The @LINK0@ @LINK1@ is Dutch-based Spyker. Known for their incredible attention to intricate, hand-crafted details and strikingly designed high-end sports-cars, Spyker has made the transition from auto-mobile to mobile phones.
In addition to the C8 Spyder (299 Euros) that @LINK2@, Spyker has launched of the Spyker C8 Laviolette (399 Euros), and C8 Laturbie (199 Euros), which all pay homage to the Spyker C8 super-car. In automotive circles, the Spyker lineup represents fine craftsmanship paired with super-car performance (sure, Ferrari’s are nice, but they don’t convey the sense of opulence and character that a Spyker does). Will their design philosophy carry over to their branded handsets? Hardly.
The Spyker C8 Laviolette and Spyker C8 Spyder both sport a lack-luster dual-band (900/1800Mhz) GSM radio, 1.3 megapixel camera, and MP3 ringtones – the C8 Laviolette gets a minute 1.5-inch 128×160 display, while the C8 Spyder gets an absolutely tiny 1.2-inch 128×160 display. The Spyker C8 Laturbie adds a tri-band (900/1800/1900Mhz) GSM radio, huge (relatively) 2.2-inch 320×240 display, and red-trim to the Laviolette and Spyder’s feature-set.
To say that these handsets are disappointing is an understatement. Spyker might want to rethink their mobile phone venture if this is a sign of things to come. It would be a shame to have people equate these China-bound low-end phones with such a high-end brand.