(image by Le Journal du Geek)

Do you consider special edition smartphone or PDAs, like the recently announced Nokia N76 Signature Edition (made by designer Björn Weckström) truly special? Most of these gadgets are significantly more expensive than their "normal" counterparts, and usually feature cosmetic enhancements. The Signature N76 for instance, boasts a mini hand-sculpture bolted on. And does anyone remember the Black-Tie Treo?

I really put my gadgets through their paces, exposing them to above-average wear and tear. That's why I don't even consider buying special edition models. Why something that looks better when you can't even take care of its appearance?

Special editions aren't special enough to pique my interest. But only because there are no clear improvements aside from appearance. I'd consider gadgets like the Nokia N80 Godfather Edition if they featured better functionality than the stock models. Even basics like increased memory or would be enough. There's no way I'm paying extra for basically the same phone with merely superficial differences.

What do you think?