If the thought of owning an iPad Air 2 that looks just like everyone else's rubs you the wrong way u2014 and you have $1,700 to burn u2014 Brinell's new 'iPad Air 2 refined' is a lavish alternative. Whether you’re a diehard Apple loyalist or you’ve never even touched a Mac, iPhone or iPad, you probably know the company makes some beautiful products. Top-tier design has always been one of Apple’s core values, and the new iPad Air 2 is a shining example of this ethos. However, if matte metal and shiny glass simply aren’t your bag, and a bulky case won’t do the trick, Brinell’s new “iPad Air 2 refined” might be for you. Brinell is a German company that makes a number of fashionable memory sticks and storage drives, all decked out in various types of wood, leather and other shiny baubles — and all quite pricey. On November 2, the company plans to release three customized versions of the iPad Air 2: one encased in Macassar ebony, a rare dark wood; one in Napa leather; and another with a carbon fiber finish. The customized iPad Air appears to have some sort of metal plating that runs the length of it top and bottom when held horizontally, as well. The iPad Air 2 refined from Brinell supports Qi wireless charging, so you never have to plug it in to power it up, which is a nice touch. A Brinell logo also sits atop the device’s display. Other than that, it appears to be the same as any other iPad Air, with the exception of the hefty price tag. The 16GB, Wi-Fi only iPad Air 2 refined costs at €1,499, or about $1,700. That’s $1,200 more than Apple charges for its stock, $500 Wi-Fi iPad Air 2 with 16GB of storage. So Brinell’s luxury comes at a significant price. The company’s site doesn’t offer any sort of size or weight specifications, so it’s unclear just how much heft the customization adds to the latest iPad Air. Brinell says it’s accepting preorders, though I don’t currently see any way to place one on its website. Check out Brinell.net for more details. AS Related content Opinion Tom Brady's pricey PJs pack 'recovery tech' for athletes Under Armour's new TB12 pajamas aren't cheap, but they promise to rejuvenate your body after workouts. And they just might work, according to a study from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. By Al Sacco Jan 05, 2017 2 mins Health and Fitness Software Wearables Consumer Electronics Opinion Budweiser 'smart' beer fridge encourages drinking on the job The new 'Bud-E Fridge' IoT smart refrigerator automatically orders more beer for you and your coworkers when supplies get low, and it's available for a limited time for free, if you're located in Chicago, New York or Los Angeles. By Al Sacco Dec 06, 2016 2 mins Media and Entertainment Industry Internet of Things Consumer Electronics Opinion Why Samsung should release a Note 8 Samsung denies reports that it's planning to release another Note smartphone, but it would be a major misstep for the company to do away with what is perhaps its most important smartphone brand. Here's why. By Al Sacco Oct 26, 2016 4 mins Small and Medium Business Technology Industry Smartphones News Analysis Google makes more than Samsung, Apple on flagship phone The price Google charges for its Pixel XL smartphone is closer to what it costs to make the phone than what both Samsung and Apple charge for the GS7 and iPhone 7, but Google still makes more money. Here's why. By Al Sacco Oct 25, 2016 3 mins Small and Medium Business iPhone Manufacturing Industry Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe