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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Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.
The advantage of this phone is that it can be used overseas by getting a sim chip. Most American phones cannot be used overseas as they are not GSM phones or it costs $1.25 per minute to use them there. It could be a good second phone! I have three or four cellphones active at a time so I can call my girlfriend's cellphone n Germany. Best, Randy Kaebitzsch
i want a cell phone with an honest-to-gosh rotary dial. HEY YOU KIDS, GETT OFFA MY LAWN!
I THINK THIS IS GREAT FOR PEOPLE WHO DRIVE AND TEXT..........NOW THEY WILL SEE ME ON MY MOTORCYCLE AS TO NOT HIT ME. GREAT FOR KIDS AT A LOW COST. THEY DON'T NEED ALL THE BELLS WHEN IN SCHOOL TO PLAY WHILE IN CLASS. THEY ARE THERE TO LEARN.
same Peter Michaels of "Disposable Cell Phone Company Hop-On Wireless CEO Indicted For Fraud" http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20030418/1422211.shtml
some phones from tracphone do have internet access,and it is the best example of pay as you go.
Last week in Boston , we had a tragic subway accident when apparently the train operator was using her cell phone while driving the train. Consequently, she failed to see the traffic signals or the car ahead. She hit the car - never even used the brakes! She was killed. Passengers were injured, some seriously. What does this say about cell phones? That they are everywhere and are uncontrollable. The simpler they are, the less often will they be used. As for text messaging - what ever is the point? I like this inexpensive, bare bones idea. Will buy. Maybe today.
Isn't this that company run by Peter Michaels who is on Federal Probation for money laundering??? So now he's invented a product that is perfect for human traffickers, drug smugglers and terrorists. Gee, go figure.
Whats next, a "disposable" phone that costs a quarter? I said I'd never own one, but I bought a tracphone for 14 bucks at radioshack. It has display, contact, phonebook, text..simple games, calculater, calendar etc. No contract or dropped calls. Costs me about 20 bucks a month on average.
I am in favor of ANY phone like this. I am one of the few,I guess, that feels you really don't need any more than something like this because I am sick and tired of seeing people with phones glued to their ears...especially when driving or in schools where they need to keep their minds on the task at hand.The less bells and whistles the better. Any use other than emergencies is completely unnecessary. Those of you who need something that remembers phone numbers probably shouldn't be on the phone in the first place. Start exercising your minds to actually remember things and you'll be better off.
About time for a simple phone like this!Looks like they are traded publicly.HPNN,Could be a chance to get some cheap shares before these babie----- the store shelves!
symbol HPNN
The actual phone is on www.hop-on.com.
This is as great as it is for cell phones. Low cost and as cheap as about 2 gallons of gas. For emergencies it is a must to have.
For those of you who like no contracts...Cricket wireless is the way to go (if you have it in your area). You have unlimited talk (any time of the day for as long as you want) unlimited text, pic. message, pretty much everything. Our bill is only $50/month and it never goes up. It's the same every month!!! We love it!! Just an idea for those who want no contracts...because this is month to month. And you can get extras like unlimited 411 ($3/mnth) and others...it's something for ya'll to check out!!!
This phone will be a huge success. I can see huge demand for this worldwide. Great idea and the phone is put out by hpnn on the pink sheets. The opportunity to buy in cheap on the stock!
The cheapest phone in the market. You don't have to worry about buying a 20.00 protective case to save the phone from scratches either. Just buy another phoe!
HPNN is a non-reporting 1/2 penny pink sheet company run by a convicted felon currently on Federal probation....fyi.
I think this is a great idea for people who don't go out often but need to make a call every once in a while when they are out. Good for seniors who need to call for a ride for a pickup from the doctor's office, etc... I purchased a phone from Radio Shack, it's an AT&T that cost me $9.99 it's a GO PHONE! I don't make lots of calls while I am out, and it's better than having to go to a pay phone on the streets. And the network won't let you down. It worked where other phones didn't while visiting in Jamestown, NY. So thumbs up for this one!
I am buying one for each of my kids. These will make fantastic gifts for the grandparents who may need a cell phone for a emergency situation. This is plain and simple like the elderly like it!
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66 Posted by frumpygoo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:03PM EDT Report Abuse
I agree with others who think this phone makes little sense. For a few bucks more you can get a phone with caller ID and a phone book, both essential for anyone who uses their cell more than two or three times a month. I predict this phone flops and fast.