They may not boast any more functions than your usual mobile, but Vertu phones come in the most handsome suits of armour imaginable.
Owned by the Finnish giant Nokia, these super-luxe items are hand-crafted in the UK in titanium, platinum and stainless steel with hand-stitched leather, scratch-free sapphire crystal screens and rubies underneath the keys for a smooth springy touch. The phones also come with a free 24-hour concierge service for a year (after which you have to pay). I discovered them in Weirs of Grafton Street, some with studded black leather backing, others in colourful printed leather; undoubtedly impressive, though I wondered about the trauma of dropping or losing such an elaborate and expensive item. Weirs brought them in about six months ago and agree that as status symbols they appeal to gadget- and style-conscious male customers with fat wallets. Prices range from around €3,900 up to €7,000 for one with a camera.