Any company that specializes in basic (i.e. dumb/feature) cell phones?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7864963

by tomkazarian • 12 years ago

3 6 12 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

It seems like there will be a growing demand for basic cell phones as more and more people want to focus on the present moment and essentially choose to disconnect in order to reconnect.

I just picked up a Nokia 515 (1 month standby time), good looks, decent antenna/speakerphone, can send/receive texts, it does have basic email functionality and ultra-basic web access but I don't use them.

My question is, 'Is there a company focusing on creating stripped down (in terms of features) phones that just have good looks, HUGE battery life, EXCELLENT antennas/speakerphones/call-quality, and not email/web access, etc. ?'

jeffmould• 12 years ago

It's funny you bring this up. I was talking to a friend the other day and we were talking about the future of mobile devices. I made a comment that I would rather go back to a "dumb" phone with better reception quality and better battery. I find myself using my iPad and laptop more and more over my phone for web and email and really just use my phone for calls/texting. I would rather have a plan with two devices one being a cheap phone and the other just unlimited (truly unlimited) data for my tablet. I know you can do this to some extent already, but it could be better.

gotorazor• 12 years ago

http://www.dorousa.us/

They basically sell a cellphone for seniors.

More to what your point. I think the ideal "dumb" phone for me would be an updated LG Keybro (for texting) that can do wifi tether.

planetjay• 12 years ago

Walmart -> Unlocked Cell Phones -> Blu

mlwarren• 12 years ago

http://www.greatcall.com/products/jitterbug Jitterbug fits the description. My grandmother just got one. Big, simple buttons and no other features. I don't even think it has texting. One of the more interesting features is operator assisted calling.

What I find interesting is the Jitterbug phone is relatively expensive for how simple it is. They sell it on their site for $100. I found it on Amazon for $80. Similar "simple" phones with other carriers can be found for free, or $10 or so.

TheSpiceIsLife• 12 years ago

http://www.johnsphones.com/store/item9 - John's phones not even have a screen!

Mankhool• 12 years ago

http://www.johnsphones.com/ If I didn't have an employer paid for iPhone 5S with unlimited data THIS (or the N515) would be my choice.

Any company that specializes in basic (i.e. dumb/feature) cell phones?

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