Porsche Design BlackBerry P'9981 comes to the UK

At first glimpse, we weren't sure what to make of the strange metal-clad QWERTY bar, bestowed with the all-important BlackBerry logo atop its display. We at first, speculated its legitimacy, whether it was ushering in a new design language for the brand as a whole, or if it was some strange custom or special edition device.

It so happens that we didn't have to wait long to find out its true intent. The hard lines and custom font etched onto that futuristic keyboard were the result of Porsche Design partnering up with the Canadian smartphone manufacturers to create something rather different. The result proved striking to say the least, but left many a 'Berry fan somewhat lost or at least unsure at how to react.

It wasn't until a month after its first appearance that we were given the true explanation for this peculiar device, but then everything made a little more sense. Dubbed the BlackBerry Porsche Design P'9981, it closely mirrored its everyday counterpart the Bold Touch 9900, with a 1.2GHz single core processor under the hood.

Other specs include a gig of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a 5MP camera on the back with 720p HD video recording and of course BlackBerry OS 7, which in fact could make this the last BlackBerry out the gates before RIM focus their attentions on the BBX-laden 'Colt', or at least something like it.

The Porsche Design P'9981 was given its very own launch event in Dubai, back in late October with the choice of venue eluding to its luxury-focused target market. The P'9981 was expected to retail for around $2000 and now it comes to the UK market too. If you want one with the intention of giving it as a present for the big day, you only have a short window of opportunity left, but it's available for a cool £1275 at the world renowned Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, London. Reports from the store themselves saying that demand is high and the device is selling fast.

Will you be picking up this unique 'Berry, or perhaps making it a very special gift this holiday season?

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