Premium mobile maker Vertu launches first clamshell phone

Vertu isn’t a name that the average Joe carries around on his cell phone. In fact, it isn’t a name that some of the richer Joes carry around. The mobile phone is the premium of premium phones; the Rolls Royce of the handset industry. And for the first time in its illustrious history, the company has rolled out a flip-phone: the Constellation Ayxta.

It’s a bit surprising that Vertu has taken so long to come out with a clamshell phone, especially given the style points such handsets have. But it looks like the company has taken its time to come out with a model that’s so perfect, it’s hard not to be amazed.

As with all Vertu models, the Constellation Ayxta comes with a stainless steel chassis with aluminium detailing, as well as leather and ceramic accents. The trademark crystal sapphire screen is intact, with a 1.3-inch external display (128x160 pixels) and a 2.4-inch internal display (320x480 pixels).

The new device comes with a 3-megapixel camera with LED Flash, a microSD slot for cards up to 8GB, 3G connectivity and GPS.

But the real sellers are the two Vertu services it comes with. As with all its phones, the Constellation Ayxta avails the user of the Vertu Concierge – a button to contact a 24-hour concierge service, which connects the user to a "lifestyle manager" who can book plane tickets, order gifts or sort out a plumber at short notice.

The second service is the newly-introduced Vertu City Brief. When a customer arrives in a new country, the handset uses the GPS to automatically alter the clock to the local timezone and inform the user of the best new restaurants, plays, concerts and events happening in that city that week. Businessmen will also be informed of the local business etiquette.

Of course, as usual, all this comes at a hefty price. To be able to afford the Vertu Constellation Ayxta, you better have a credit card with no limits: this one will set you back by an incredible 4,900 euros, which comes to roughly Rs. 3.45 lakhs!

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Winning Designs in China: Standing Out to Fit In

The Chinese consumer is becoming increasingly modern and internationalized. However, while "egos" and ambitions are huge, the "new generation" is not becoming "individualistic" in the Western sense -- i.e., the peoples never define themselves independent of society. The middle class, those who can afford non-essential items, is torn between two impulses. The first is projection of status which leads to a desire to be noticed (in public contexts), aggressive self-expression and experimentation with new modes of style and design. The second, in vivid contrast to the projection, is protection, a fear of sticking out too obviously or challenging existing hierarchies and social restrictions. The Chinese saying -- "the leading goose gets shot down" -- is as true today as it was yesterday. People want to "advance," be acknowledged by society as "special" but they can not afford to be too ahead of the crowd. Western-style individualism is like Eve's apple -- succulent, enticing, desired. Biting into it, however, risks banishment to the Land of Outcasts. 

Across a broad swathe of categories, the conflict between standing out and fitting in manifests itself in design and product preference. As a result, there are a few basic rules that should be followed. But we must recognize two caveats. First, willingness to accept less conservative expression of identity is greater: a) within younger age groups who are more accepting of "Western" style (e.g., tattoos, piercing, "business casual") than older cohorts and b) across primary cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen) than second, third and forth-tier cities. Second, it is possible to "push the curve," to encourage Chinese to experiment with more audacious new fashion. However, this must be done gingerly, incrementally, without crossing an invisible line of overt "rebellion." Brashly grabbing attention -- a la American Idol's Adam Lambert -- is a no-no, irrespective of age, education or economic background.

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Vertu Constellation F spotted

Vertu is the brand associated with the style icons, and the ones with a huge pocket as well. Well, it seems that the luxury phone manufacturer is planning to unveil an elegant handset to its Constellation series. A few hazy images of the premium handset were spotted by mobil.cz, reports Engadget iMobile.

Reportedly, the Constellation F sports a 2.4-inch HVGA primary display. It features global GSM / EDGE and HSPA along with 8GB of storage. Apparently, this magnificent handset is the first clamshell model from Vertu. The luxury mobile phone incorporates a 3 megapixel camera with dual LED flash.

It seems that the Vertu handset is made up of stainless steel, leather and some versions of gold. The stylish handset is not only the first flip phone from Vertu, but it may be the only one in the Vertu lineup to offer GPS functionality. Probably, the exclusive phone also connects to the internet via Wi-Fi.

There is no official word on the release date or the pricing details. However, the Vertu Constellation F1 may show up in this autumn and will carry a heavy price tag of around $10,000.

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Yeah, this Vertu concept looks better than most of the ‘real’ phones out there

Apparently this phone is getting ready for a big Muay Thai match. It’s a Vertu—“vertu” is “virture” in French!—designed by one Norihiko Inoue. No, you cannot buy it, I just thought it looked neat.

If you look closely, you’ll notice that the phone is mostly air, like a building. Says the designer:

Thanks to the advances in technology mobile phones are getting smaller and thinner each year, however phones have to be a certain size for us to hold them and look at the screen properly. In my concept most of the electronic components are incorporated into the phone’s outer shell, but the size of the vertu phone remains the same size as it is now with empty space inside.

I think it’s safe to say that I’d much rather use this than a now-boring iPhone.


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Nokia starts offering VERTU mobile phone services in Japan

Japan is a tough market to crack for many non-Japanese cell phone makers, and even the world’s leading cell phone maker, Nokia, had to give up its Japan operations after having failed to gain a foothold in this country (in November last year). But they’re trying again, this time with their luxury brand Vertu.

Being a Japanese VERTU CLUB subscriber includes a number of perks. Users can call up a concierge who takes care of things like restaurant or hotel reservations 24 hours a day, for example (in either English or Japanese). Another service, dubbed Fortress, makes it possible to store data like phone numbers or addresses on servers operated in an underground bunker in the UK.

The price for this nonsense: $560 monthly, but you can make 20 hours of domestic calls for free. I can’t see Nokia going anywhere with this, especially not in this economy, but I could be wrong.

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Vertu Signature Cobra Boucheron Limited Silver Edition gets cheaper

Vertu has always been the brand that is associated with the rich and famous. Surprisingly, the Vertu Signature Cobra Boucheron Limited Silver Edition is now available on Lux Replica for an unbelievable price of $700.

According to Ubergizmo, the luxury phone misses out on a diamond, a ruby and several other precious stones at strategic parts of the phone. It features a 1.8″ 262k color TFT display with 176 × 220 resolution. Reportedly, the limited edition handset does not even offer a camera.

Apparently, the dimensions of the opulent handset are 123mm x 46mm x 17mm and it weighs around 200 grams. The Vertu phone is seemingly equipped with 1MB internal memory and offers external microSD card support to up to 2GB. Supposedly, the handset presents 5 hours of talktime and up to 400 hours of standby time. It seems that the silver edition mobile phone is equipped with BL-5CV, Li-Ion, 1050 mAh battery.

The Signature Cobra Boucheron may support English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Turkish, Arabic, Vietnamese and Russian languages. Apparently, the phone supports MP3, MP4, MID audio formats and 3GP, MP4 video formats. Moreover, the magnificent device is probably inclusive of dual-bass loudspeakers, FM radio and stereo Bluetooth support.

It appears that this is the right time to grab the luxurious masterpiece.

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Vertu Club Japan Launched

Vertu Club Japan launches today w/membership at $500 month, also opens new shop in Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi dept. store [J] http://bit.ly/Pk1bl

Machine Translation:

It was announced that high-level cellular phone brand “Vertu” began membership program VERTU Club for the VERTU hand set buyer on September 1. This is a telephone call that becomes MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) Vertu and is offered and a communication service.

The mail address of mail domain “@vertuclub.ne.jp” domain that becomes a status symbol is obtained besides a domestic call charge and domestic packet transmission considerably can be used for 1200 minutes when becoming a member.

The “VERTU Fortress” service to which the data preserved in the VERTU hand set is backed up with a certain server during the cover trench for strong old military affairs in Britain adheres, too. Besides this, concierge service “VERTU concierge” in which original Vertu can be used for the pictograph and 24 hours and 365 days can be used.

For the VERTU concierge, it widely supports it to the entertainments of the travel, shopping, the sumo wrestling, and the opera, etc.It is said that the situation that can be supported is straightened when there is a user.

“Cannot a private jet from Haneda be prepared because there is a meeting with the customer in Shanghai next week?”, for the wife who likes jewelry on the marriage anniversary want of rent a store for several hours “Choose the favorite one”, It choose”, and “It wants you to arrange the gallery seat of the final stage by all means because it was heard that customer’s foreigner president was a favorite sumo wrestling the other day” It is assumed that it satisfies the demand.

Each service is assumed to be “Luxury communications service designed to answer needs of the well-to-do population that succeeds in the business that is the target” according to Vertu by what Vertu originally developed for a Japanese market.

The membership expense can be chosen according to two types of monthly membership (52,500 yen in the monthly sum) or the annual membership (577,500 yen in the annual sum).

Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi shop that became the first department store store in Japan on September 1 was opened to the first floor in the main building of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi headquarters. Via CNET Japan .

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Vertu Ascent Ti Neon will sell for £6000

As we all know there are numerous variants of the existing Vertu Models. So were we really expecting this, it’s a bit hard to get worked up when Nokia decides to refinish one of it’s most expensive models in another shade of ostrich.

That’s a bit unfair really as there are a few differences with the new Ascent Ti Neon, its been reshaped so it fits better into a purse. The leather bits have been replaced by rubber and of course its neon.
Its basically the same phone as any other Ascent Ti on the market.

This is due to hit our shelves in October and has supposedly been designed with women in mind. Not just any women extremely wealthy well to do women. The phone is said to set you back a mere £6000 that’s about $9,900 when it gets here in October. Source - engadgetmobile.com

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Nokia’s Vertu Launches Ascent Ti Carbon-Fiber Mobile Phones

Nokia’s luxurious Vertu series of mobile phones has been expanded with a new range of high-end Ascent models grouped under the Ti Carbon-Fiber collection. Continuing to lead the way with the application of innovative materials used on some of the world's most exclusive mobile phones, the latest Vertu Ascent Ti Carbon-Fiber mobile phones feature—you guessed it—lightweight carbon-fiber for their outer casing.

The collection includes the actual Ascent Ti Carbon-Fiber Limited Edition handset, as well as three different grips made from either pure carbon-fiber, carbon-fiber and aluminum, or carbon-fiber and copper.

Handcrafted in England, the carbon-fiber used for the handsets has been repeatedly tested to ensure the optimum amount of fibers and resin, which are then processed together to achieve a flawless uniform look on both the flat and curved parts of the handset.

The diagonal rib appearance of each phone is achieved using a twill carbon-fiber weave process resulting in a modern look whilst the actual carbon-fiber used has been tailor-made in the smallest 1k weave width to create a clean pattern profile. As with all Vertu's a number of other high-quality materials are used, including titanium for parts of the exterior and sapphire for the screen.

The handsets go on sale later this month with pricing available upon request.

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4 Nokia Vertu mobile phones get ripped off and cloned

If you are going to clone a mobile phone then why not clone a Vertu phone? The guys over at intomobile bring us four unofficial clones of the Vertu handsets today.

The rip-off merchants have been hard at work stealing a few lines from Nokia’s luxury Vertu and as usual fails to do the Vertu line any justice whatsoever.

There are 2 handset with touch screens while the other 2 are without, other gear includes Bluetooth, 2 SIM card slots on some, music player and microSD slot, but who really cares anyway? Remember, you get what you pay for in the end.

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Mobile & Wireless: Nine Cell Phones and Smartphones That Will Bust Your Budget

Recession? What recession?

In the best of times (and especially in the worst of times) nothing feels more liberating than an insanely indulgent purchase. Why spend, say, $150 to obtain a smartphone when you could pay 10 times that amount for a diamond-studded handset with a personal concierge? Or put down $700 for Nokia's new N97 smartphone? Sure, times are tough, but if your company is actually making money, what better way is there to reward yourself than with another overpriced, gilded gadget?

Here's a list of wildly overpriced cell phones you'll want to take out a second mortgage for.

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Vertu opens flagship store at Taipei 101 Mall 2nd floor

Vertu announced today the opening on its first global-concept flagship store at Taipei 101. To open a global concept flagship store at the landmark of Taipei is also a significant symbol for Vertu.

With the emphasis on personal prestige service as well as the premium image, Vertu is always beloved by the entrepreneurs and business executives who never compromise on perfection.

The Vertu 101 flagship store is located at Taipei 101 Mall second floor. Entering into the Vertu 101 store, the customer can experience the full range of collections. Including Vertu Signature, Vertu Constellation and Vertu Ascent. With the mixture of modern and cultural cool contemporary design, each individual mobile phone is nicely display under the reflection of modern glamorous ambience as the entire mobile phone collection was made by the most precious material including white-gold, rose-gold as well as the finest leather.

Each Vertu mobile phone is engineered to perfection and handmade at Vertu's workstore in England by a highly skilled team of craftsmen. The perfectly finished, minimal exterior is reflected by effortless functionality, with a rich array of simple, practical features and the exclusive Vertu Concierge at the touch of a botton. From now on, with the setup of Vertu flagship store at Taipei 101, Vertu can provide the comprehensive personal assistant Concierge Service to customers in Taiwan.

To present its high attention on Taiwan market, Vertu also has its principle designer Frank Nuovo of Vertu together with the celebrated actress Ms. Michelle Yeoh to hold the ribbon cutting ceremony for Taipei 101 Vertu flagship store. Also, launching the Vertu Constellation Vivre Collection and Vertu New Signature Collection.

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Vertu Ascent Ti Damscus Steel made from ancient steel forging method

Nokia’s luxury phone division, known as Vertu, has just revealed the latest phone from its Ascent Ti collection called the Vertu Ascent Ti Damascus Steel. It is designed using a century old steel forging technique that enhances the metal’s hardness. This ancient steel forging method comprises of continuously folding and hammer-forging and this manufacturing procedure was used throughout centuries to make Samurai swords, Franconian and Indian Wootz swords.

The features of the Vertu Damascus Steel will almost be the same as those found in all the Ascent Ti phones. Which means that, the phone could include a QVGA display, S40 user interface and GSM/UMTS connectivity. There may be a 3.2 megapixel camera with LED flash for clear images and 4 GB of internal memory.

The Vertu Ascent Ti Damascus Steel has a unique swirl pattern that is etched by hand. This phone will have one hundred units available with one of each going to the worlds most important Vertu stores. There is no information about the phone’s price.

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This week in fake devices: 5 luxury phones cloned

And we’re continuing with our “this week in fake devices” series. Today we’re dealing with Chinese “versions” of designer phones, which usually cost a small fortune. Without further ado, here are the contenders:

* Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Gucci phone - an attempt to merge Moto Aura with the famous designer produced a fugly device.
* Christian Dior - on the first glance this clone looks like one of hi-tech Japanese clamshell phones, but the specs aren’t there.
* VERTUFK9 - fake Rolex phone, which borrows some lines from Nokia (NYSE: NOK)’s Vertu handsets.
* VERTUA16 - all-touchscreen Vertu phone? I don’t think so. If there is such thing, we would be all over it.
* New Mobiado phone? - Nah, it’s just a poor attempt to make something similar. High-end precious materials are not there, and the same goes for quality.

When it comes to fake devices “keeping your enemy closer” doesn’t work. Grab the real thing, instead.

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Vertu Signature S Design

Vertu Have Unveiled its New Signature Named The S Design Six Years After The Release of The Original Signature Replacing The Original as The Most Complexly Crafted Mobile Phone. The Signature S Design Features Several Innovative Features Including a Specially Designed Mechanism Allowing One to Remove The SIM Card Without The Need for Removing The Battery cover. The New Signature Was Designed by Frank Nuovo The Principal Vertu Designer Responsible for The Design of The All of The Vertu Phones and Engineered by Hutch Hutchison. The Vertu Signature S Design Duplicate is Available in Stainless Steel and Golden Versions. Even the Back is Made of Real Ceramic and Real Leather. Revised software, Almost Perfectly Replicated Details Make it One of The Most Complex and Accurately Produced Duplicate Phones. Every VERTU Signature S Design Replica Phone is Delivered in A High-Quality Gift Box Including Two Battery, Stereo Headset, USB Cable, Charging Unit and User Manual. The VERTU Clones are Fully Unlocked to Work With Almost any Operator in The World. Our VERTU Signature S Design Model Range Have Original-Like Logos and re Labeled VERTU. Cocok untuk gift dan koleksi untuk gaya.




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Vertu Ascent TI Ferrari Nero

Vertu have renewed their ties to Ferrari by launching a new collection of Ascent Ti phones directly inspired by Ferrari's cars. The Ferrari Ascent Ti collection consists of three phones named after their respective colors; a limited edition phone called the Nero and two special edition phones named Rosso and Giallo. The Nero phone is an all black Ascent Ti made of titanium coated with scratch proof PVD with a red sapphire crystal pillow. The Rosso and Giallo phones are red and yellow receptively and feature PVD coated battery covers and keys, they feature ceramic pillows. The battery cover of all three phones has been redesigned to resemble the hood of a Ferrari and features a three dimensional Cavallino on the battery cover as well as a smaller one on the front. The phones feature Ferrari inspired themes as well as ring tones featuring Ferrari engine sounds, only 2,009 examples of the Vertu Ferrari Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero will be made. Like the original Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero mobile phone - particular a ttention is paid to the firmware technology in the production of the Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero clone mobile phone. Each Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero duplicate is equipped with a large 262k TFT display and a 2.0 Mega-Pixel digital camera; GPRS/WAP apability, which allows you to be in control of you business while you're away, and can also be used both as an MP3 music and an MP4 video player, for those who are active and strive to get hold of full interactivity and entertainment in one package. Furthermore, the VERTU Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero duplicate is delivered in a high-quality giftbox including 2 batterys, stereo headset, USB cable, charging unit and user manual. The Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero replica is fully unlocked to work with almost any operator in the world. Our Ascent Ti copies of VERTU have original-like logos and are labeled VERTU.




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World’s first Vertu flagship store opens in Japan!

Nokia has just made good on their promise to deliver a high-end, super-glitzy Vertu flagship store to Japan’s luxury-shopping haven in Tokyo. Nokia (NYSE: NOK) had just opened the doors to their first ever Vertu flagship store in the Ginza district of Tokyo, Japan. Nokia’s Vertu lineup of extra-luxurious (and ridiculously expensive) handsets caters to those with the wherewithal to splurge on a mobile phone with a five-figure price tag. So, it’s fitting that Nokia’s very first Vertu flagship store exudes the same hand-made quality, sleek elegance and flashy design that has come to define Vertu’s handset lineup.

Nokia is making a big push to peddle their high-end Vertu handsets to well-heeled Japanese elite. After pulling the Nokia brand out of Japan (for lack of success) Nokia has decided to market the Vertu brand as a lifestyle choice, complete with its own Vertu MVNO offered to Japanese consumers with a penchant for the finer things in life (read: expensive). The new Vertu store is a veritable statement from Nokia that asserts the Finnish handset maker’s commitment to penetrating the Japanese uber-luxury market.

But, with a troubled global economy dragging down high-end luxury sales, Nokia could be in for a bit of a rough ride with their Vertu flagship store.

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Luxury phones still ring loud

Mar 02, 2009 (Bangkok Post - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Vertu, the luxury handcrafted mobile phone company, remains optimistic about growth in the immediate future and projects higher sales this year despite the prevailing economic climate.

The UK-based manufacturer and retailer of super-premium mobile phones, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Finnish phone maker Nokia, has more than doubled its global sales over six years.

Linus Kee, Vertu's head of sales in Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific, said the company expected much higher growth this year, thanks to high demand among affluent consumers.

Since launching two models in the last two months, Vertu is currently unable to meet demand due to a buildup of orders and the time-consuming manufacturing process, he said.

Vertu appointed Everest World Co as its exclusive importer and distributor in Thailand in December under a five-year deal. Everest World replaces Master Phone Co, which was founded by Panthongtae Shinawatra, the son of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Everest World imports and distributes luxury products including clothes, leather goods, timepieces and high-end audio systems.

"We are moving aggressively to promote our products in the growing Thai upscale market this year as we realise the potential for luxury products here," Mr Kee said. "We expect high growth in the Kingdom this year." He said Vertu planned to expand into jewellery and watch retailing to extend its reach in luxury products.

The company last week launched two collections in Thailand, with four models that expand the total range to nine. The first collection includes Vertu Signature, priced at 1.186 million and 431,000 baht; and Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero, priced at 386,000 and 329,300 baht.

Rattaroj Sirikachaporn, assistant to the CEO of Everest World, said the company aimed to sell at least 200 units this year. Its luxury product sales had been affected only slightly by the downturn and that Vertu was expected to ensure a good performance this year.

To see more of the Bangkok Post, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.bangkokpost.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Bangkok Post, Thailand Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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Vertu Constellation Pure collection announced

The manufacturer of luxury mobile phones Vertu announced its latest collection known as Vertu Constellation Pure which would be available in pure white, pure black, pure silver and pure chocolate.

The phone is made from steel, leather and ceramic materials and two years was put into crafting this elegant piece. The ceramic parts of the Vertu Collections are manufactured individually with a special built-tool.

This collection is inspired from a design based on the simplification of form. The major highlight is the innovative use of ceramics. The whole keypad as well as the earpiece is made out of ceramic materials and the backside of each key on the phone is coated to prevent diffusion of light.

The latest collection is hand built in England and each phone will be available in limited edition of 2500 pieces. The Pure White and Pure Black versions of the Constellation Pure collection will be available from March 1, 2009 and the Silver and Chocolate version will come in September 2009. Each of these master pieces will be priced approximately 6,800 EUR.

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Vertu sees room for growth for luxury cellphones

Vertu, the maker of luxury and handcrafted mobile phones, expects strong sales in the region this year, despite the economic downturn.

Linus Kee, Vertu's head of sales in Southeast Asia-Pacific, said yesterday that there is still room for expansion in Asia, one of the company's fastest growth markets.

Vertu, probably the world's most expensive cellphone, appointed luxury brand importer and distributor Everest World to be its local importer and distributor last December.

Its previous local distributor was Master Phone of Panthongtae Shinawatra, son of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Rattaroj Sirikachaporn, general manager of Everest World, said the company targets to sell some 200 Vertu this year. It has already stocked about 60 Vertu to be sold in Thailand.

The Vertu enhances the company's portfolio of luxury products, he said.

Besides affluent Thais, its major luxury-product customers are tourists from the Middle East, China and Russia.

Akradej Srichawla, CEO of Everest World, said the company's expertise in brand name product distribution among high-end consumers gives it confidence that it could make Vertu the first choice in mobile phones among hi-so's who love an exclusive and luxurious product.

Everest World has already marketed the Vertu Signature mobile phone collection, and also the limited edition Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Nero and special edition Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Rosso and Vertu Ascent Ti Ferrari Giallo.

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Luxury Vertu Constellation mobile phone gets even more bling

A Vertu Constellation luxury mobile phone has been further blinged by designer and jeweller Knalihs Athem, just to make the Vertu Constellation that much more expensive, not like it didn’t need it is it?

Athem’s latest work is called the Diamond Vertu Constellation Gold. So what do you get for your large wad of cash? Well the Diamond Vertu Constellation Gold is crafted in 18 carat gold and then encrusted with in excess of 1500 colourless brilliant cut diamonds.

Apparently to justify alleviating your bank account of a hug wad you get to customise the phone with your initial, a logo, lucky number and just about anything you’d like as long as you are willing to pay.

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Vertu Nurburgring Race Track Edition for sale on eBay

Ok, so how bad do you want a luxury mobile phone? How about one of Nokia’s Vertu phones for just over half price? Well it appears that a Vertu has shown up on that place where everything ends up eventually…eBay.

Apparently eBay seller “ouy kcuf” and I suggest you don’t read that backwards, states this Vertu Nurburgring Race Track Edition mobile phone is an authentic device.

Yes, right and we’ll all accept the seller’s name as given shall we? Anyway, there were only 1000 of these handsets made and this one which normally retails for over $8000 is up for $4599, but only in the US.

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Diamond Encrusted Vertu Constellation Gold phone released

Fans of the Vertu series of luxury mobile phones can now gear up for some more bling. Recently the company revealed a new super luxurious mobile phone called the Diamond encrusted Vertu Constellation Gold.

The phone is the work of art of luxury designer and jeweler Knalihs Anthem. The designer is known for creating unique bejeweled mobile phones. The designer keeps to his signature style with the innovation of this new elegant mobile phone.

The unique mobile phone has been crafted in 18 carat gold. Fabricated with great detailing and Swiss craftsmanship, the phone interestingly houses more than 1500 diamonds.

The diamonds chosen are of the finest quality and adorn a colorless brilliant cut. Precisely hand-finished to offer a beautiful device, the Diamond Encrusted Vertu Constellation Gold phone can also be customized.

Users can have their initials, logos, lucky number or any thing else they wish to be encrusted on the phone.

Besides, the phone also includes an official diamond grading report. Athem has custom designed a wide array of Vertu constellation mobile phones including Core Range, Precious Range, Monogram Range and the Rococo Range.

The Diamond Encrusted Vertu Constellation Gold phone is available now through authorized Vertu retailers. There is no information however on the price of the phone.

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Vertu open its first store in Japan

Vertu open its first store in Japan

Nokia’s luxury mobile phone brand Vertu has now opened its first retail store in the Japanese market.

Vertu would be selling their high end hand-crafted cell phones to customers in the Japanese market.

They are hoping to find customers for their expensive products even during these tough economic times.

This store has been opened in the Tokyo’s Ginza district. The mobile phones from Vertu are being offered at prices up to ¥6 million.

The company incidentally is also operating as a mobile service provider in the Japanese market through the MVNO route using NTT DoCoMo’s network.

Vertu said that they would be providing customized services to the customers who go for Vertu branded phones.

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Nokia opens first Vertu store in Japan

With the global economy the way it is right now you’d think releasing a premium-priced mobile phone store would be the last thing on manufacturer’s minds, but that is exactly what Nokia is doing.

The Finnish mobile phone company has opened its first Vertu retail store (otherwise known as “incredibly expensive phone shop”) for the Japanese market in Tokyo. The phones they will stock are clearly aimed at the top end of the market and will carry prices in the region of $64,000 each.

For that amount of cash you’d expect something special in a handset and Nokia make each phone by hand in the UK. The materials used in the casing of each phone include stainless steel, leather, or 18-carat gold. The keys are ceramic and they usually include a semi-precious stone somewhere in the design.

A Vertu phone purchase also comes with a substantial monthly subscription charge of $549. With that you get a number of tailored services including Vertu Concierge that allows owners to phone up and ask advice on travel, hotels, restaurants or entertainment. Vertu Fortress is also available to backup the information on your phone to secure servers located in an ex-military bunker in the UK.

Alongside the first Vertu shop Nokia is also trying to gain a network presence in Japan. Rather than attempting to do this alone it has instead decided to work as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) using the well established NTT DoCoMo network.

Read more at PC World

Matthew’s Opinion
This is a totally new approach to the Japanese market for Nokia. It was only in November last year it announced an exit from the standard handset market there. Now they are aiming specifically at the wealthy with hand-made phones.

The funny thing is, there are people out there who will buy these phones and pay that ridiculous monthly subscription charge. I’m sure Nokia will be doing deals to get their Vertu phones used in public by well-known Japanese celebrities, but that is just to sell more of these phones. The profit margins on them must be huge even taking into account the materials used in their manufacture.

I’d love to have enough money to be able to consider buying a Vertu phone and not feel the pain in my bank account, but that doesn’t mean I’d ever choose to spend so much on a handset.

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