Nokia's 8800 Carbon Arte takes luxury to the moon

Besides the RAZR, few handsets have milked longevity like Nokia's 8800 slider -- first introduced in April 2005 (spied in March). Unlike RAZR, however, the 8800 somehow manages not to annoy... too much. The latest Carbon Arte model brings 3G, a 3.2 megapixel camera, 4GB of flash memory, and OLED display with anti-fingerprint coating. Fine, but it's the rocket-esque carbon fiber, titanium, and stainless steel materials that help push the price tag to €1,100 (that's about $1,600) before taxes and of course, carrier subsidies. Expected to brazenly appear in the smoking dens of Europe's finest gentlemens' clubs sometime in Q3.

Gallery: Nokia's 8800 Carbon Arte takes luxury to the moon

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[engadget.mlc @ Aug 19th 2008 3:06AM]

This is absolutely stupid.

That said, I must be as well, since I desperately want one.

First posts are also stupid

[allislost @ Aug 19th 2008 3:27AM]

that makes two of us

how many stupid people does it take to change a light bulb?

2. One to hold the light bulb and another to call a handy man with his brand new Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte!

[Paul Dullford @ Aug 19th 2008 8:01AM]

Well, at least if you bought an "I Am Rich" app for this phone, it would be worth less than the phone itself.
It would also likely be making a true statement.

[bogus83 @ Aug 19th 2008 3:24AM]

Where does someone actually buy a phone like this? Lord knows they aren't sold in mall kiosks or carrier stores...

[omnicloud @ Aug 19th 2008 3:38AM]

If you were wealthy enough to afford this lifestyle, I'm sure you'd know how to get it from the "usual channels".

[YpoCaramel @ Aug 19th 2008 3:59AM]

If you live in the States, they aren't sold anywhere. If you live in Asia, they're sold everywhere.

The thing about the 8800-series is that Nokia has kept its price up, unlike the RAZR, which descended from $600-$0 very quickly. If you're selling premium products, you should keep it a premium product.

[Homeboy @ Aug 19th 2008 4:21AM]

They actually are sold in carrier stores. Here in London there are tons of people walking around with the Nokia 8800 some of they in possession of the golden one. So this one will sell without problems. I'm interested in the anti-finger print coating though. Sounds like something that should be implimented on all touch screen devices or on my Zune 80.

[Raheem @ Aug 19th 2008 8:24AM]

Having once worked in an O2 shop, I can confirm yes we used to stock 8800s in all variations, but the trick was never to tell the average person. They are aimed at higher clientele and therefore we kept them aside for the highest tariffs + insurance deals... probably not too ethical but mobile phone sales never is. Carphone Warehouse kind of ruined it by selling the Luna to ever Tom, Dick or Jaroslaw.

[Pdexter @ Aug 19th 2008 9:02AM]

They are sold every where in Europe and Asia, but it's the normal no no Nokia in USA.

[Jerad @ Aug 19th 2008 3:24AM]

omg *drool....

[kyle allen @ Aug 19th 2008 3:40AM]

"i need an mediclorion count on this blood sample im sending you"

[Max @ Aug 19th 2008 3:45AM]

Dammit, now I want that one instead of my normal black 8800 Arte! But what about this 'brings 3G'? My Arte already supports 3G (UMTS) - last time I did a speedtest I got 45kbps. I like the new specs, but I prefer my black arte's looks.

[)law( @ Aug 19th 2008 3:46AM]

That's a real nice piece of hardware, it would go real nice with a NASA approved watch for those trips to the moon LOL

[Cymro @ Aug 19th 2008 3:56AM]

I can assure you that, If I produced a phone in my club, I should be asked to leave immediately.

I have to sneak out into the bogs to make a call.

[Jamie M @ Aug 19th 2008 4:13AM]

Grr..

If only the clubs allowed the use of either mobile phones or cigars...

[X820 @ Aug 19th 2008 5:06AM]

me like and me want. *looks at the price* changed my mind.

[Alonso @ Aug 19th 2008 5:45AM]

Hmm, now i´ve gonna spend my money stupid again.. ;-)

[XenoX101 @ Aug 19th 2008 6:14AM]

Wow, attractive. The price isn't half-bad considering the workmanship on this thing. Women spend thousands on designer bags, why can't we have designer gadgetry? This thing is sex.

[Fearless Bill @ Aug 19th 2008 7:35AM]

That is exactly what we us guys need! some sort of a designer phone that is cost almost comparable to women's designer clothing/bag/shoe. Us guys would like to see a Blackberry Bold or an iPhone 3G make out of gold trim as well lol..!

[tony @ Aug 19th 2008 12:45PM]

Bill why would you want gold trim? It would dent like nothing else. And that's just gaudy. This thing, on the other hand, is made to be durable and stylish.

[Bill @ Aug 19th 2008 8:39AM]

$1.6K is not a bad price for a "luxury" branded phone. Also, it's got a reasonable amount of functionality on-board, which is unusual for a luxury phone.

If anyone's interested, the full specs are listed here: http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_8800_carbon_arte-2493.php

[Kips @ Aug 19th 2008 9:04AM]

Well have to say that i love it.

[Woops @ Aug 19th 2008 9:07AM]

8xxx series phones price is going up. Nokia better watch for them self or 8xxx series is going to compete with their own Vertu brand! That said i'dd take any 8xxx series(8800, 8600, this 8800 arte)before Vertu phones.

[Shahryar @ Aug 19th 2008 9:21AM]

My wife had the 8800 (or was it the 8801 - whichever one was cheaper). I bought it for her back in late 2006. In April of 2008, I replaced it out for her w/ an N82 for her bday. She was hesitant at first because she (and all her friends) loved the the 8800/8801. But after a few weeks of enjoying all the N82's functionality, I don't think she could go back to the 8800 series phones.

[Joseph Singer @ Aug 19th 2008 10:40AM]

The difference between the 8800 and the 8801 is 8800 is tri-band 900/1800/1900 while the 8801 is meant for North America with 850/1800/1900. The 8801 was sold by carriers in North America (T-Mobile and Fido I believe.)

[business man @ Aug 19th 2008 11:38AM]

1600$ huh.
Go to Dubai after 1 month of its release and you could buy it "used of course" for 600$ still new with no scratches or anything.
i had my 8800 from there for 300 after couple of months of its release.

[Douglas @ Aug 22nd 2008 6:44AM]

Nokia phones are the best phone investment that you could make. Year after year they have been providing quality phones for consumers. Unfortunately the new Nokia phones can cost you an arm and a leg, especially an unlocked Nokia 8800. I found a great site to find unlocked Nokia cell phones from auctions. I bought 2 Nokia 8800 cell phones for me and my wife, and we love them. Check them out at Unlocked Nokia Cell Phone Auctions. Just my 2 cents.

[varun @ Oct 31st 2008 7:40PM]

hi guys i live in india and id like to get this phone how could i get my hands on this phone