Mobile Technology

The (old-school) Bluetooth phone

The (old-school) Bluetooth phone
Just like an old phone nly moderner
Just like an old phone nly moderner
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Just like an old phone nly moderner
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Just like an old phone nly moderner
Under the hood
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Under the hood
New and old living together in harmony - beautiful
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New and old living together in harmony - beautiful
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February 27, 2009 From the, “it’s a cute idea, but who would actually buy one” file comes a Bluetooth Portable Rotary Phone from Sparkfun Electronics called the Blue Phone. That’s right, if that miniature Bluetooth headset you’re using is proving just too damn convenient, then why not opt for one of these. The Blue Phone is compatible with any mobile phone that supports the hands-free protocol and works just like rotary phones from the days of yore – loud annoying metallic bells and all.

The Blue Phone is actually an original rotary phone that has been modified, so Sparkfun points out there may be some small scratches and marks on the exterior – it calls this “character”. They also call the phone portable – which is technically true as it is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery that provides 30 hours of running time – but we’d like to see anyone fit this baby into their jacket pocket.

For anyone desperate for a touch of nostalgia the Blue Phone is available now for USD$249.95.

Darren Quick

Source: Sparkfun via Technabob.

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2 comments
2 comments
agulesin
Many, many years ago, before mobiles were around, we bought a second-hand phone just like this and pretended to use it on the train home. I'll never forget the looks of fellow passengers...
Clay Jones
I did something similar. I planted a phone in my high school locker, located near where we ate lunch each day. I recorded a phone ringing and put the player in my locker as well. About 15 minutes into lunch, the "phone" started ringing. People were looking around, knowing there was no phone nearby. I calmly got up, opened my locker, and faked a conversation. My friends got it; others were stupified.