Made in Europe, aimed at affluent customers

Affluent iPhone owners now another option for accessorizing their Apple smartphones beyond just encrusting them with jewels -- a solid lead-crystal hand-made and hand-crafted dock, created using traditional fired-glass-mass techniques dating back 300 years and incorporating the Apple dock connector to charge and sync the iPhone.

The lead oxide added to the glass creates a refined crystal look polished to a natural shine that complements luxurious surroundings. The dock comes in four designs, including a special limited-edition, hand-numbered "Aurora" model that is painted with platinum. The other models -- Beau, Celestia and Dune -- all feature hand-cut asymmetry and sand-blasted polishing, making each copy slightly different. The limited-to-999-pieces "Aurora" model sells for $349, while the other models retail for $199.

All models work with the earlier iPhone models as well as the latest iPhone 4, and are also compatible with the iPod Touch. The dock does not include the syncing cable (which normally comes from Apple with any iPhone or iPod Touch), and also lacks the sound-out port that Apple's own (white plastic) dock features.

More information is available on the Calypso Crystal's web site.

by MacNN Staff