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I used a Vertu ascent for many years...
All of my work comes through my phone and I was working very long hours, so this was a treat to myself that I have never regretted.
As a phone it was fabulous, being a pleasure to hold and use, and many times more durable than any other phone of its time. I dropped mine on concrete many times with only superficial scratches resulting. Judging by my previous record with plastic phones I would have gone through 3-5 phones in the time I used my Vertu, so, at HK$30k it wasn't too much of an excessive purchase. Unfortunately, phones were rapidly becoming more than just talking devices.
However, I did resent the original premise of the phone that it would be upgradeable for life. The upgrades I did get were small, expensive and way out of date compared even with Nokia's other phones; even the operating system was sluggish. I asked repeatedly if further upgrades would be forthcoming and was told no. Once the iphone3G came along I gave in and switched. I still miss the feel of the phone and the (genuinely) special feel of the keys. It's only my spare these days but fondly remembered.
Vertu Signature Review - Candid Perspectives from a Watch Lover
Vertu Signature - Candid Perspectives from a Watch Lover Introduction Mentioning to a random person the phone brand Vertu would most probably either result in 1) incomprehension, or 2) acknowledgement yet subtle ridicule. The former occurs because unlike ...
Hi, Jon..thanks for the write-up
Nice meeting you at dinner in NY last month and I enjoyed the opportunity to handle your Vertu in the metal. Good looking device, felt great in the hand with very precise and satisfying clicking of the keys. The company is clearly making their mobile phon...
Thanks Tom.
Plastic phones certainly have their advantages (weight being a major one!). I always carry my blackberry.
Nice review, Jon!
It was very interesting to read your review, as I don't know anyone who actually owns a Vertu phone, so have never heard any end user comments about them. They have always seemed to be more about form than function, and your review reinforces that concept...
Since Vertu belongs to the Nokia company
I wonder why Verty is not releasing a kinda communicator, like Nokia had a few years ago, the 9300 and 9500. (forget the current E90) These machine are very good with email and internet and even had FAX send and receive. The 9300 is smaller than most Vert...
I think it's a "philosophy"{ issue.
Making the phone as simple as possible, even though they COULD make it sophiscated. I tend to think of it as a replacement for a house phone. If you think like this, then you won't get disappointed=) Jon
Maybe try...
Hello Jon! Thanks for the hands on review. Maybe try to ask for a Mandarin speaking person next time and see if they can help or stop by a authorized dealer and see if you can send it in for reprogramming of the concierge button to that of the U.S. one. A...
Haha. I do agree, the Asian sales associates tend to be much better.
Unfortunately, I didn't see any in the two boutiques here in New York (Plaza hotel and Nokia store). Maybe I will bring my phone to Beijing in the near future.=) Thanks for the recommendation.
Very nice phone
and great read. I love these phones, especially the regular Ascent, which is also more affordable. And I know myself; I have been eying these machines for so long, one day I will have mine. Probably when I have canseled my landline and have the mobile pho...
Thanks for the review Jon
Does it feel too heavy in the pocket? I carry my mobile in my pocket so heavy phones are a no-no. - SJX
170 grams with battery. 50% heavier than my blackberry.
Nowadays I carry two phone with me, and use the other one for text. So it's quite cumbersome sometimes. Jon
Nice review Jon........
After seeing the phone in person I agree with your comments. I can appreciate the quality and workmenship of the phone but wouldn't consider purchasing one until they became upgradable. Thanks for the post. Tony
Thanks for the review Jon
I've never liked the unupgradeable feature of the Vertu and cause of it, I'd only buy one if I were filthy rich and money were no issue. The target client for the Vertu seems to be for the wealthy man who does not want to be bothered with the constant bar...
Two years in the phone world
is like a century in other businesses. I got my new Palm Pre yesterday and it is great! I guess I will stick to the plastic stuff.
You got one?
Did you get the touchstone? Any heating issues with it? I'm thinking of getting one and very interested in your opinions. -MW
Thanks Anthony, for the kind words.
My life is simple and I really couldn't think of anything that would require Concierge... Perhaps I can ask them to get me the next Limited Edition AP ROO, at list price? Jon
Great Review!
I shared many of your sentiments about the Vertu phone when it first debuted in 2002. Who in their right mind would buy such a phone? However, after seeing its seductive craftsmanship, I am somewhat warming up to the allure of the Vertu phone. I am one of...
Thanks Patrick for your response.
The Vertu, the Tag Heuer Meridiist, and the UN phone are all quite interesting. Check out some of the promotional videos of the Tag Heuer phone on youtube
Thanks for the review.
I have always wondered what the Vertu was like. For that kind of $$ the screws on the back should line up. I think a Palm Pre is in my future, I want all the options. Just waiting for the first reviews before I jump in, I hope it is a great phone. I miss ...
I just noticed the screw issue
Good eye! But the phone was banged around for a few years prior to its passing down to me. So maybe it got damaged? I will look into it. Thanks for bringing it up.
I used a Vertu ascent for many years...
All of my work comes through my phone and I was working very long hours, so this was a treat to myself that I have never regretted. As a phone it was fabulous, being a pleasure to hold and use, and many times more durable than any other phone of its time....
Hmmmmmmmm.....
I am disappointed to hear that. One would think that a company like Vertu would do system upgrades frequently. A top phone like this should remain a top phone for at least 5 years. Geo
Hear hear...
The upgrade issue is a pain. But sounds like you've had a nice run with the Ascent=) Jon
This week I visited the Vertu Cannes Boutique
and brought up the service issue. The lady informed me that software updated that can be done in the Boutique, so the ones that do not include change of hardware parts, are always free of charge. When the watch needs to be sent to England for repair, then...
Thanks for the info, Geo.
Software is the easy part. Upgrading hardware is the tough part and I feel that might be the reservation some people have... I mean, there is no way they can keep upgrading the hardware inside the same shell forever. Jon
Yes they had to send the phone to England for the upgrade
"a new engine" they called it....brought the operating system up to "slow" from "interminable" and added bluetooth and a colour screen. $US1000 but without the upgrade it was nearly unusable.
Geat job on your review Jon !
Congrats on the the acquisition ! Enjoy using the phone while it still O.K. to be seen with it ! LOL!!!
Thanks Jon : it's a very useful post
I've always wondered if a Vertu phone was worth it and your review gives me good answers. I currently own a Nokia E90 Communicator which is IMHO the best compromise between functionality and quality/finish. I spoke last year to a Vertu manager : he had tw...