Minimalist Cell Phones?

Trizor asks: "Most cellular telephones these days are loaded with features: cameras, broadband quality video, Internet, etc. but there are still people who want to just make phone calls. So I ask Slashdot: Are there any World-Compatible GSM cellular telephones that don't offer much beyond calling and an address book?"

Comments

Re:no ringtones pls

[Khakionion]

I don't get why people want their phones to start playing "can you take me to funky town" when they get a call.

That's because you, by your own admission, are a geek. For example:

As a geek, I like technology to just do its job. It's a phone.

See, to others, a cell phone isn't just a tool, but a social outlet. Like people who customize their cars (or computers!) customizing your ringtones is just another way to make a mass produced product a little more "yours."

Nokia 6345

[tdmg]

I have 2 of them sitting right here if you are interested :)

They are black and white Cirgular phones with GSM capabilities. They have an address and a few games and ringtones (I tried to delete them and failed). Battery life is 5-6 days with minimal calling. You can e-mail me if you are interested :D

There was an article a few years back on the 25th aniversary of the cell phone, and it was an interview with one of the creators of the cell phone. He paraphrased all my frustrations with cell phones now adays. Companies should be putting all their money into signal strength/coverage and battery life, but they don't. Options sell, and cell phone makers concentrate on features.

Getting a free phone with all the frills isn't bad, but it can be annoying (especially when looking for a ring tone that sounds like a phone). You aren't a sell out by taking the free phone (though, I'll still sell you mine ;)