CES 2008: Label Queens Rejoice, Armani Phone Is Here!

We here at Homotron, and dare I say the Gay Gamer Castle as a whole, are not often label conscious about our clothes. Mind you, we're not slobs, but the choice between a $300 pair of jeans and a $300 SLI Graphics Card is a pretty easy one for us. But when it comes to our electronics, gadgets, and gizmos, I think it's safe to say we are fervent label queens. Nothing but the best for us!

With that in mind, it seems that more and more high-end fashion designers are trying to knock on our doors. Is it a sign that Prada has sucked all the money out of the trust-fund babies that it now needs to court the web 2.0 moguls? Well, whatever it is, it seems inevitable that these fashionistas attempt to break into the market.

Samsung showcased their new Giorgio Armani phone yesterday at CES, aimed squarely at the "I think the iPhone just isn't expensive enough" crowd. Speaking of the iPhone, it also appears the Armani phone is blatant iClone. The phone features a touch screen, full internet browser, Bluetooth support, and video and music playback support, which fits perfectly into place with the Samsung's targeted competitor. It does feature a 3-megapixel camera and Micro SD slot, though, which are nice additions/upgrades.

For a mere $700, you could pocket one of these pretties and ensure a solid mugging on the streets. I saw this phone on G4's CES coverage yesterday (What? My Comcast internet has died and won't be fixed until Saturday, and G4 had the best coverage on TV), and I have to agree with them that I wasn't impressed. There was this clunky delay from touch to response, and the scrolling was far from fluid. While I would be mildly impressed if the phone were anywhere near affordable, I just can't say I'm all that thrilled by this, particularly because of the price.

Word of advice, fashion designers: If you want to impress the tech crowd and earn our money, you need to invest as much time and ingenuity into the gadget as you do you clothing designs, and make them as top-quality as the materials you use for your designs. You can't win us over just by flashing your name; you have to earn our respect. And if you thought the fashion world was critical, just wait to see what the tech world has in store for you.

Samsung Armani phone sighted at CES [CNET]