Portable digital audio players, more commonly referred to as MP3 players, have taken the world by storm since Apple released their original 1.8” 5 GB iPod in 2001. The iPod wasn’t the first MP3 player, though. The first of the modern successors to portable tape and CD players was produced in 1997 by SaeHan Information Systems. Their MPMan, later licensed to Eiger Labs for distribution in North America, held only 32 MB of music.
Since then, MP3 players have become as ubiquitous as cell phones—and they’re status symbols in the same way cell phones are, as well. A variety of expensive MP3 players have been released in the past decade. What follows are the most expensive MP3 players in the world.
TrekStor i.Beat Organix gold
Wowing attendees at CeBIT 2006, the TrekStor i.Beat Organix gold MP3 player was one of the first luxury MP3 players. Cast in 18 karat gold and covered with 63 one carat diamonds, TrekStor’s gold MP3 player sold for $20,000 on Amazon. The player’s technical specifications included a gigabyte of memory, a Lithium-polymer battery that allowed an operating time of twenty-five hours, an FM radio, SRS WOW surround sound and even an audio recorder for note-taking.
The Presidential
Over twice as expensive, however, is the Douglas.J Presidential MP3 player by London-based Meng Duo Ltd. When you order your own Presidential, you need to choose not only the gold used in the casing (white or yellow) but also the physical configuration of the diamond buttons set in the front of the player. This expensive digital audio player includes a gigabyte of memory, a 65k color screen for video playback and support for a plethora of audio and video file formats. The Presidential is possibly the most expensive MP3 player in the world at around $45,000. The price includes Class 85 membership to get you exclusive access to a small group of clubs as well as hand delivery of your blinged out MP3 player anywhere in the world.
The iDiamond
A contender for the title of world’s most expensive MP3 player has recently surfaced, however, in the iDiamond. This diamond-encrusted version of the iPod Shuffle was offered as part of an auction at the Feast of Albion. The auction also included a chauffeured Jaguar XJ and VIP tickets to see Roger Waters’ final performance of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. The iPod and accompanying headphones are made of 18k white and pink gold. There are 430 diamonds on the iPod and another 118 in the headphones. While its estimated worth is around $40,000, its exact value is up in the air since it is a unique item sold as part of a larger auction prize. That fact means it could easily outclass the Douglas.J Presidential as the most expensive MP3 player in the world.
Similar Posts:
- Most Expensive iPod Speakers
- World’s Most Expensive iPhones
- Most Expensive iPhone Case
- Most Expensive Earbuds
- Most Expensive Headphones
- World’s Most Expensive iPads
{ 95 comments }
It’s ugly.
yeah, it really is; and it has basically no memory. what kind of consumer would get this?
Do you really think that the people that buy this CARE how much music it holds? They buy it so that they have to take the earphones off every 12 secs at the country club in order to answer questions about what it is. They want the attention, not a feature-rich player.
I don’t think it’s ugly.
“Expensive” even though there’s no price… right.
If you have to ask…. you can’t afford it. Isn’t that the canonical “rich people” line?
It’s seriously not even cool looking. Why would anybody buy this?
To everybody that said “it’s not cool looking”
Do you think the rediculous chains rappers wear look good? How bout dogs in purses? Or coffee can muflers. It’s not about what it looks like, it’s about what it costs.
It’s great, but would be far better if the buttons were also ornamented.
What DAC does this device use and how does it spec? It would want to be decent if you’re going to encrust it in gold and diamonds.
Feature rich? Most ‘features’ are gimmicks. Take EQ for example: most players are incapable of producing anything even approaching a flat frequency response. What good is EQ under those constraints? It gives clueless idiots something to twiddle and helps shift more junky pieces of plastic to the plebian masses.
I’ll take 5.
because it’s expensive. what, are you retarded?
Because people are stupid, especially rich people.
it really is ugly
This thing is an oxymoron… “most expensive” on the outside with all the jewels, yet a lousy 1 Gig of Memory inside. C’mon guys… could have done better than that.
funny, if i did see someone with this, i’d think they paid a ton of money, and didn’t even get a custom player. for far less money, you can design the shell and specs of a core player and end up with a *much* more personal statement. instead, this one says, “eh, it was expensive and i didn’t have to think”
because it has 1 GB of memory and plays OGGs? oh, and as someone else said – the attention. If I had more money than god, I’d probably snap one up (and then feel bad for not giving the $50k or whatever to charity, of course).
This looks like they just had someone fab the standard plastic case out of gold instead. Big Deal. Same hinky plastic controls still.
What a sad way to just run up the price, with no added class.
aren’t there enough mp3 players in this world? why do v have to buy one with gold n diamonds??? and ow bout security; i mean i wont b playin this thing when i m in the subway, or mayb it is 4 those who use a limo instead…
Man, this thing is very ugly.
The only reason someone would get this is the whole status/prestigue thing. It’s ugly, and has shit all memory. It doesn’t even play memory. I’d never buy this no natter how much money I had.
Someone obviously wants to close in on the “I hate money and features” market.
can it make me a dinner?
Because there are a LOT of people with really bad taste. Namely, those people who actually think gold is ever attractive. IMNSHO, gold is ONLY useful when being used to conduct electricity. If I could get a MoBo in white gold, I’d do it just so I didn’t have to look at the terribly tacky yellow stuff.
they’d buy it because it’s ugly and expensive. it means that if you have one, you obviously have lots of money to waste.
yes! it indeed looks ugly. moreover, it doesn’t have any cool features also.
waste. excess.
Chris, come on.
It’s not a consumer product. The point was to make something new and interesting and ridiculous. It’s not supposed to be practical.
It still isn’t EMP resistant.
God kaka!
Jag har en berguv i huvet!
Agreed, although there no pricetag available I’d say there’s little value for money:
- 1Gb, come on…
- shape isn’t that spectacular
- gold is soft, and easily scratched. Since this is one of those things you carry around; soon to be world’s most scratched MP3-player?
- all in all, lot of noise about something that is pimped in an uncool way… IMHO
Why would anybody buy this ?
Because YOU can’t.
Money doesn’t necessarily imply taste or common sense.
Just like those filthy-expensive dog-ugly high-end watches.
Or bright yellow Hummer V2s.
It’s about 250.000 bucks… just ordered the second unit
number one was for Alex
ugly, small… and not stylish. Alright yeah, the gold is nice… but, the design is about as plush and chic as an 89 ford fiesta… I.E not. I woulda bought into an obsideon and white platinum iPod video… if that was to be the most expensive.
well this is the stupidest thing I’ve seen all day.
I expect I could afford it… but it’s a pile of crap, truly naff.
if it’s to expensive, why couldn’t they hire a designer?
god, my 20$ mp3 looks MUCH better…
Does it come with an arm band? Clip for attachment? What about white gold and Opals instead of diamonds, geeze.
Ridiculous
it really sucks! what the hell??? who needs such a player? it looks awesome!
I’d buy it.
I bet you would all gladly accept it as a present :-p
It looks like it came free in a Christmas cracker…
You’d think in the world’s most expensive MP3 player they could include …I dunno, at least 4 times that much memory, and a less unimpressive screen.
I mean, I know it’s expensive …because it’s expensive and that means us peasants can’t afford it. (and therein lies it’s value!) Seriously though, for that price, shouldn’t you be getting ZERO compromises? The only impressive spec on that thing is the battery life.
Also, other sites are reporting 20 grand.
http://www.talkmp3players.com/2006/03/08/trekstor-ibeat-organix-only-20000/
I wonder if they give you special headphones to go with it… remember all the stories about people getting mugged because they has white headphones?(mugged for their ipod)
Lil’ John’s gonna have this in his next video… instead of that cup he carries around.
Rich people by expensive sports cars because they (usually) a) look good and b) out perform the cars the less fortunate could afford.
Why would anyone buy a gold plated, jewel encrusted car with a 2-stroke, diesel engine and a top speed of walking pace..
personally, I don’t think this thing looks that attractive.. the rich buy ipods.. gold ones if available because it is something they know is socially popular.. tbh, those gems could be zirconia and it wouldn’t make that much different
Your mom is ugly.. this thing is great!
I wonder what an iPod in that dress would look like ;-P
Someone need to make a slip case made of Gold and diamonds for an IPOD. Just put 64 not “63″ diamonds on it and name it afer me
bill brassky orchestrated the merger between Unicef and Smith & Wessen.
It has Paris Hilton all over it.
good god, that thing is stylish as a brick. what were they thinking, it makes the ipod look even more desirable by comparison lol:) is this a joke really? 1gb? freakin nano has 4. this is like a gold plated pinto.
The design is really ugly, but there are allways snobish people who will buy this.
Wow, they actually managed to make it look really cheap, like something you’ve won at a local village fair.
Yea, I’m surprised the buttons weren’t made of various gemstones. Saphire, ruby and topaz buttons would have been nice. The chain could have been made of a platinum/titanium mix. There should be some white gold in it somewhere as well.
Doesn’t matter. I’m much too poor to buy a plastic replica.
That is the sweetest MP3 player ever. Fudge what you think and don’t ask me what it is… I’m listening to Static-X.
well… it’s ugly alright
and features? uhmmm… not very exciting… i’d go with a 50 bucker anytime over this one.
i bet a pink version will come out soon and paris hilton will say “do you love it?” “thats hot”
Cool, where can I buy a fake? jajaja!!!!
Imagine if it stops working. That might be some ‘expensive’ damage to your wallet
It’s pretty cool but it is just for showing off. Definitely not for using.
I can see the gold,but where are the diamonds.Is it supposed to be for looks or use? It looks alright.
I think it is just beautiful! Yes really im just so fasinated with things that make no sense. Maybe it can be put on display to collect money for the staving, yea thats a great idea money for the starving ;-]
cover anythin wit gold n diamond and call it the most expensive
, we wana see things of high Qualitfy extra options..
By the way it cost $20,000 US
Here is the link: http://www.gizmag.com/go/5462/
excuse me pepel but look at this amazing piece of art work. it is in its own way stunning! :p x
My father bought me one. It’s really not that cool.
People who can’t afford expensive things, say crap about them. But once you get rich, you’ll understand the beauty of the weird and ugly.
all you people that can’t afford it are only jeolouse,
thats why you only have negative things to say about it
but everyone has differnt tastes, and I agree it is ugly.
Give this item to a poor countrie so they can sell it and be a little rich i said this because i want child labour to stop!
wat happens it if breaks that will be some *expensive* damage to ur wallet =)
look people there is no reason to waste ur money just being retarted. If u want to spend ur money move out and stop mooching of ur mom.
THIS ONE GOES OUT TO THE IDIOTS WHO THINK THERE RICH!
Its nice but it’s not worth it
for me and for others too because we just put our mp3 in our pockets and listen to d music so whats d difference . i dont care because i leave my mp3 everywere in my basket,locker etc.. so if its stolen i dont mind cause i ll buy an other one cause i ll buy the cheapest mp3 cause there all d same unless for the amount they store but if i lose that mp3 i would go mad so .. sry wrong invention hehe try somthing else ..
I’ll never buy this, it is beutifal but it has so few memory(i’m dutch:P)
wade ramsey: your question: where are the diamonts. they are around the screen but you don’t see them very well
vous pouvez me portez un mp3 SVP
it is rather ugly but for some it may apear stylish. only rich people would be stupidly enough to buy thats crap, and only 1 Gig of memory?!?! come on people they can do a lot better than that especialy the germans
Its not ugly. I wouldnt get it cause its probably expensive but its ok. I love my mp3 and thats enough. Why would you want to pay like 1000 dollars for this when you get one less than that and still have money. I mean you could get an ipod or donate the money well thats all.
Valery
how the hell u gonna make it look at nice and tell of its “precious” designs but not its amount of data and etc.
nobody cares of jewelry on a mp3 player if they wanted the mp3 player they just wanted to listen to music wow
That’s ALOT of memory to cram into such a small space, in case you all weren’t aware. With 25 hours of play time, one should wonder about how they managed to keep it from overheating and thus malfunctioning. Instead, you’re concerned with the exterior? Gotta love the consumers..
What a piece of junk trash, mother- rich that have nothing better to do with their cash
When you die you still gonna listen to your riches?
This MP3 is ridiculous. I’ve seen comments about the fact that some are jealous they can’t buy it. I’m sorry but,
I think it is not that amazing looking not to mention the memory it has is worthless. I expect to see this in a music video someday. The rich and famous need publicity to aquire fans. THIS will surely get them noticed. Why not just replace the buttons with jewels and make the diamonds big enough to see clearly. I agree with all those who think this thing is ridiculous…
ugg.
I think it’s ridiculous. To all those who stated in previous comments that those who didn’t like it were just jealous they couldn’t purchase it, I ask… Why purchase it? The memory is a good amount, Helena mentioned that. It’s mostly for show. If you truly wanted to listen to music, buy a MP3 for that purpose. Clearly, this is not something to use, it’s to pull out at a impressive country club, or celebrity party and spend endless hours answering questions of it’s cost and exterior. It’s a waste of time, money, and precious resources…
All in all, it’s stupid.
i got one
Your mom is as ugly as this iPod here! OOH, burn! Plus, she probably holds as much memory as it! — 1GB!! OOH, BURN!
OMG are u serious? i though dimands are supposed to be worne around u neck not be carried on an mp3 dawg!!!
too expensive far pricier than my cardboard box !!! maybe some other time!!
skrew all that think this is ugly, it kicks your moms hard core peace out
My Ipod 30 GB first generation is just fine for me,
I would except it as a present then sell it.
by fooyaddah14 — April 3, 2006 @ 4:27 pm
^Too True
The comment ‘Valour’ made, I totally agree.
Even someone who can afford it would say it’s ridiculous.
I know someone who can afford it and I showed it to her and she said something along the lines of: Ooh! Awesome! Another mp3 player… Was this one free from superdrug?
I swear, it would look much less tacky if it had white gold… I just don’t find the colour gold all that attractive – but then again, that IS a personal opinion…
ure all slaggin it off.. but i bet u would accept it as a gift or sumthin!….p.s its still too expensive tho lol
this thing is so bad like come on you would actually money for a mp3 made of gold that can’t hold alot of songs that really sucks
i would hate to have an mp3 player like this ,because i would always be watching out for it so it doesnt get scratched……..and whats the price?
I like ipods
You’ll find the worlds most expensive iPod at iDiamond.no.
It’s pretty nice looking too.
Comments on this entry are closed.