This interesting video from ABC News' Sign of the Times reflects the role of mobile phones in measuring wealth and bragging our social status in this ecosystem. After all what's the use of money if you can't show it, right? It also offers a glimpse on the person's personality, level of income, inclination to technology, and even level of insecurity.
I suppose the mobile phone industry has reached a level defined by renowned sociologist Thorstein Veblen as Conspicuous Consumption or lavish spending. A level where fashion outweighs function!
A recent report from Reuters highlights the 7 most expensive cellphones in the market today:
1. GoldVish Le Million – $1.3 Million
2. Bucheron for Vertu Cobra – $310,000
3. Vertu Signature – $81,000
4. Gresso Black Aura Collection – $13,000
5. Mobiado Professional EM – $2,200
6. prada Phone by LG – $780
7. Apple iPhone – $600
April 18th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Maybe not quite the level of those listed, but recently I’ve noticed people using alot more expensive phones.. Whereas this use to be around £100-£150, today its easy £250.