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Minimalist Cell Phones?

Posted by Cliff on from the dirt-cheap-dialing dept.

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?"

5 of 94 comments (clear)

  1. No. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    There isn't.

  2. Choose a quad band phone... by Futurepower(R) · · Score: 4, Informative


    "Are there any World-Compatible GSM cellular telephones that don't offer much beyond calling and an address book?""

    Choose a quad band phone like the Motorola V330 and have it unlocked, so that it can be used with other carriers. When you arrive in another country, choose a local GSM provider, and install their proprietary module in your phone; it's easy, you can do it yourself or have the phone provider employee do it. The Motorola V330 can operate on these bands: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz. That gives you the maximum opportunity in any city in the world.

    It's best not to worry about minimal features. You can't fight the crazy marketing plans.

    I suggest you try the T-Mobile Pay-As-You-Go Plan if you don't use a lot of minutes.

    You definitely want GSM, the service is better. You definitely want a new phone, the sound quality is far better.

    Ask around for someone in your city who will unlock your phone. Locking a phone without your knowledge should be illegal, companies don't warn customers that they are buying locked equipment.

  3. The Nokia 1100 by Cloney · · Score: 5, Informative
    Designed for the Russian market, it's an indestructable effort with a membrane keyboard like an old Sinclair ZX81.
    Features:
    • a monochrome screen that's actually visible in daylight
    • superb battery life
    • ability to make and receive calls and texts
    • phone number memory
    • predictive text input
    • built in LED torch!
    But let's face it, this is really about what it doesn't feature:
    • WAP
    • IR/Bluetooth
    • Java games
    • Downloadable ringtones
    • Polyphonic ringtones
    • Half second lag between pressing a key and phone responding (Sony Ericsson T610, I'm looking at you)
    • Crashes
    • Crazy Frog
    Nokia UK site
  4. Dear Slashdot by Cinematique · · Score: 4, Funny

    A list of the submissions that didn't make the cut.

    My black and white TV is good enough. Is there a model out there without all of these newfangled technologies like color and stereo sound?

    My '57 BelAir gets me from point A to point B just fine... problem is... nobody makes parts for it anymore. Can anyone recommend a similar car without power steering and respectable milage?

    Bla bla bla...

  5. Re:Why? by Clover_Kicker · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I'd like a nice, simple phone that doesn't take 45 fucking seconds to boot.