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Behold the Anti-iPhoneThe cheapest cell phone ever |
By Florin Troaca, Communications News Editor
24th of May 2008, 08:34 GMT
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Most of you know there are a lot of iPhone-like handsets out there and even perfect copies of Apple's controversial device, but I'm not sure how many of you know about the Anti-iPhone.
The Anti-iPhone's real name is HOP1800 (or HOP 1800) and it comes as a disposable mobile phone created by Hop-On, the American company that's not at the first attempt of this kind (and by "this kind" we mean the disposable aspect and not the anti-iPhone one).
Being anti-iPhone, HOP1800, logically, has opposing features: while the iPhone's main attraction is its wide 3.5 touchscreen display, the HOP1800 doesn't have a display at all. Moreover, the new and revolutionary handset has only the basic of the basics when it comes to features: one (yes, just one) polyphonic ringtone, vibration function, DC and earphone jack, speed dial, keypad lock, call waiting and call forwarding, plus a "tactile numeric keypad with Braille markings". The phone comes in two versions: a North American one, working on the 850 / 1900 MHz GSM networks, and one for the rest of the world (Europe, Asia etc), which works on the 900 / 1800 MHz GSM networks.
Peter Michaels, Hop-On's CEO, proudly stated about the new handset: "Though the iPhone is an amazing device, I challenge anyone to make a call faster than with the HOP1800. With the cost of living and roaming fees going through the roof, the HOP1800 is also the perfect iPhone traveling companion. Just buy a local SIM card and you can use the HOP1800 with over 40 domestic wireless carriers." Note that Mr. Michaels refers to the US carriers.
Weighing only 77 grams (2.72 ounces) and measuring 97 x 42 x 14 millimeters (3.82 x 1.65 x 0.55 inches), HOP1800 packs a 600 mAh battery capable of keeping it functional for up to 5 hours in talk-time mode and up to 150 hours in stand-by mode.
The no-screen anti-iPhone device is presented as a perfect back-up phone, having a retail price of only $10 (6.5 Euros). It's available across the US, through various retailers, as well as worldwide - but Hop-On gives no details about where exactly the handset can be bought from, outside the US.
The 10 buck price tag of HOP1800 is the lowest ever for a cell phone, even lower than the one of the People's Phone from India (another device that lacks a display). Furthermore, although it's from the "disposable" category, after using the phone, customers can return it and receive $5, this way helping the recycling process and the environment.
In conclusion, if disposable, no-display and Braille-featured cell phones are all you ever wanted save the lunch money for a day and get yourself an HOP1800.
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