Taiwan market: Nokia launches high-end 8800 Sapphire Arte

Nokia on March 13 launched its most expensive handset, the 8800 Sapphire Arte, in Taiwan with a price tag of NT$53,800 (US$1,758). The 3G-enabled device is decorated with leather, stainless steel and diamonds and features a 3.2-megapixel camera.

Nokia launched a total of 33 handsets in Taiwan last year and plans to offer a similar amount of new models in 2008, with over 50% of the new handsets supporting 3G technology, according to CK Cherng, general manager of Nokia Taiwan.

Sales of 3G handsets now account for about 40% of total handsets sold in the Taiwan market compared to 30% at the end of last year, stated Cherng, asserting that sales of 3G handsets will accelerate in the rest of the year.

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