Economy, shmonomy. Nokia says 200 to 300 million people worldwide will buy high-end tech devices regardless of the economy.
At its global customers meeting in Barcelona this week, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) unveiled its next top-of-the-line smartphone, a slider with touch screen and keyboard that won’t hit store shelves until the middle of next year. The phone is supposed to be Nokia’s answer to the iPhone and Blackberry, which are eating into Nokia’s sales.
Analysts aren’t impressed with the new phone. But let’s ignore that and instead focus on the Finnish company’s optimism and worldview. The new N97 will retail for about USD $700. That’s before discounts and incentives typically offered by carriers, and it’s in line with other high-end phones. That’s a growing portion of the handset business. Reuters says Nokia doesn’t think the global economic slump will hurt sales. “Our target group, 200 to 300 million technology leaders, in all times buy devices they are interested in,” said Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia’s head of sales.
How big is your target market? Try this in your next business plan: 200 to 300 million technology leaders. Source: Nokia.
More:
- Reuters via Internet.com
- N97 review, photos and video from Engadget.
