Update: Want to see a Vertu torn to pieces?]]> http://boingboing.net/2012/01/05/vertu-signature-dragon-cellpho.html/feed 55 http://boingboing.net/2012/01/02/behold-vertus-200-usb-cabl.html http://boingboing.net/2012/01/02/behold-vertus-200-usb-cabl.html#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:56:14 +0000 Rob Beschizza http://boingboing.net/?p=136956 Vertu has long specialized in calculator-display brickphones that look like dragon poo rolled in gemstones.]]>

Did you know that Nokia has a "luxury" subsidiary that makes phones for stupid rich people?

As the European cellular industry's supernumerary nipple, Vertu has long specialized in calculator-display brickphones that look like dragon poo rolled in gemstones. It oozes along the dried slugtrail of progress, having just announced its first touchscreen Symbian handset--sure to be an LG Prada-killer!

In spite of its claim to be the "pinnacle of mobile phone excellence worldwide," the sad reality of Vertu's obsolete junk shows how alien the gadget business is to sellers of luxury. Technology's R&D-driven elements of quality and credibility are now so fast-changing as to be inaccessible to them. Even the most clueless class aspirant appreciates the power that new technology exerts over traditional tokens of extrinsic self-worth; it's better to just get a gold case for a standard-issue iPhone.

Though the company's future is uncertain--Nokia is reportedly trying to offload it--Vertu still understands the communication needs of oil wives and drug dealers better than anyone. Pictured above is the "Data Cable", featuring "High Speed USB 2.0", on offer for $190. With tax and shipping, that'll head well over $200 for a cable you can buy at monoprice for $2. Talk about charging what the market will bear!

Even a standard lithium-ion battery will set you back $90.

The V Collection Bluetooth Headset at least has the same unique, vaguely-80s design as the handsets themselves; but what could be more illustrative of the "invisible clothing" problem than its $790 price tag? Apart from the $1300 cases with names like "Signature Precious". ]]> http://boingboing.net/2012/01/02/behold-vertus-200-usb-cabl.html/feed 138