WHILE Apple's much-touted iPhone is set for its Asian debut only in 2008, LG Electronics aims to whet consumer appetites sooner with its own touch-screen handset with a designer's touch.

The Korean firm has joined hands with luxury fashion brand Prada to unveil what they claim is the world's first full touch-screen phone.

The KE850, or the Prada Phone by LG, replaces conventional keypads with an extra wide touch-sensitive LCD display for making calls and accessing other phone functions.

The glowing icons on the KE850 disappear when not in use to reveal a full, glossy black fashion statement.

Despite having a thickness of a mere 12mm, the tri-band handset packs in a number of notable multimedia capabilities.

It sports a two-megapixel camera with Schneider-Kreuznach lens, as well as an integrated video and music player.

The KE850 also supports Bluetooth connectivity, USB 2.0 connections and incorporates a miniSD card slot for memory expansion.

According to LG, Prada's involvement in the new offering goes beyond mere aesthetics.

The fashion house also had a part to play in developing the touch screen interface, accompanying ring tones, pre-loaded phone content and accessories such as its leather case.

The KE850 will be available here from late March. Local pricing has not been confirmed.

This article first appeared in BT on January 29, 2007