By Nicholas Montgomery
With a new gadget, you aren't just cool if you have one. But, if you have one that is gold plated or gold accented, then you've got some real bragging rights. In this post we'll be going over prices for a gold plated vs. a non-gold plated version of various tech gadgets and if the gold plating is worth the outrageous price.
iPhone
Normal: $159.00 iPhone 4S with contract Gold Plated: $599 + Price of iPhone You're probably showing off the coolest iPhone app you just downloaded to your friends at the bar or at the office so having it gold plated would only make you have even more bragging rights. However, any responsible iPhone owner has a case, so they won't naturally see the gold plating. And, $600!?!
Vamp NOS
Normal: N/A Price:About $8000.00 The VAMP NOS is a CD player, and yes they still make those. There isn't an iPod dock, but if you still listen to CDs this is a great option (if you've also got the money). From AboutHifi's review you'll get, "a sound result flattering the musical work."
Nintendo DS
Normal: $99.00-$149.00 Gold Plated: $320.00 Gold Accents: $29.00 The DS looks great in this gold casing (24K!) but for a lot less you could just get some gold accents (also 24K). I might warn that the gold casing or gold accents will NOT make you a better player.
iPods
Normal: iPod Shuffle: $69.00 iPod Touch (16 GB, 2nd Gen): $299.00, iPod Classic (160 GB): $349.00, iPod Nano: $199.00 Gold: iPod Shuffle: $130.00, iPod Touch (16Gb, 2nd Gen): $525.00, iPod Classic (160 GB): $960.00, iPod Nano (8 GB 3rd Gen): $720.00
Nokia 6500
The Nokia brand isn't super hot right now, but maybe after throwing $550 to fit the Nokia 6500 with gold your friends will be jealous of of it.
Too bad it doesn't have the "Find My Phone" feature like the iPhone, because that is one possession no one wants to lose.
MacBook Pro
Normal Price: Starting at $1199 Gold Coating: $1200-$1500 + Price of MacBook Pro
BlackBerry Bold 9700
Normal Price: $49.99 with 3 year contract Gold Coating: They won't even tell us, you need to contact them If you're still using a Blackberry, make sure you use it in style! That's it for the list of everyday tech products that are gold plated. If you've found (or own) any awesome gold tech products, post in the comments below!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributing Editor Nicholas Montgomery is the Technology Expert for The Marilyn Denis Show (CTV). You can follow him on Twitter, like his Facebook page or read his blog.