IN STORE

These days, gadgets don’t just come in steely, shiny cases and black colour. Manufacturers are waking up to the fact that limited editions go a long way with gadget crazy consumers. It’s time to look beyond the expensive belts, boots and baubles. Here’s a quick lowdown of the hottest limited-edition gizmos that are a great excuse to go shopping.

Ferrari in a phone

Reflecting the exclusivity, elegance and performance of the best supercars, the Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero comprises of limited edition handsets. The Ascent Ti Ferrari edition uses the same leather and stitching as the latest Ferrari car interiors and even the battery cover mirrors the distinctive bonnet detailing on the handsets. Besides, the sides of the Ascent Ti are sculpted to reflect the louvres found on various Ferrari cars.

The handset is made using the finest materials, including a sapphire crystal screen and a chassis built from high grade titanium that gives the Ascent Ti its distinctive name. The Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Rosso and Giallo will be produced in vibrant red and yellow colours respectively. Each edition will be available worldwide from November 1, 2008.
Price: On request.

Multimedia dragon

It’s your TV, video recorder, DVD player, and yes, a computer too. First off, the 20.1-inch widescreen ultrabright has a generous 1680x1050 resolution, backlit by two lamps. A hinge allows it to swivel from two places, the middle of the panel’s back and the standard location for optimal screen positioning.

HP even promises to bump the resolution to 1920x1200 pixels in a future version. Secondly, the keyboard tray is so generous that it can fit a media centre remote in its left side. In short, it’s serious multimedia power in a quasi-portable form factor. You shell out a lot of money for such exclusivity but it sure promises to stand out in the crowd.
Price: Rs 1,34,955

Black gold

If you like chic, you need to check out the stunning, high-end U900 in black and gold this time. With the eye-catching gold plating, the limited edition U900 is worth a pick. The 5 megapixel camera, a satisfactory 7.2 Mbps HSDPA and OLED d-pad, Bang & Olufsen amplifier, ability to read Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF files make the phone a handy office assistant too.

The limited edition black-and-gold Samsung U900 is already available in some markets, so you won’t find it hard to lay your hands on one.
Price on request.

Go contemporary

Microsoft announced that a limited-edition Zune digital media player designed by Peter Saville will hit exclusive stores to commemorate the DVD release of Joy Division, a critically acclaimed documentary chronicling the life of the influential but short-lived Brit post-punkers.

The Zune player, which utilises an adaptation of Saville’s artwork for Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures, will have the film come pre-loaded on a custom black Zune 80 GB player. Around 500 limited edition players will be available.
Price: Rs 18,000