Bang & Olufsen Samsung Serene Phone going for $1275

If you've got deep pockets, high-end consumer electronics maker Bang & Olufsen and Samsung Electronics have got a deal for you. For just US$1275, you can be the proud owner of the Serene mobile phone, which arrives in North America in November 2006.

The two companies have been developing the unique, high quality, and expensive Serene phone "to enable comfortable and convenient communication."  By looking at the phone, I can't see how it would be easier to use than your normal cellphone design, I guess I'd have to see it in action to be convinced. The B&O Serene phone is made up of two equal parts that are bound together by an aluminum hinge. At first sight, the Serene looks backward because the display and microphone are placed in the lower shell, and the circular keyboard and loudspeaker are placed in the upper shell. There's a thumb operated wheel in the middle that is used for all primary operations.

Technical specifications:    

-- Designer: David Lewis    
-- GPRS Class 10 Triband (GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz)    
-- 262144 color QVGA TFT screen (240 x 320 pixels, 2.1 inch)    
-- Embedded VGA (300K) camera    
-- 64 Polyphonic ringtones with specially developed harmonies    
-- SMS / EMS / MMS / WAP 2.0    
-- E-mail with Outlook synchronization    
-- Bluetooth Wireless Technology    
-- Thumb-operated navigation wheel    
-- Premium anodized aluminum hinge    
-- Special aluminum charger    
-- Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches    
-- Weight:   0.24 lbs

Serene will be distributed through Bang & Olufsen stores in North America this November.The $1275 US price also includes the charger/docking station and travel charger.

via | MobileBurn