BlackBerry Bling: The Hottest—and Priciest—Pimped-Out BlackBerrys
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.
Luxury BlackBerry Purses from Violet May London
London-based designer
Violet May's custom BlackBerry purses come in a variety of styles and colors, all featuring eye-grabbing materials, such as snake-print and gold-python-leather. With a special pocket for your BlackBerry, as well as space for coins, notes and credit cards, Violet May's Sting Ray Pearl purse may be the only handbag the modern, BlackBerry-addicted woman will ever need. Pricing starts at $331.50 plus shipping. (As seen in
Vogue.)
Image credit: Violet May Ltd.