First, it is not a mass marketed mobile phone. So accessories like power chargers are not easily bought anywhere.

Second, if you are not the rich looking type, then you will look awkward showing it of. If you are a new rich, you will appear trying hard in keeping up with the Jones.

Third, which I think is the bone of the matter, is that it reads only your fingerprint for it to function.

Last March 13, EMobile Exponent presented the first Porsche Design Mobile Phone, the P’9521 to members of the local automotive, IT and lifestyle press and the Porsche Club of the Philippines.

The P’9521, which combines purist design with high-quality natural materials such as aluminum and mineral glass, is a collaborative work of Porsche Design Group of Stuttgart, Germany and Francebased Sagem Mobiles.

The P’9521 features a fingerprint reader, which clearly identifies the user and thus ensures secure access to personal data. In addition, individual fingerprints can be assigned to particular numbers or phone functions, making operation particularly easy.

The standard PIN code can also be replaced by a fingerprint. The know-how for this technology was delivered by Sagem, which has expertise in the field of biometrics.

The casing is milled out of a solid aluminum block – a unique production method for mobile phones. With this product, Porsche Design has remained loyal to its clear design language and has utilized sophisticated material. The typography, styling and colors of the menu emphasize the mobile phone’s very functional character. A double hinge made from aluminum enables the screen to be rotated through 180° – thus allowing the phone to be used as a digital camera.

EMobile Exponent is a recently launched business unit of the Exponent Group. It handles the distribution of wireless devices, from extremely low priced to exclusive luxury products.

The Exponent Group is one of the leading and diversified business groups in the Philippines. Its portfolio includes ventures in the manufacturing and distribution of electronic products, consumer products, household appliances, mobile phones, motorcycles and motorcycle accessories.

Exponent’s branch network covers most of the Philippines. Currently its branches are located in seven Metro Manila cities and 30 other provincial cities.

Products of Porsche Design, a global luxury men’s brand, are sold in exclusive owned retail and franchise stores, shop-in-shops, upmarket department stores and exclusive specialist stores.

Sagem Mobiles, a leading international player in the mobile telecommunications market arena, develops and produces mobile phones under original design manufacturer contracts.

At the press preview held at PGA Cars – Porsche showroom, JeanLuc Guerit, VP, Porsche Design Group, underscored, "To be a luxury product, it has to be perfect."

He added, "It is hard to talk about (sales) figures when you address a luxury market segment."

Priced at R73,888, the P’9521 will be sold at the PGA Cars – Porsche showroom, Washington Watches and Rustans, among some selected establishments.

Commented, Wilson See, President, EMobile Exponent, "It is the ultimate lifestyle phone. It is for people who want to be associated with the Porsche (brand and products)."

The Porsche Design Mobile Phone P’9521 offers the following functions:

Photo/video: The P’9521 features an auto-focus video and still camera boasting 3.2-megapixel resolution, integrated flash and digital zoom. The rotating screen makes it even easier to use, whilst its AM-OLED technology ensures very high quality colors, exceptional brilliance and a perfect view from every angle.

Music: The P’9521 boasts an MP3 player and three speakers for ringtones and voice playback in stereo quality sound.

Internet: Thanks to EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), the P’9521 offers very high-speed internet access.