Engadget Mobile

Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Vertu throws its own party with Constellation Rococo collection]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/26/vertu-throws-its-own-party-with-constellation-rococo-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/26/vertu-throws-its-own-party-with-constellation-rococo-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/26/vertu-throws-its-own-party-with-constellation-rococo-collection/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, EDGE

You know how it goes -- when you're this high-end, don't even bother waiting for your bestest of friends to toss you a birthday party to celebrate ten years of mindless self indulgence. Instead, Vertu's doing the only thing it really can by cranking out a fashionable new collection to commemorate its decennial anniversary. The Constellation Rococo collection was reportedly inspired by "the eighteenth century French art, fashion and interior design movement by the same name," and if you're into floral patterns, bold colors and monogrammed Vs, you're sure to fall head over heels for this lot. Rest assured, however, that the epicurean handset maker won't be giving these away as gifts (or anything close to it) when they land this summer.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaycandybarcollectionConstellationexpensiveluxuryRococovertuSat, 26 Apr 2008 23:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu Constellation gets monogrammed -- with Vertu's initials]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/12/vertu-constellation-gets-monogrammed-with-vertus-initials/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/12/vertu-constellation-gets-monogrammed-with-vertus-initials/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/12/vertu-constellation-gets-monogrammed-with-vertus-initials/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, EDGE

Well, this is just a little self-indulgent, is it not? Everyone's favorite purveyor of unapologetically overpriced handsets is celebrating its tenth birthday this year (holy cow, has it seriously been that long?) and to commemorate the occasion in style, it's launching a series of Constellations in a "Monogram Collection." Here's the catch, though: the phones can't be monogrammed with their owners' initials. Oh, no, that would be uncouth. Instead, the phones bear Vertu's own "V" logo emblazoned repeatedly across their rarified hides in some sort of process that takes several hours to complete. They'll be available come April 1 in Pewter, Green, Red, Sky Blue, and Cerise -- and unlike their launch date, their stratospheric price tags will sadly be no joke.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candybarconstellationluxurymonogramvertuWed, 12 Mar 2008 23:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu Constellation, now in Mixed Metal flavor]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/12/18/vertu-constellation-now-in-mixed-metal-flavor/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/12/18/vertu-constellation-now-in-mixed-metal-flavor/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/12/18/vertu-constellation-now-in-mixed-metal-flavor/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, EDGE

Stainless steel, gold -- how is one exceptionally well-to-do individual to decide? Now one doesn't have to, all thanks to Vertu's Mixed Metal edition of the Constellation. While lacking the 3G data of its Ascent Ti cousin, the Constellation at least has the common decency to rock four bands of GSM reception plus EDGE data, giving users at least a fleeting hope of exploiting the phone's customized version of S40 to its fullest. Then again, virtually anyone within Vertu's target demo couldn't care less about the radio or the operating system; in this rarified air, it's all about the preciousness of the metals, and this particular version of the Constellation seems to deliver by mixing in gold accents (real gold, naturally) with the stainless steel theme. Interested parties should tap their Swiss accounts or prepare to sell their souls, firstborns, or some combination therewith.

[Via Sybarites, thanks JW]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candybarconstellationmixed metalMixedMetalvertuTue, 18 Dec 2007 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Signature Black & White Diamonds: Vertu's latest shiny mess]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/07/signature-black-and-white-diamonds-vertus-latest-shiny-mess/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/07/signature-black-and-white-diamonds-vertus-latest-shiny-mess/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/07/signature-black-and-white-diamonds-vertus-latest-shiny-mess/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM

Okay, Vertu, we get it, neither you nor your customers give a flip about staying even remotely up on technology. If you did, you'd stop selling the Signature, a model that's been kicking around since the company itself. Anyway, for the technologically illiterate fashionista with absolutely, positively nothing better to do with that aluminum briefcase full of unmarked, non-sequential $100's, Vertu presents the "Black & White Diamonds" version of the same old Signature candybar featuring 644 white diamonds paired with 428 of the black variety. Personally, we'd gladly lose a couple hundred of those diamonds in exchange for even just a quadband radio, EDGE data, and a 2 megapixel camera -- but then again, if you're the celebrity, what do you need a cam in your phone for?

[Thanks, JW]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diamondssignaturevertuWed, 07 Nov 2007 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu does it again, crafts second Ferrari phone for $25K]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/27/vertu-does-it-again-crafts-second-ferrari-phone-for-25k/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/27/vertu-does-it-again-crafts-second-ferrari-phone-for-25k/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/27/vertu-does-it-again-crafts-second-ferrari-phone-for-25k/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, EDGE

See, here's the thing about Vertu phones: anyone who's wealthy enough to afford one probably wants (and can afford) more than one, probably doesn't care about newfangled goodies like 3G or a large, high resolution display, and probably keeps a Ferrari or two in the garage. On that note we give you the "Ascent Ferrari 60," the Nokia division's second Ferrari-themed handset. Unlike the first -- which happened to also be an Ascent -- the Ferrari 60 features a shift gate on its posterior instead of a brake pedal, which clearly makes it worth the €18,000 (about $25,370) asking price. Of course, that hefty cost of admission also nets you an elaborately fashioned storage box, a Vertu Aerius headset, and an actual valve out of a Ferrari F1 car, so the 60 lucky sons of guns that grab this thing are in for a treat (if valves and outdated Bluetooth headsets are your thing). Check it out at Nokia's London, Paris, Singapore, and Hong Kong locations.

[Via Autoblog, thanks Kane]

Read - Sybarites
Read - Reuters

Gallery: Vertu does it again, crafts second Ferrari phone for $25K

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascentascent ferrari 60AscentFerrari60candybarferrarivertuThu, 27 Sep 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu's 3G Ascent Ti hits the shops]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/10/vertus-3g-ascent-ti-hits-the-shops/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/10/vertus-3g-ascent-ti-hits-the-shops/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/10/vertus-3g-ascent-ti-hits-the-shops/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS

Vertu has finally seen fit to bump one of its out of the ballpark expensive sets into the 3G world, welcome the Vertu Ascent Ti, 'bout time we say, bout time. Featuring a casing "forged" from solid titanium, a "floodlit" keypad, 4GB of internal storage -- and with the 3 megapixel autofocus cam, you'll need that space -- UMTS in the 2100Mhz range, and a design strikingly similar to all other Vertu handsets, so if you're in the market for Vertu love, now's the time to strike. We dig these handsets only because of the untouchable status the pricing scheme puts them in. Oh, and as per usual, no dollar details are listed, but they should be in the shops any day now.

[Thanks, Egor L]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AscentAscent TiAscentTiTiVertuvertu ascentVertuAscentMon, 10 Sep 2007 19:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu Constellation in rose gold, pricing still outrageous]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/29/vertu-constellation-now-in-rose-gold-pricing-still-outrageous/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/29/vertu-constellation-now-in-rose-gold-pricing-still-outrageous/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/08/29/vertu-constellation-now-in-rose-gold-pricing-still-outrageous/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, GPRS, EDGE

All that glitters chez Vertu is gold -- well OK most, but who'd spend this much for stainless steel? -- and in the case of this handset in the Constellation series, rose gold. Unlike other in the collection, leather choices only include black, and not the other garish colors we've seen before. This handset still impresses with its opulence factor, but we'd like to see the inclusion of 3G for the kind of money you have to drop to join the club.

[Via Sybarites]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>constellationrose goldRoseGoldvertuWed, 29 Aug 2007 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu's 3G Ascent Ti hits FCC]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/05/vertus-3g-ascent-ti-hits-fcc/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/05/vertus-3g-ascent-ti-hits-fcc/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/05/vertus-3g-ascent-ti-hits-fcc/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS

You've gotta give credit to Vertu for maximizing the life of its Signature and Ascent models by tweaking colors and precious metals ad nauseam, but at some point, you knew they had to just gut the thing and start anew. This here "Ascent Ti" just passed through the FCC, taking the Ascent formula and updating key specs to bring the luxury phone well into 2007. Namely, the Ascent Ti offers UMTS 2100 (for 3G data pretty much everywhere but here), a whopping 3 megapixel autofocus camera with flash, and what appears to be a well-updated, Vertu customized build of Series 40. No word on release date, but unless your last name happens to be "Rockefeller," you may need the time to save the dough anyway.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascent tiAscentTibreaking newsBreakingNewscandybarluxurynokiavertuThu, 05 Jul 2007 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu's avant-garde handsets to hit Japan in 2008]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/04/vertus-avant-garde-handsets-to-hit-japan-in-2008/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/04/vertus-avant-garde-handsets-to-hit-japan-in-2008/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/07/04/vertus-avant-garde-handsets-to-hit-japan-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Nokia, Vertu

Being that the economy seems to be doing quite well over in Japan these days, it follows logic that Vertu would offer up its pricey wares for the affluent on that side of the world, too. Apparently, Vertu is working with Nokia to develop a W-CDMA handset for use in Japan, but details beyond that are few and far between. Thankfully, we do know not to get our hopes up before the fall of 2008, but hopefully we'll find out exactly what phone(s) will be headed to the Land of the Rising Sun -- along with the lofty pricetags that will surely accompany them -- a few months prior to launch.

[Via Slashphone]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avant-gardefashionjapanjapanesluxluxurystylew-cdmaWed, 04 Jul 2007 21:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu's diamond-encrusted Signature, now in pink]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/26/vertus-diamond-encrusted-signature-now-in-pink/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/26/vertus-diamond-encrusted-signature-now-in-pink/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/06/26/vertus-diamond-encrusted-signature-now-in-pink/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, GPRS

We're not sure what's richer: this phone, or the fact that it's the very same model that launched Vertu to mobile infamy some four years ago. We guess those with more money than tech savvy can look forward to gorging themselves on this marvel of modern opulence, Vertu's pink diamond Signature. For what it's worth, this isn't the first time Vertu has completely coated its Signature model in the glittery stuff -- and we imagine it won't be the last -- though this one rocks out with rose gold and a healthy dose of pink diamond intermixed with the traditional type. Look for it in a Vertu retailer near you, and if you have to ask the price... well, you know.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pinkpink diamondPinkDiamondrose goldRoseGoldsignaturevertuTue, 26 Jun 2007 03:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake, part LVI: plastic Vertu semi-knockoff]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/16/keepin-it-real-fake-part-lvi-plastic-vertu-semi-knockoff/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/16/keepin-it-real-fake-part-lvi-plastic-vertu-semi-knockoff/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/16/keepin-it-real-fake-part-lvi-plastic-vertu-semi-knockoff/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, Misc

Well well, Nokia's ritzy and flashy Vertu subsidiary finally has a competitor! Jokes aside, this new Vertu-logoed clone looks decent, but definitely is not up to par (from images, anyway) to the real deal. While we love smaller-sized Vertu knockoffs, this time around the larger "semi-lookalike" handset smacks of real Vertu design. However, it does not resemble any publicly known Vertu handset. Still, the Vertu logo is stamped on this baby and telltale yet subtle signs of it being a Vertu handset are woven in there as well. Tech details include a QVGA touchscreen, no physical keypad, stereo speakers, microSD slot and a 4 megapixel cam. Throw in a 2,000 mAh battery and this is one phone with major-league specs. Except that it's not a Vertu.

[Via Just Another Mobile Phone Blog]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>counterfeit handsetsCounterfeitHandsetskirfVertuVertu counterfeitsVertu fakesVertu phonesVertuCounterfeitsVertuFakesVertuPhonesWed, 16 May 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu's "Strawberry" and "Cream" Ascents]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/04/vertus-strawberry-and-cream-ascents/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/04/vertus-strawberry-and-cream-ascents/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/05/04/vertus-strawberry-and-cream-ascents/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, GPRS

Frankly, we're not sure who's still buying the Vertu Ascent. Contrary to what Vertu might think, its handsets aren't timeless -- as technology plods ever forward, so must the world's phones. Alas, the company is seeing fit to roll out yet another batch of special editions of its most "mainstream" (we use that term very loosely here) model. "Strawberry" and "Cream," as one might expect, are pink and white respectively and feature perforated leather on their rears to roughly approximate the texture of a strawberry. Of course, it takes a very special kind of "rich" to afford a Vertu, so maybe existing owners are snatching these things up and putting them into some sort of ornate, wooden storage box, never to be used or seen again. To you folks, look for these newest models to grace your Vertu retailer come June.

[Thanks, James]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascentcandybarcreamluxurystrawberriesstrawberries and creamStrawberriesAndCreamvertuFri, 04 May 2007 16:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu Ascent, now in "I drive a Ferrari" flavor]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/29/vertu-ascent-now-in-i-drive-a-ferrari-flavor/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/29/vertu-ascent-now-in-i-drive-a-ferrari-flavor/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/29/vertu-ascent-now-in-i-drive-a-ferrari-flavor/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Handsets, Vertu, GSM, GPRS

When you think about it, Vertus and Ferraris have a lot in common: just as Ferraris give a select few the opportunity to spend an insane amount of cash on an object that provides little more value than a, say, $1,000 used car, Vertu offers a product with little additional value (and in some cases, less value) than phones offered free from carriers. Of course, you can't put a price on status, so getting these two status symbols to hook up and co-brand a device seems like a match made in heaven (more appropriate than a Ferrari-branded Moto, for example). The "Ferrari Challenge" rendition of the Ascent -- in red and black leather -- is limited to 1,947 examples (can that many people in the world really afford this thing?), each featuring a couple well-placed Ferrari logos and some weird thing on the back that's apparently supposed to look like a brake pedal. Look for it to grace your local Vertu retailer in July -- but please don't use it while driving, lest you destroy your real Ferrari, k?

[Via Autoblog, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascentcandybarferrariferrari challengeFerrariChallengeluxurynokiavertuThu, 29 Mar 2007 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu's Signature Cobra claims "world's ugliest phone" throne]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/12/21/vertus-signature-cobra-claims-worlds-ugliest-phone-throne/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/12/21/vertus-signature-cobra-claims-worlds-ugliest-phone-throne/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/12/21/vertus-signature-cobra-claims-worlds-ugliest-phone-throne/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Handsets, Vertu

What's there really to know here? Small luxury phone manufacturer goes insane, slaps a pair of hugemongous diamonds, two emeralds and 439 rubies on to an absolutely garish cobra, glues it to a lame-ass phone and sells the setup for $310,000? Pretty much. We can only take solace in the fact that only 8 of these Signature Cobra phones will be made by Vertu and its partner in crime, French jeweler Boucheron. There's also a "cheap" version, the $115k Signature Python, which is due for a production run 26 strong, but if you're actually going to spring for something this ridiculous, why not go all the way, right?

[Via SlashPhone; Thanks Trae M]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fahionluxurysignature cobrasignature pythonSignatureCobraSignaturePythonvertuThu, 21 Dec 2006 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu wraps up Racetrack Legends series with box set]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/12/10/vertu-wraps-up-racetrack-legends-series-with-box-set/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/12/10/vertu-wraps-up-racetrack-legends-series-with-box-set/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/12/10/vertu-wraps-up-racetrack-legends-series-with-box-set/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, GPRS

Purchasing a single Vertu handset probably qualifies as conspicuous consumption in most social circles. What term, then, can be used to describe the act of purchasing every model in the company's limited-edition "Racetrack Legends" series along with a matching, handcrafted, carbon fiber display case? We're not sure, but needless to say, we've added this puppy to our "things to buy when we make our first billion" list. As a refresher, the Racetrack Legends handsets hail from Vertu's Ascent line of phones / fashion accessories; with a tri-band GSM radio (no EDGE) and no camera, the meager tech specs have no bearing on the MSRP whatsoever, but you'll get six of the world's greatest race tracks neatly engraved on the handsets' posteriors -- which is more than we can say for pretty much any phone we've ever used. For the record, the last two handsets to be released in the series are Monaco and Nürburgring, which can also be purchased independently of their lavish case. We don't have the list price for any of these goodies in front of us at the moment, but we're not sure we want to know.

[Via Autoblog]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascentcandybarluxuryracetrack legendsRacetrackLegendsvertuSun, 10 Dec 2006 23:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu intros two more Racetrack Legends handsets]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/02/vertu-intros-two-more-racetrack-legends-handsets/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/02/vertu-intros-two-more-racetrack-legends-handsets/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/02/vertu-intros-two-more-racetrack-legends-handsets/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu

Luxury cellphone maker (and Nokia subsidiary) Vertu recently took the wraps off the two new newest models in its RaceTrack Legends line of handsets, leaving only two more left to come to complete the set (and yes, there will be a boxed set). The Indianapolis and Le Mans models seen here follow the Monza and Silverstone editions released earlier this year, each limited to just 1,000 units with the first 50 numbered phones of each handset reserved for the aforementioned, unlikely-to-be-reasonably-priced boxed set. The phone's themselves feature the same specially-treated, carbon fiber-mimicking leather as the earlier models and presumably the same technical specs, though Bluetooth and tri-band connectivity are hardly the big selling points here.

[Via Autoblog]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nokiaracketrack legendsRacketrackLegendsvertuThu, 02 Nov 2006 16:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Vertu's latest, the Constellation]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/03/hands-on-with-vertus-latest-the-constellation/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/03/hands-on-with-vertus-latest-the-constellation/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/10/03/hands-on-with-vertus-latest-the-constellation/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM, GPRS, EDGE

If you're going to drop four figures (or more) on a cellphone, the least Vertu can do for you is hook you up with quadband GSM plus EDGE, and their latest Constellation model finally delivers. Sybarites.org recently had the opportunity to play around with the Constellation and came away very impressed -- we'd expect no less -- loving its S40 OS (highly modified to suit Vertu's needs, of course), the aviation-themed graphics and animations, and that jeweled Vertu keypad we all know and love. It seems the leather / steel model is the only one out the door at the moment, with a gold version to follow -- but rest assured, regardless of the type you choose, it's going to be mighty heavy.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candybarconstellationvertuTue, 03 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu Aerius runs rebadge on Jabra JX10]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/08/30/vertu-aerius-runs-rebadge-on-jabra-jx10/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/08/30/vertu-aerius-runs-rebadge-on-jabra-jx10/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/08/30/vertu-aerius-runs-rebadge-on-jabra-jx10/#commentsFiled under: Peripherals, Vertu

What do you get when the manufacturer of world's most expensive line of cellphones decides to create an accompanying Bluetooth headset? You wouldn't think the answer would be a 1yr+ old Jabra JX10 rebadge, but there it is. Guess the headset being designed by Jacob Jensen (say: Yakub Yensin) meant it was good enough to slap their label on (and bend the ear hook around a bit). We don't know how much more they think they can get away with charging for this thing, but that so sexy V seems to lure 'em in (oh, and apparently you get a nice leather pouch to go with it, too).

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriousbluetoothheadsetjabraWed, 30 Aug 2006 23:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu Constellation gets the FCC treatment]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/07/18/vertu-constellation-gets-the-fcc-treatment/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/07/18/vertu-constellation-gets-the-fcc-treatment/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/07/18/vertu-constellation-gets-the-fcc-treatment/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu

If we're gonna drop a couple grand on a phone, the least it can do is give us quad-band GSM, right? As we reported a couple weeks back, Vertu's new Constellation handset picks up where their previous efforts left off, packing GSM 850/900/1800/1900 plus EDGE data all 2003-like. We weren't able to glean much from the draft manual (which still has Signature pictures in it), but the Constellation looks to rock a variant of Nokia's S40 platform -- we leave that to the world's privileged to decide whether that's an upgrade from the Signature and Ascent's OS. Look for this little slice of leather-covered opulence to drop later this year; we're sure you rich folk will find ways to shed some cash while you wait.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascentconstellationfcchigh endHighEndleatherrichsignaturevertuwealthyTue, 18 Jul 2006 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu Constellation To Be Launched]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/07/03/vertu-constellation-to-be-launched/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/07/03/vertu-constellation-to-be-launched/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/07/03/vertu-constellation-to-be-launched/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, Symbian, GSM, EDGE

According to, of all sources, a video on Google Video, the next Vertu line will be dubbed the Constellation; we understand it will feature quad-band EDGE (finally!), Bluetooth, and significantly higher resolution and larger screen. This new model should launch in the September time period; stay tuned as we expect further details to start trickling in shortly.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>constellationvertuMon, 03 Jul 2006 05:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake, part XXVII: Vertu loses some girth]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/06/15/keepin-it-real-fake-part-xxvii-vertu-loses-some-girth/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/06/15/keepin-it-real-fake-part-xxvii-vertu-loses-some-girth/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/06/15/keepin-it-real-fake-part-xxvii-vertu-loses-some-girth/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM

If you're loving the Vertu Signature 2006 but the gargantuan 122 x 42 x 15.5mm dimensions have left a bad taste in your mouth -- not to mention the absurd price tag -- boy oh boy, do we have just the phone for you. The "Mars Bar size" miniature Signature knockoff, apparently made by CISC, comes it at a smallish 89 x 38 x 22mm. The chubby little bugger strikes a strong resemblance to its costlier role model if you squint, but that's where the resemblance ends: you lose a GSM band, leaving you with just 900 and 1800, the camera is a laughable "30k pixels," and we're guessing that our lookalike friend here doesn't sport the Vertu's jeweled key action. On the upside, internal flash is allegedly good for a hefty 128MB, and you can buy a small army of these for the cost of the genuine article.

[Thanks, Nick]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fakesignaturesignature 2006Signature2006vertuThu, 15 Jun 2006 21:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu looking to expand infection of world's jet set]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/05/31/vertu-looking-to-expand-infection-of-worlds-jet-set/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/05/31/vertu-looking-to-expand-infection-of-worlds-jet-set/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/05/31/vertu-looking-to-expand-infection-of-worlds-jet-set/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Handsets, Vertu

Apparently, there comes a threshold in a millionaire's fortune where he or she can no longer find logical, reasonable ways to spend it. Nokia's luxury marque Vertu has been capitalizing on this phenomenon for the last few years, offering handsome, well-built handsets with mediocre performance and uninspiring feature sets at astronomical prices. Now Vertu President Alberto Torres is looking to grow the business, saying "We sell tens of thousands of phones annually, and our goal is to reach annual sales of hundreds of thousands of phones." Continued Torres, starting to sound a little cocky: "It may take even more than 10 years to reach the threshold of selling 1 million handsets." Whoa there, Alberto, one step at a time, buddy. Before we get ahead of ourselves, how about adding quad-band and EDGE?

[Via Techdirt]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 31 May 2006 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu intros first 2 of 6 Racetrack Legends handsets]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/04/03/vertu-intros-first-2-of-6-racetrack-legends-handsets/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/04/03/vertu-intros-first-2-of-6-racetrack-legends-handsets/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/04/03/vertu-intros-first-2-of-6-racetrack-legends-handsets/#commentsFiled under: Handsets, Vertu, GSM

Ever since their Ascent Motorsport Edition withstood five rollovers by a Porsche Boxster, we've taken Nokia's Vertu luxury handset division much more seriously, and you'll never again hear us questioning the logic of spending $X on one of their products (where X = some obscenely large number). The company's newest designs, called the Racetrack Legends series, each pay tribute to one of six of the greatest circuits on Earth and are limited to 1000 units apiece, with outlines of Italy's Monza and Britain's Silverstone etched onto the back of the first two releases. When you're in the market for a Vertu phone, features are surely not your top priority, and the Legends series meets those expectations with nary a notable spec other than the inclusion of Bluetooth and tri-band GSM connectivity. Likewise, if you have to ask about pricing on these, you're probably not part of the target demographic.

[Via Luxist]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascentbluetoothexpensivegsmluxurymotorsportracingtri-bandvertuMon, 03 Apr 2006 22:00:00 EST