Hop-On unveils ultra-low cost handset
updated 12:30 pm EDT, Mon May 26, 2008
Hop-On intros $10 handset
On Friday, Hop-On released a disposable cell phone called the HOP1800. At $10, the HOP1800 is five times less expensive than the admittedly higher-spec Motorola MOTOFONE F3, and comes with no form of display whatsoever. In exchange, it offers 16 polyphonic MIDI ringtones, a vibration feature and locks for both the keypad and SIM card. The dual-band 850/1900MHz GSM handset is aimed at travelers and can be recycled, with the company offering a $5 mail-in rebate when the handset is returned.
Infineon supplies the chipset, while the lithium-ion battery is rated at four hours of talk time and 150 hours of standby. The device can be used on the networks of more than 40 US carriers, including Hop-On’s own Graffiti Wireless network.
The HOP1800 is available throughout the US, alongside a European version that uses the 900/1800MHz frequencies. [via I4U]
