There is just something about a wood case that gives electronics an heirloom feeling. Perhaps if cell phones were a bit warmer, a little heavier, a little earthier, people might keep them longer than the average 18 months before upgrading again. NTT DOCOMO might be wondering the same thing, as the company has introduced two prototype cell phones encased in waste wood.

NTT DOCOMO states the cases are made of compressed cypress surplus wood from trees culled during thinning operations to maintain healthy forests. That material source alone is enough to assure they’ll never come to market unless in a small, exclusive number. But they sure are pretty. And apparently they smell good too:

“No artificial colors or paints are used, so the cypress retains its original natural appearance and aroma.” Smelling cypress every time you put your phone to your ear…that’s just flat out enjoyable.

The prototypes are to be exhibited at ITU Telecom World 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland from October 5 to 9 and CEATEC JAPAN 2009 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture, Japan from October 6 to 10. Likely, that’s the only place we’ll get to touch – and smell – these lovely phones.

Unless, of course, you carve your own cell phone case…