$10 cell phone: No 3G, no GPS, not even a screen
Fri May 30, 2008 10:40AM EDT
See Comments (91)
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]
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Comments on $10 cell phone: No 3G, no GPS, not even a screen
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47 Posted by ntray@att.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:42PM EDT Report Abuse
I think we're headed in the right direction. I don't need all the whistles and bells, and I don't need long-term contracts. Just give me a simple way to make a phone call when necessary and at a reasonable cost.
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48 Posted by oceangrove90@verizon.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:43PM EDT Report Abuse
Why would you spend $10 for this phone when you can get a fairly full-functioned Tracfone for 14.95? It just doesn't make sense. Ollie47
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49 Posted by gerffone@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:08PM EDT Report Abuse
This phone is the awesome, no more bull! And for those of you who dont know how to remember phone numbers, obviously your so spoiled that you probably dont even have to bath yourself, you probably have someone to do that for you to. I am only 27, and still remember having to remember things like that, it wasn't to long ago. And I can tell you every number on my list, its not that hard. Anyway, for those who want nothing but a phone, this is it, and for those who want more than a phone, well, I think you need to learn to live without all the conveniences you are raised with before you are allowed to have them so you dont complain about all the little dumb stuff that you think is ruining your life!
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50 Posted by happitrail@att.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:16PM EDT Report Abuse
A NORMAL telephone, brilliant, this should have been done along with all the fancy manure they've been throwing at the public in extra $$$ to your normal phone bills, secret word [shhhh] "normal". Keep it basic and you'll sell the idea Mobile Telephone, T-E-L-E-P-H-O-N-E, does this CLICK. Just Common Since. Later.......
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51 Posted by tweetypoop@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:25PM EDT Report Abuse
Wow, reading some of these posts is unreal. Have you looked around? Half of your appliances do things that they are not intended to do and you never use them. The point is, this is a phone for people who just want a phone. Those who want all the junk on theirs.......well they are available too. Something for everyone. Personally I dont need or want a phone that texts, take pictures and whatever. What I want is one I can hear the other person with, which seems to be the problem with most cell phones. You cant hear them talk! They are pieces of junk.
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52 Posted by nfllvr@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:36PM EDT Report Abuse
I have an Ipod for music, a high-end digital camera for fantastic pictures and a Garmin for navigation. I never text (too dangerous), or use my phone to check email. Can a cell phone just be a phone with phone book and bluetooth technology?
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53 Posted by firestar66@verizon.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:00PM EDT Report Abuse
With all the free phones that people can get when they sign up for a plan, or a prepaid phone, why would you need something like this? I mean, some ppl can live w/o texting and internet but isn't a display a bit more efficient??
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54 Posted by pwr3x@att.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:23PM EDT Report Abuse
Additional note... Even this "most" basic phone could have a display so you can see what number you're dialing or the caller ID of incoming calls (to avoid telemarketers). A slightly better model (next level up) could include a few speed-dials (10 to 20) for your most popular numbers. Other than that, this style of phone seems ideal for the masses.
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55 Posted by john.castillo@att.net on Sun Jun 1, 2008 6:31PM EDT Report Abuse
Well for a phone that only cost $10 and nothing else is a great choice for the kids and as a BACK-UP Phone when we do stupid thing like drop in water. Where can I get one.
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56 Posted by micush@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:19PM EDT Report Abuse
FINALLY SOMETHING THAT MAKE SENSE... I WILL LOVE TO HAVE ONE...I DO NOT HAVE A CELL PHONE YET BUT,.... IF I NEED JUST TO MAKE A CALL OR TWO THAT WOULD BE JUST DANDY. IF YOU PEOPLE LIKE TO PAY EXTRA BE MY GUESS IT IS YOUR MONEY. AND IF U CANNOT REMEMBER PHONE NUMBERS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY,I WOULD WORRY ABOUT ALZAIMERS. (EXERCISE UR BRAIN).
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57 Posted by heatherandjake@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:17PM EDT Report Abuse
Where do I get the Hop1800?
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58 Posted by aeperez03 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:46PM EDT Report Abuse
this is perfect, I HATE cell phones.
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59 Posted by shemaiahjane on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:19PM EDT Report Abuse
This phone is perfect for my teen so he doesn't run up the bill on texting and other nonessentials since the prepaids don't work here. He's young. He can remember numbers like the home line and Dad's. Or write it on his hands in a pinch. Maybe it'll work on Verizon.... Probably not. That'd be too easy.
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60 Posted by amber_kea345 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:52PM EDT Report Abuse
can yoyu send me a picture of that phone and that doesn't make sense.
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61 Posted by jack-brewer@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:26PM EDT Report Abuse
not all of us live in urban areas--my main complaint with cell phones is NO SERVICE. this phone would be great, i don't like all the bells and whistles (i have a LIFE! i don't spend 23 hrs a day on the phone.) however, with no screen, you couldn't even tell if you were getting a signal!
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62 Posted by nhwildman on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:37PM EDT Report Abuse
I may now buy a cell phone. I remember all the numbers I call anyway. I have no clue about texting and don't want to know. I can use it while traveling and for emergencies.
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63 Posted by ohiopylepa on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:43PM EDT Report Abuse
My tracfone from Walmart was $12 and it has a display and caller ID. Plus I bought it online and it has lifetime double minutes. I am never going to buy a phone contract again!
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64 Posted by angpetsche on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:55PM EDT Report Abuse
EXCELLENT for KIDS. I am looking for something like this for an 8yr old with nothing special on it. Where she only really knows my number anyways and 911, If she loses it NO TEARS lost!!!! I am definately going to look for one!!!!
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65 Posted by torrez2005 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:17PM EDT Report Abuse
I love my phone, not prepaid. I have a plan. All I do is text, and by the way I can do this without ever taking my eyes off the road. I need an address book, speed dial, and all the gadgets it has to offer. I'm a busy person and need all I can get. Also in todays society, its safer for everyone to have some sort of phone. Especially since you can no longer find a pay phone. What happens if your car quits on you on a lonely road or highway...Whatcha gonna do then??
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46 Posted by dave.kanofsky@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:37PM EDT Report Abuse
Is'nt this how the portable cell phone started off to begin with? Now if they could only find one that could distinguish between true emergency calls which is what the cell phone is indeed great for as opposed to the fluff and garbage conversations that most cell phone users use it for.