction as a two-way pager in 1999. Known for its push e-mail feature, the BlackBerry series held a place among the elite smartphones before anyone had even heard of an iPhone.

If that doesn’t scream “Cover it in diamonds,” well, I don’t know what does.

Amosu BlackBerry Pearl Diamond Edition – $88,000

Amosu released their BlackBerry Pearl Diamond Edition in 2008. The diamonds used to make this particular phone were recyclable—owners could have them refit to their next BlackBerry when the Pearl became obsolete. The Amosu BlackBerry even came with a year of access to an exclusive concierge service allowing purchasers to enjoy a variety of luxury services.

Amosu Curva Diamond BlackBerry – $191,000

Not one to rest on his laurels, Alexander Amosu has created a brand new exclusive BlackBerry customization. The Amosu Curva is covered in 4,494 brilliant cut VS1 diamonds totalling about 28.42 carats set in a coat of 18-karat gold. The best part, though, is that only three of these luxury smartphones will ever be made. Each purchaser will have the option of having their name engraved on the back. Like Amosu’s previous offering, Amosu Curva owners will enjoy a free year-long global concierge service in 44 cities.

Knalihs Athem BlackBerry Bold Limited Diamond Edition – ???

Swiss luxury designer Knalihs Athem has also created a suitably expensive BlackBerry. Each Knalihs Athem BlackBerry Bold Limited Diamond Edition is customized with the buyer’s choice of pink, yellow, black, champagne and white diamonds. The back of the phone is also customized with leather, crocodile or snake skin, or denim—each available in at least two different colors. Of course, it also has all the standard features of the BlackBerry Bold. Unfortunately, the price of Knalihs Athem’s expensive BlackBerry seems to have been filed under “If you have to ask, you’ll never know.”

Whether you’re into bird watching, hunting or *cough* private surveillance, a pair of expensive binoculars can be a useful thing. That’s why Leica produces several lines of luxury binoculars, including the most expensive binoculars in the world.

Leica’s Duovid 10+15×50 features a 50mm lens and can switch between 10x magnification and a 15x magnification comparable to spotting scopes. It also features tactile rubber armoring to ensure a steady grip no matter the conditions. The expensive binoculars even come with a tripod for stargazing.

The Duovid 10+15×50 retails for $3,245. Unfortunately for those of you who’d like it in hot pink or neon orange, it’s available in only one color—black. Sad, isn’t it?

Carbon fiber’s popularity in iPhone cases may be attributed to the material’s toughness and low density. After all, part of the appeal of the iPhone is that it’s so slim, so a lightweight protective material is all the more attractive. Check out these three luxury iPhone cases and you’ll see why they’re some of the most expensive iPhone cases in the world.

Case-mate iPhone 3G/3GS Carbon Fiber Leather Case
$49.99

This luxury iPhone case is made with a rare leather—mainly used in high-end aftermarket cars—covering an impact resistant molded shell. The exclusive case is available only in black and includes a screen protector.

Case-mate iPhone 3G/3GS Carbon Fiber Leather Case/Holster Combo
$79.99

Made with the same rare leather as their slightly-less-premium case above, this is Case-mate’s finest iPhone case. In fact, it’s available only for a limited time. Once their supply is gone, that’s it. The case also comes with full face screen protection and a holster made of the same carbon fiber leather as the case itself. This costly case can be purchased in either red or black.

DRO Concepts’ Carbon Fiber iPhone 3G Case
$92.99

The world’s most expensive carbon fiber iPhone case is an improvement on a similar case by the now-defunct Belch Co. (can’t see why they went out of business). This handcrafted case features four layers of carbon fiber with a scratch-resistant gloss finish and a neoprene lining. It even has a removable bottom so you can dock it without the hassle of removing the whole case.

GnG “Golden Delicious”
$100,000+

This extravagant case is the culmination of twelve months of development. The case features a 1mm subshell made with 140 grams of 18k gold, a carbon fiber inlay and about 200 diamonds. The outer frame features another 400 diamonds in the logo, which may be customized. As a customizable luxury item, however, prices may vary widely based on the materials needed.

It’s larger than some living room furniture and over 170 lbs—not exactly a mobile device—but it may just be the world’s most expensive iPod accessory. Switzerland-based Geneva’s GenevaSound Home Theater system embodies the concepts for which Apple has become famous—utility and simplicity.

Each GenevaSound system is completely housed in a lacquered wooden cabinet that not only belies the sophistication of its inner workings but also ensures the sound is natural and warm. The Home Theater features seven individually powered speakers—2 x 1″ tweeters, 4 x 5 1/4″ woofers and a 12″ sub-woofer—and an equal number of digital hi-fi 100-Watt amplifiers. The horizontal surface is 66” x 21”, so there’s ample space for a high-definition television, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 or whatever else you want to put on it. The system also features a CD player, FM Radio, and both digital and analog line-in.

It also has a universal iPod/iPhone dock that can deliver both audio and video output from your iPod to your home theater.

Am I stretching the definition of “iPod accessory”? Perhaps I am, but kindly note that nearly every promotional image of this extraordinary piece of equipment features one of Apple’s iconic devices and the word “iPod” displayed on the GenevaSound’s display.

The most expensive iPod accessory in the world has a retail price of $3,999. Geneva also produces GenevaSound System Models M, L and XL—audio systems intended for rooms sized from small/medium to extra large—for $799-$1,449.

Want to own the most expensive Xbox 360 in the world? Replace the boring old faceplate with this one and you’ll have it.

This unique faceplate was auctioned on eBay in 2005. Made of 999.9 ounces of solid 24k gold, the faceplate was cast with access to all the ports and receivers necessary to enjoy your Xbox to its fullest extent.

Sadly, information on whether or not it sold, and for how much, is scarce. What I can tell you, though, is that it had an opening bid of $36,000.

If you can’t find a solid gold faceplate for your Xbox 360, then why not try the next best thing—or, rather, the next most expensive thing. Featuring the popular Tomb Raider heroine, Lara Croft, this extravagant case is made with 43,000 crystals.

Only a few of these Xbox cases are being produced and sold in Germany, where it commands a price of around $11,000.

Airsoft is a sport much like paintball with its military simulations, replicas of real firearms, etc. The only thing missing, of course, is the pain—airsoft players must rely on the honesty of their opponents. Given the level of seriousness with which the game is taken, it’s no surprise that players are willing to dole out beaucoup bucks for their airsoft weaponry.

This offering by RedWolf Custom Guns may be the world’s most expensive airsoft rifle. It’s a Systema PTW (Professional Training Weapon), which can handle both Systema M90 and M150 cylinders. The piece also includes a custom adjustable ergonomic stock, Prime CNC receiver with STAG markings, a customized but fully functional Magpul MIAD adjustable grip and a 12” stainless steel Air Surgeon outer barrel. Use of this weapon may qualify as overkill—it fires at an amazing velocity of 460 feet per second.

The most expensive airsoft rifle is up for grabs on Red Wolf’s site for $4,288. If you can find an airsoft gun more expensive than that, we’d love to hear about it.

Netbooks, smaller and less powerful laptops meant to be used in conjunction with a host of web-based applications, entered the public consciousness with the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Association’s goal of distributing the ultraportable computers throughout developing countries. Now netbooks like Asus’ Eee PC and Acer’s Aspire One are starting to overtake the laptop PC market.

So, you know, eventually someone will have to go and stick some diamonds on one.

Until then, the most expensive netbook in the world is this unique Aspire One painted in the Kyo Yuzen tradition by UFO-Hayashi, a Japanese artist known for his work on iPods, phones and other gadgets. The painting represents life in its spring, rebounding after the long and cold winter. Painting the device took the artist around three months to finish and shavings from nautilus shells were used in the process.

As for its specs, the unique netbook features the Aspire One’s typical 1.6 GHz Atom processor, 1 GB memory and a 120 GB hard drive.

The world’s most expensive netbook is up for grabs on eBay until May 1st with a starting bid of $3,000.

September 9th, 2009 will see the release of The Beatles: Rock Band. The latest game in the Rock Band series of music video games, The Beatles will be a standalone game based on the band that started the British Invasion in 1964. It will also be the most expensive game on the Wii console—even without peripherals like guitars and drumsets.

The game is a collaboration between MTV, Harmonix—developers of the Rock Band series—and The Beatles’ Apple Corps. Ltd. (which does not make iPods). The game’s developers are striving to make it historically accurate and input from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono will only help them in this endeavor.

While Wii games are generally priced at $49.99, MTV has decided that The Beatles: Rock Band for Wii will have the same pricepoint as its later-generation counterparts on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360—$59.99. A $250 Limited Edition Premium bundle featuring the microphone, drums and guitar will also be available.

What could be more useful than a USB stick made of gold?

Actually, don’t answer that.

White Lake’s golden USB flash drive is, at least, sure to make an impression. Custom made with either fourteen- or eighteen-karat gold and maybe even some diamonds thrown into the mix, the most expensive USB drive is guaranteed to suit your individual personality—and by “personality” I mean “the gaping hole in your wallet.”

You can own this expensive flash drive for around $2,800 without diamonds or $3,500 with them. In fact, White Lake is so sure that you’ll want this revolutionary device that they don’t even bother to mention its storage capacity.

Luckily, White Lake’s offering has been trumped by a newer and more original flash drive—the Mnemosyne. This 16GB flash drive defies the standard USB stick format, instead taking the form of a puzzle cube. The drive was hand-crafted from solid aluminum and buffed to a mirror finish by the fine people at Italian/Japanese design firm Toshi Satoji Design. The 3” cube is aptly named after the Greek titan and personification of memory.

The world’s most expensive USB flash drive can be purchased from Japanese-language seller Solid Alliance for the hefty price of 1 million yen (US $10,685).

Economic stimulus

Vibrators and “marital aids” may be available at your local drugstore in this day and age, but you’re not likely to see this lascivious luxury item warming the shelf at CVS. The gold-plated Yva is, after all, the world’s most expensive vibrator.

Made in Sweden by Lelo, the 18-karat gold-plated vibrator boasts a bent-egg shape that allows it to fit over the pubic bone. Its quiet motor has a number of settings and the splash-proof vibrator can be chilled or heated to expand the already impressive variety of sensations it provides.

The most expensive vibrator in the world has a suggested retail price of $1500, but can be had for as little as $999. It comes with a charger and a finely-crafted wooden box with a satin carrying pouch and 1-year warranty.

The Sennheiser Orpheus may be a great pair of headphones for audiophiles, but what about those who prefer style over sound quality? Well, that’s what the world’s most expensive earbuds are for.

Created by Thomas Heyerdahl of Heyerdahl Jewellery, the same person behind the iDiamond iPod, these blinged out buds aren’t just a one-off for charity—they were carefully constructed in a series of 1,000. Each pair of iDiamond ear earphones is made of 18 karat gold set with 204 diamonds (1.65 carats total). Each pair is numbered, so you know that your pair is entirely unique.

Of course, getting one now may be a hassle. They were distributed to high end jewelry stores in March of 2008 and, at the time, sold for $6,400. Considering their limited availability, purchasing a pair now might require a considerably larger investment.