Extravagant Gadgets Mostly Horrible

The irony of most expensive gadgets is that they are supremely ugly—you'd think truly classy people would want the best products available in the most understated way. But of all the "Most Extravagant Technology Products" listed in this PC World spread, only one made me pop a short intake of breath: the Per B. Sundberg-designed, limited-edition Tivoli Model One radio and MP3 player, surrounded by lead crystal. It looks like my grandma's candy dish, but for some reason I think that's fantastic.

In Pictures: The World's Most Extravagant Technology Products [PC World via Gear Factor]

[#1 posted by Anonymous , August 29, 2007 3:19 AM]

At first glance, this looked to me like one of those cheapo Far Eastern safes you see in Asda/WalMart.

Except made out of glass. And openable with a single well-targetted tap of a hammer.

Hmm

- Andrew

[#2 posted by ratbastid , August 29, 2007 5:18 AM]

This reminds me... I had a high school English teacher who once noted that the defining characteristic of the Middle Class is good taste.

[#3 posted by Anonymous , August 29, 2007 10:26 AM]

What a strange list. He picked a lot of "fancy versions of common things" and some really strange audio products. Clearly he doesn't realize the scope of high end audio products; there are plenty of speakers, amps, turntables, etc. in the 100k+ range. Those speakers look like crap (never heard of em myself), neither the ultrasone 9's nor the ELP turntable are anywhere near the most expensive, extravagant or best in their category. Try looking up the sennheiser orpheus or the wavac SH-833 (350k).

On the other hand, the tivoli model one is beautiful, and surprisingly good sounding. I think their normal finishes are even better looking and a steal at $120.

[#4 posted by Anonymous , August 29, 2007 8:45 PM]

I own a tivoli model 1, which is about 6 years old I guess, and a tivoli 2 (stereo, otherwise the same as the model 1) which I use as the sound system for my media PC (a mythtv based linux PVR).

These boxes totally rock. The sound is excellent, the price is reasonable although not cheap, and they take up very little space.

But, it was designed by Kloss, so it's no surprise that it's a best-of-breed device. Still, I think the crystal case is ungodly ugly, and recommend the walnut, cherry or plain ol' black.

[#5 posted by Anonymous , August 29, 2007 8:51 PM]

Maybe the question should be, "Why are the most extravagant gadgets so hideous?"
I can't decide if I'm detecting a whiff of contempt in such designs. Maybe it's just sadism.

[#6 posted by Anonymous , August 30, 2007 2:31 AM]

I like it. it's shiny

[#7 posted by Gilbert Wham , August 30, 2007 5:13 AM]

If it was 40 years old, and covered in yellowing Lucite, it would look a lot cooler.