$10 cell phone: No 3G, no GPS, not even a screen

Fri May 30, 2008 10:40AM EDT

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So, you really want a cell phone that just makes calls? Check out this unlocked, $10 GSM handset that dumps the fancy 3G data access, contact books, and Web browsers—heck, even the display is gone.

Available now in U.S. retail and convenience stores, the candy-bar style Hop1800 comes with...well, a 12-key numeric keypad, Talk and End keys, a speaker grille, a microphone, and a SIM card slot (you'll need a working SIM card—AT&T, T-Mobile, or pre-paid will do—to make calls).

Here's how it works: You pick the thing up, you dial, you talk. Oh, and you can listen, too—and don't forget to press the End key when you're done chatting. Since the Hop1800 lacks a display, you'll have to dig deep and remember how you used that old landline phone in your kitchen (the one without caller ID).

Looking for a simple phone that isn't quite as simple as the Hop1800? Check out Gina's recent post about Pantech Breeze, an easy-to-use "boomer" phone (and yes, it has a display) on AT&T.

Related:
Hop1800 press release [Hop-on.com]

 

Comments on $10 cell phone: No 3G, no GPS, not even a screen

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  • 26 Posted by carolbonfield@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    My children keep buying me cell phones with more and more gadgets. All that I need is a phone that calls HOME or 911. I think this is great.

  • 27 Posted by dvdangus on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    A good idea, just a little too late. prepaid phones start at about the same price, and are adding more stuff on them everyday. Good looking phone, but don't think many people will be willing to go back to "just a phone"

  • 28 Posted by anninymous@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:55PM EDT Report Abuse

    I might consider it; I only have about 4 numbers that I've ever called on my phone anyway, and I know all of them. Although there are some very nice $20 phones out there with most of the features people actually want. And displays, for heaven's sake, displays.

  • 29 Posted by alarm705@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    This phone is perfect for the elderly. This phone is perfect for any one who wants a phone that can be lost, stolen or what ever and it don't matter. Nothing there! And for all that have to have the gadgets enjoy safely. Ever had your personal info stole? NOT FUN!!!!! Trust me! A phone is only what the beholder sees in it!

  • 30 Posted by frank-porter@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:02PM EDT Report Abuse

    You people are pathetic griping about having to remember phone numbers. Gimmie a break! Are your memories that short, really? I will admit that no caller ID would be a agrevating. But to complain cause you don't want to have to remember phone numbers is a pretty sad.

  • 31 Posted by tball_2@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    well...I see it like this. They did it 15 years ago, I am sure we could do it now. However, you will not see me jumping on that bandwagon. Ill stick to my unlimited texting plan A.K.A. my main way to communicate. Anyways, what do I know? Im only 16 anyway, right?

  • 33 Posted by tinksbestfriend@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    So you won't have caller i.d.??BIG DEAL!!! my house phone doesn't have it and i get by just fine. i mean sure, a display would be nice and personally i live on texting =] by the way, u can get a pre-paid phone for $10 and it haz a display and texting and a lot of things [i still hav a RZR] hehe but 4 only $10 i might buy 1 f these 2 play around w/ or something

  • 34 Posted by zoomboom0688@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 11:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    PERSONAL INFO!!! I could get online and find more personal info about people then I could from a cell phone... I think this is just stupid because without a screen you can't even see if you are dialing the right number!!

  • 35 Posted by robzombie1223@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    I hear older guys at work all the time looking at my phone and saying thats to much technology, all i need is a phone that rings and i press the button and i say hello.well i say lets step out of the "ICE AGE" guys . the other day i went with friend to go get some money out of the atm, he looked like a 90 year old man trying to figure out this "super advanced technology they call an atm" i told him are you serious! he said my wife deals with that stuff.Comon guys ,lets get with the program....

  • 36 Posted by bbandemer@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    maybe this would be a great phone for the kids they would have "a cell phone" and would have to use there minds to remember phone numbers my 7 yr old granddaughter has been asking for one this may good present she would have to think -- remember -- and its pay as you go learn to limit her calls.... and since the phone company has removed most of the pay phones it would provide that bit of safety to call for help when needed Hmmmmm will have to find a store and get it. thank you for informing us on this

  • 38 Posted by maryekirk@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    The best plan on pre-paid phones is the I-WIRELESS PLAN THROUGH KROGER. All of the phones come with 500 minutes on them and you refill in 90 days. You never loose your minutes. You can text and e-mail as well. Can't beat the plan or the price. You have Sprint nationwide network.

  • 39 Posted by wulfpro@verizon.net on Sun Jun 1, 2008 8:20AM EDT Report Abuse

    Now that there is some talk (or a done deed? I believe we are already signed up for the cellular Do Not Call list...) about making available all of our cell phone numbers to sales/call centers, why would anyone have a cell phone WITHOUT caller ID? Do we now have to put greeting messages onto our cell phones with "By continuing this call, as a marketer, the caller agrees to pay $5.00 per minute via pay pal to the cell phone subscriber being contacted...press 1 to continue"..? (Insert expletive here...)

  • 40 Posted by littlebill3@verizon.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    This one has always wondered why any individual would wish to carry around an objects that allows other to interrupt them regardless of where they are or waht they are doing. This one has telephone at home with no answering machine. If a call is missed and it is important, the caller may call back. This one also remembers when one memorized phone numbers, used a printed directory or, directory assistance on the rare occasion that one was unable to look up a number for ones self. Sadly, modern conveniences are seldom convenient and appear to cause many more difficuties than they resolve.

  • 44 Posted by imapain2@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    Ha. What a wierd idea. I'm really not sure who would buy this phone. I mean, not even my grandma or something. She has to have a display because she can't remember anything. The only one that momorized all the numbers is my mom, and even she spaces out. And what if you make a mistake? Don't you usually look at the number before you press send to make sure its right?

  • 45 Posted by murphycolors@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think it perfect for people to give to thier kids who don't want $3,000 TEXT MESSAGE bill on thier cell phone bill.

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