In Pictures: The World's Most Extravagant Technology Products

If you want to sell a common item for an outlandish price, it helps to have a good story. Luxury phone maker Vertu has one of the best: "In a secret facility nestled in the English countryside, technicians who've completed a rigorous three-year apprenticeship assemble each phone by hand, using precious metals and stones." We'd prefer something like "Monks sworn to silence toiling in a medieval abbey," but perhaps they were too expensive. What are the stealthy technicians assembling? One example of their pricey handiwork is the $18,000 quad-band Constellation model, which features an 18-karat yellow gold finish and black leather backing, a ceramic keypad with laser-perforated symbols for backlighting, and a screen made of sapphire. One button gives you direct access to 24-hour concierge service.