Vertu Supply Problem Infuriates Rich Show-Offs

I have to confess, I scoffed a little when first seeing Vertu's luxury cellphones.  "Who would buy a tarted-up Nokia with sub-par features," I quipped, sipping cheap cooking brandy from an old yogurt pot, "they must have more money than sense!"

I guess that brandy must have dulled my predictive foresight, however, because with sales doubling this year over last there simple aren't enough precious-metal clad mobiles to go around.  All that, despite the most basic Vertu handset costing upwards of $5000.

Ironically they've a new handset out next month that is expected to boost sales further.  My concern, which I would happily voice if asked to join their board, would be that the cachet is a sizeable part of the charm, and that with too many models they run the risk of flooding the market and turning off the fashionistas.  But then what do I know – it's not even midday in some timezones and I'm already half-cut on sherry trifle.

Reuters [via MobileBurn]