Wednesday, March 15, 2006

It's all about the bling when it comes to gadgets

Theresa Sheldon's cell phone rocks.

Not with ring tones but with Swarovski crystals, which twinkle and sparkle and form the initials of her favorite band, Nine Inch Nails.

For about $75, Sheldon had her phone personalized with the bold "NIN" after attending a concert in Los Angeles last fall.

"It's as girlie as I get," says Sheldon, who lives in Rancho Cordova and works for the state. "Now it's a conversation piece."

For Sheldon and a growing number of others, personal electronics are among the most hip of accessories. Not only are they functional, but they're becoming increasingly fashionable.

Of course, not everyone is going to encrust their phones with crystals. But then, they don't have to.

Electronics manufacturers are churning out a variety of chic, sophisticated devices - from ultrathin cell phones to crystal-studded ear buds - to entice consumers with a variety of tastes. How about a pretty-in-pink Razr V3c (about $400) or the subtly stylish PEBL (about $300), both by Motorola?