Though I’ve never actually posted my thoughts about it, when it was first announced that RIM had plans on releasing a high-end Porsche designed BlackBerry, I scoffed at the idea. Why would a struggling brand build - and put effort towards marketing - a product that was completely unnecessary? They could have looked across the pond at Nokia’s struggling Vertu brand to get an example first hand. There is little to no market for over-priced, excessive devices, that do exactly the same thing as current in-market ones that are a fraction of the cost. In Vertu’s defence, however, for the money you’re paying they do offer a membership to a valet service.

Anyway, the point is that I was kind of turned off by the idea that it was in fact a reality, and paid it no mind when I saw posts and reviews begin to circulate; I just didn’t care. That is until I held it in my hand today at BlackBerry World.

I’ll hand it to RIM. Over-priced or not, they make good handsets. The device feels a bit heavy; but in a strong, defined way. Almost like that first taste of scotch you get from your father - at first taste, though bold and charismatic, you don’t actually know what to make of it. But as you sip more and more, you grow accustomed to the boldness and learn to appreciate it. Only after a few moments of playing around with the P’9981, with its leather backing and stainless steel body, did I really understand and appreciate what they (RIM) was aiming for.

RIM wanted art. RIM wanted refined class. RIM wanted something that would ultimately stand out from the pack. RIM didn’t want - or expect - everyone to own this device. RIM was directly targeting the customers who look at class and design, not a price tag. So, they strategically partnered with Porsche, the automotive epitome of class, and created the P’9981.

So now, in retrospect, I can admit to being wrong for pre-judging the existence of this device. Yes it’s tad excessive, but I can respectfully give a hat-tip to RIM and Porsche for conceiving it I have had hands-on time with many of the words best brands of cellular phone, but this one took the cake; it just felt right - that’s really the best way to describe it and I am going to leave it at that.

More to come from BlackBerry World 2012 as day 1 officially begins tomorrow.