A Phone That’s Just A Phone
Hop-On has released a $10 GSM phone, the HOP 1800. If you’re waiting for me to tell you about all the gadgets and gizmos that go with it, then you could be waiting for a long time. This phone is just a phone. It has no screen and you can’t send text messages. All you can do is make phone calls. The keypad buttons include a Braille interface.
If this seems a bit low-tech, consider this. How many times have you paid whopping roaming charges with your regular cell phone company? With the Hop 1800, all you need to do is charge it up, buy a local SIM card and make calls. This prepaid, disposable phone has been called the ‘anti-phone’. At $10, you can afford to throw it away and you don’t need to have a fit if you use it. However, the company does have a recycling scheme which gives you back $5 if you turn a used phone in.
This phone works with more than 40 domestic carriers and is also available in dual band form for the European and Asian markets. The company says that the phone does one thing and does it well.
‘I challenge anyone to make a call faster than with the HOP1800,’ says Hop-On CEO Peter Michaels. ‘With the cost of living and roaming fees going though 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,’ Michaels said.
No comments yet.