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Triple Threat - Toshiba's trio will set you back 12 grand in total
Toshiba's FanFun 815T handset is a popular choice among Japanese phone users thanks to its many features and adaptable design. Japan's rich, however, go for exclusivity and the $4,000 Cosmic Shiner version gives them that in spades.

Well, maybe not spades, but diamonds. Yes indeed, the gem-encrusted Toshiba Cosmic Shiner 815T is one cellphone you don't want to lend, lose or leave unattended. Now four grand is a heck of a lot of loot and diamonds alone just don't cut it when it comes to ultra-luxury cellphones (yes, there is such a market segment).

You'll want to leave the price tag attached to this gift box
First of all, the Cosmic Shiner (heck of a name, ain't it?) plays hard to get - exclusivity being a luxury feature after all. Getting one is not a matter of having Rodolfo, your chauffeur, drive you down to the Ginza, stopping off at the bank first to pick up forty 10,000 yen notes. Nope, Toshiba's finest fone can only be purchased by credit card.

You also have to wait 30 days for the "personalized handmade lacquer box" to be carefully crafted. What, you were expecting the phone to come in a plain brown wrapper? This is Japan, where presentation counts for almost as much as the present. Said box carries the imprint of renowned designer Kansai Yamamoto, as do the distinctive cellphone skins.

Toshiba's FanFun 815T in casual garb
Now I also mentioned "invitation only"... here's how that works. In order to purchase one of the Cosmic Shiner 815T phones, you'll first need a unique ID code that can only be found in the April 2008 issue of Seven Hills magazine. Tell your chauffeur to pick up a copy on his morning caviar run.

More cool FanFun 815T's... one day OUR phones will look this good!
OK, so you've gone through all the procedures and Rodolfo's nipped out for a smoke. You feel somehow that for 4 grand, there must be more... and there is!

Your new Toshiba Cosmic Shiner 815T includes a free (relatively speaking) one year trial membership in the ritzy "Prestige Gold" Kyoto Concierge service that provides a host of hotel and restaurant bookings. "Oh Rodolfo, warm up the Bentley, I'll be dining out this evening!" (via Wireless Watch)