The holidays are fast approaching, and for those of you who would like to capture them in perfect clarity, Hasselblad offers the H4D series. Selling some of the highest resolution cameras on the market, Hasselblad has long been a favorite of professional photographers, and almost every American has been touched by a Hasselblad image. Used by Walter Schirra to photograph the 1962 Mercury expedition into space and for every subsequent manned mission by NASA, the brand can even be partiality credited for the initiation of NASA’s photography department.

Their new H4D-60 camera is a 60 million pixel camera that resets the standard for high-end, commercial image quality, and although such a high resolution is wasted on many cameras, Hasselblad’s lenses and cameras greatly benefit from the extra pixels, offering new levels of precision and focus. Like all cameras in the H4D series, the H4D-60 uses an Absolute Position Lock (APL) processor which promises more accurate focusing throughout a photograph. Tracking camera movement in order to measure angular velocity, the APL processor is able to calculate the exact distance needed to focus on a subject and assure that every picture is perfect. The H4D-60 also includes extended camera controls, both eye and waist-level viewfinders, improved autofocus assist illumination, and an exceptionally large double-res display. In addition, Hasselblad’s Phocus software allows for uncompromising image quality with features such as live-video for easier shot set-up and Moiré Removal Technology which is automatically applied directly onto raw image data in order to correct distorted patterns.

Under a current promotion, clients who purchase the H4D-50 between now and September will receive an instant rebate of $3,000 and will be able to trade-up to the H4D-60 once it is available later this year, allowing the rebate incentive to carry over. The H4D-60 (body only) is priced around $39,995. For more information, contact your local Hasselblad dealer.

~Affluent Page

http://www.hasselbladusa.com/

When you dip anything into gold and sprinkle a few diamonds it’s bound to have a “rags to riches” aftereffect. Stuart Hughes understands the impact of precious metals and has upgraded the modest MacBook Air into a highly glossed 24kt golden artifact. Presenting the MacBook Air Supreme Fire Edition—stamped with the infamous Macintosh logo, 53 glistening diamonds adorn the golden apple.

With all the characteristics of cosmetic improvements and weighing 2,600 grams of solid gold, the Fire Edition is not for the faint of heart. It takes moral fiber to own a gilded laptop. Packed with state-of-the-art machinery, this exclusive limited edition design only consists of 10 units; making it the envy amongst its peers.

Knockoffs have scattered all over seemingly legit businesses promoting a solid metallic MacBook Fire Edition — a near identical version of the MacBook Air Supreme Platinum Edition. Computer Choppers also promotes a 24kt Gold MacBook Pros, which according to them, is the original design. Despite the brass confusion, applying significant caution is vital.

There’s no doubt that Hughes’s latest creation is worth every 25.5 kt. diamond set upon its skinny surface. Including a minor setback—a single USB data port—the MacBook Fire Edition will satisfy the taste for expensive, technological toys.

An expert at converting everyday gadgets into gilded luxuries, Stuart Hughes has a gold resume of extraordinary accomplishments. His previous creations, the Nokia N97 Mini Gold Edition, the Ipod Supreme Rose Edition, and the Nokia Supreme have set forth a trend of precious gadgets and a new plateau for cosmetic luxury.

Taking three months to construct this design comes at a small price of £219,995.00.

~Affluent Page

Stewart Hughes

United Kingdom’s Chord Electronic has just unveiled the premier preamp, the CPA8000.

Quickly becoming regarded as the definitive preamp, the CPA8000 conveys the highest quality in sound. Festooned with a dual mono design, the CPA8000 incorporates a separate power supply for each channel. This innovative technology allows the Chord creation to set the noise floor at 135dB.

The unique invention is specified as 0.002% from 20Hz to 20 kHz. Specially designed to aid in sound production, the CPA8000’s input apparatus comes standard with four balanced and four unbalanced pairs. In addition, the preamp features three balanced and three unbalanced output setups.

Regularly priced at $50,000, buyers can choose to upgrade to a balanced AV Bypass input to export volume directly to an external A/V processor.

-Affluent Page

[Chord Electronics]

Jetlev-Flyers are water-powered jet packs created to give adventurers the sensation of flying. They operate using 4-stroke engines in combination with water nozzle reaction force to achieve stable and controlled flights. For precision, a digital fly-by-wire system is used to control the throttle. Jetlev provides each customer with training videos and ensures that all can safely operate the jet packs.

Jetlev-Flyers can accommodate pilots ranging from 1.5 – 2 meters in height and 40 – 120 kg in weight. They can reach heights of up to 10 meters and achieve a top speed of 35 km/h. Cruisers have a duration of approximately one or two hours.

Taking nine years to come to fruition, the concept for Jetlev, which is an abbreviation of “Jet Levitation,” began in 2000 with an idea from Chinese-Canadian inventor, Raymond Li. In 2003, Li opened Jetlev Development Company and in 2004 he and his team began assembling test models. In 2007, Jetlev Sports Company in Florida was issued a license to develop production models. Two years later, they teamed with German-based company, MS Watersports GmbH, and began production. In January of 2009, Jetlev-Flyers made their public debut at Boot Dusseldorf in Germany and have since garnered much attention due to viral video leaks and assorted media coverage.

A limited rollout of 500 Jetlev-Flyers will hit select markets in the United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Australia by the end of June 2010. The first retailer selected to carry the jet packs is Pearl Watercrafts LLC located at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, in Dubai. The yacht club will also be home to a Jetlev training center.

[Jetlev]

The legendary speaker company, NttAudiolab has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 101 MkII speaker system.

Standing at a staggering six feet tall, the 101 MkII bolsters two 15-inch woofers at the rear-ported base, two 6.5-inch Accuton ceramic, inverted-dome midrange drivers sealed above and below the Fostex T500AMkII horn-loaded super tweeter.

Adorned with a “quiet intensity”, NttAudiolab believe that, “In a world of loud speakers, there many loud voices screaming to tell us why they are the best; timeless knowledge teaches us that those who truly have achieved a higher-level…have no need to shout about it.” With over ten year in the engineering business, NttAudiolab has made the MkII line an iconic fixture in the speaker industry.

The pair – weighing in at an astounding 1315 pounds – will be available for $175,000.

-Affluent Page

[NttAudiolab]

The C-Explorers come in models 1, 2, 3 and 5. Each differs in terms of passenger seating, size of submarine, and the depth of the dive. The C-Explorer 2 will be the first of the series to be launched, which will be at the Monaco Yacht Show on September 22 - 25, 2010.

These catamaran style submersibles accommodate up to six people depending on model, and are built for private explorers and luxury super yachters alike.

All C-Explorer models are equipped with full acrylic 360 pressure hulls to optimize underwater viewing, come with onboard air conditioning devices to maintain temperature and humidity, and can travel up to 3 knots while submersed. They are capable of reaching 1000 meters operating depth and can endure for 18 hours.

Inside, the subs are adorned with all of the latest technologies: robotic manipulator arms, underwater navigation systems, high-definition video cameras and an integrated remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

When designing the C-Explorer series, Uboat paid close attention to practicalities. The submarines were designed with patented floaters and flexible bags encased in foldable housing for easy storage in standard containers or onboard a ship.

With the C-Explorer series, Uboat will take submarines out of the scientific research realm and place them in the world of luxury sport and exploration. For beginners, Uboat has opened a demo center in Aruba where perspective buyers can take their choice of C-Explorer for a test dive with a fully trained submarine pilot.

C-Explorers range in price from $378,000 to $1,336,000 depending on size and model and take 10 to 14 months for delivery.

[Uboat]

Ranging from the finest jewelry to renowned leather goods, Asprey has manufactured some of the best luxury products since 1781. Asprey’s newly released chess set follows that elegant tradition.

The chess set is finished with fine calf leather, and comes conveniently in a briefcase that can easily be stored away when not in use. The well-constructed layout of the case is designed with specific slots for each of the individual chessman as well as an overall space to store the board. Using only the utmost high-quality materials, as well as the fine calf leather board, Asprey’s chessmen are made of beech and ebony. If the olive and camel color palate is less-than preferred, Asprey’s chess set also comes in black for a bolder look, finished in black calf leather.

Asprey’s state-of-the-art chess set is an ultra modern take on the classic game, which has been played since the 6th century AD. Since then, the world has seen multiple renditions of the classic chessboard; none however, match the finesse and sporty look of Asprey’s. Whether green and olive or black is preferred, no serious game room is complete without this unparalleled chess set from Asprey.

The new olive and camel chess set from Apsrey can currently be purchased at $4,600, and the black and white edition runs at $2,550.

[Asprey]

For the past decade, bicycle companies worldwide have attempted to conceptualize the premium electronic bike; however, with M55’s latest announcement it is now a reality. Although the EVO-001 is not sleek in appearance like the recently released Gocycle, the light-weight aluminum frame produces a dual-model capability. Integrated within each frame, M55 has stabilized a centrally-mounted motor and battery pack.

M55 is scheduled to release two models – a street version with a 250W motor, and an off-road version powered by the hefty 1300W motor. The raw performance of the off-road motor bolsters its speed up to 43mph, and has five motor speeds and 14 gears. On the other hand, the battery pack will remain the same in both models – a 20.7 Ah and 39.6 V.

The speed of either model is dictated by how fast the individual pedals, lending to a natural learning curve for first-time electric bike users.

Even though M55 has yet to release any prices, they have confirmed that the limited 250 models will be priced in accordance to their exclusivity. Aside from pictures released by M55, the EVO-001 has been kept under secrecy. However, at the 2010 EUROBIKE on August 24-28th, M55 will debut the very first model.

Upon its premier, the Conquest Vehicles’ KNIGHT XV was highly regarded as the most luxurious SUV on the market. With the release of the Dartz Monaco Red Limited Edition, the KNIGHT XV lost their prestigious moniker. However, with their addition of more than 60 new security and opulence upgrades, the KNIGHT XV officially claims itself as, “the world’s most expensive, luxurious and strongest armored car.”

The new KNIGHT XV upgraded a new turbo kit, a commercial-grade multi-link air-ride suspension system, a high performance front brake system, which incorporates 15.5 inch rotors and 12-pot calibers. Stout in figure, the KNIGHT XV’s 24-inch vehicle extension package bolsters the weight to a staggering 12,000 pounds.

In addition, Conquest Vehicles installed an innovative, onboard black-box system, which is recording at every moment.

[Conquest Vehicles]