Remember the Nokia 3310?... It's back.

Esel · 16-02-2017 03:56AM

Aaliyah Fat Trolley wrote: »

Some of the more interesting dumb phones out there even have built in PMR PTT walkies-talkies,
can't find a stock image but thery're generally the JVC Builder's yellow and black type ones.

Very interesting. Never heard of a combo like that. Are they readily available?

4068ac1elhodqr · 16-02-2017 04:13AM

Esel wrote: »

Very interesting. Never heard of a combo like that. Are they readily available?

Some can be expensive but there is obscure Chinese/Indian made ones like 'Snopow IP68 waterproof rugged phone 2G/3G/4G android 5.1 with PTT walkie talkie function' and few others with features: GPS, NFC, Cameras etc.. Babikenshop also make some, very very few reviews.

Older JVC PTT Builder phones are probably cheaper and better - for group traveling around euro-beaches without evoking any roaming charges.

Grayson · 16-02-2017 04:50AM

Ursus Horribilis wrote: »

i wonder would they have been better off reviving a more modern phone with a colour screen and camera? I have a few relatives in their 60s and 70s who still use those old fashioned phones. They use the cameras on them though and are sent photos of their grandchildren.

Last Christmas I got my father a new phone and had a little bit of trouble trying to find one that would suit him. A lot of the dumb phones I looked at were cheap and nasty plastic yokes, some had tiny screens and others very small buttons. I'm sure he's not the only smartphone refusenik out there but the choice is becoming more limited.

I think it's samsung that make a range with large buttons. I got one for my mum. She's moved to a smartphone now and doesn't really mind because they have big buttons on a screen too.

smurfjed · 16-02-2017 06:08AM

My first work phone...

Followed by this...

suicide_circus · 16-02-2017 06:47AM

3310 is lighter than an iPhone 7

Lighter means faster.

Esel · 16-02-2017 07:01AM

Aaliyah Fat Trolley wrote: »

Some can be expensive but there is obscure Chinese/Indian made ones like 'Snopow IP68 waterproof rugged phone 2G/3G/4G android 5.1 with PTT walkie talkie function' and few others with features: GPS, NFC, Cameras etc.. Babikenshop also make some, very very few reviews.

Older JVC PTT Builder phones are probably cheaper and better - for group traveling around euro-beaches without evoking any roaming charges.

Found this, installed it, but can't see it! Maybe it might be visible after a reboot?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.motorolasolutions.wave&hl=en&rdid=com.motorolasolutions.wave&pli=1

Peregrinus · 16-02-2017 07:02AM

Ursus Horribilis wrote: »

i wonder would they have been better off reviving a more modern phone with a colour screen and camera? I have a few relatives in their 60s and 70s who still use those old fashioned phones. They use the cameras on them though and are sent photos of their grandchildren.

The target market is not your relatives in their 60s and 70s. It's the developing world where, for reasons of cost, non-smart feature phones still substantially outsell smartphones. They cost less to buy, they cost less to operate and, in terms of communications functionality, they give you voice calls and texts, which is 90% of what matters.

In saturated markets in the developed world, new sales largely come from persuading consumers to upgrade, and this requires promotion of, and the creation of demand for, new features of increasingly marginal utility. But the developing world markets are huge, and very far from saturated, and of course they have customers who are much more price-sensitive. Dumb phones are where it's at, and where it will be at for quite some time to come.

16-02-2017 08:56AM

Peregrinus wrote: »

The target market is not your relatives in their 60s and 70s. It's the developing world where, for reasons of cost, non-smart feature phones still substantially outsell smartphones. They cost less to buy, they cost less to operate and, in terms of communications functionality, they give you voice calls and texts, which is 90% of what matters.

I still use a non smart phone. It's cheap and functional and as I do a lot of outdoor activity, practical. Not sure I'd go back to the 3310 though, a little heavier than non smart phones of about 5 years ago.

mr_edge_to_you · 16-02-2017 09:06AM

Much preferred the 3210 myself - with the official "silver" cover rather than standard grey it came with.

In fairness in mid 90s no one could have foreseen the revival in Apple's fortunes. It's not inconceivable that the Nokia brand can be revamped.

I have a close friend who decided that he had enough of smartphones and bought himself a simple old phone (calls and texts). I can see how it would be good for your brain. I'd like to think I could do it but I'd only end up buying some form of tablet then.

Peregrinus · 16-02-2017 09:18AM

Deleted User wrote: »

I still use a non smart phone. It's cheap and functional and as I do a lot of outdoor activity, practical.

And fair enough. But the truth is there aren't enough of you in the developed world to induce Nokia to relaunch the 3310; it's the developing world market that's driving this.

Deleted User wrote: »

Not sure I'd go back to the 3310 though, a little heavier than non smart phones of about 5 years ago.

Yes but, on the other hand, it's extremely durable and resilient which, given your reasons for wanting a non-smart phone, is a plus. And of course its durability and its chunkiness are not unconnected.

re_shaft · 16-02-2017 10:29AM

I got my Aunt a "dumb" new nokia last year. Very light, just calls and texts and the battery last weeks. Best present I ever bought!

4068ac1elhodqr · 16-02-2017 03:41PM

Esel wrote: »

Found this, installed it, but can't see it! Maybe it might be visible after a reboot?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.motorolasolutions.wave&hl=en&rdid=com.motorolasolutions.wave&pli=1

Nope, that still uses tinterweb and/or wifi gateways, via apps.

PMR functionality requires a transceiver built on the public/free standard 446Mhz. These (and even more so the older 27Mhz CB) will operate without web/wifi/bluetooth/gsm/g3/g4, and probably still even after any armageddon events up to 3km or so distances.

There's a few on amazon and alibaba but all without reviews.

Alun · 16-02-2017 03:53PM

Deleted User wrote: »

I still use a non smart phone. It's cheap and functional and as I do a lot of outdoor activity, practical.

Same reason here. When up in the hills, I have my smartphone with me, but also an old Nokia phone, switched off, for emergency situations if the sh!t really hits the fan and I need something that'll keep going for a few hours to maintain contact with Mountain Rescue. Easier to use with gloves on too.

casscass4444 · 16-02-2017 04:04PM

That's one thing about the old Nokia.it only had to be charged once or twice a week.
These new bastids need plugging in twice a day and they're the whole time binging with different apps and about 5 different ways people can contact you on them.
They were simpler times

16-02-2017 04:36PM

I have an old Nokia and I often use it when I'm going out so I'm not distracted by my smartphone. It's smaller, handier, stays charged forever and does the job. It's also survived any number of drops and smacks.

I'd prefer everyone left their smartphones at home for social occasions, there's nothing worse than meeting people for a meal and they spend half their
time checking their phones or worse, updating their status - mostly out of habit I expect.

ETA: I still wouldn't be without the smartphone though, I don't understand people being reluctant to adopt it as it's incredibly useful.

DEFTLEFTHAND · 16-02-2017 06:44PM

Not surprised tbh. Flip phones are also popular again with hipsters.

Agricola · 16-02-2017 07:11PM

I wonder if anyone in the world ever hears the Nokia ringtone and doesnt immediately think.........

HELLO............

NO, I'M IN THE CINEMA......

I SAID I'M IN THE CINEMA........

YEAH!!!!..................

Lt Dan · 16-02-2017 07:23PM

Agricola wrote: »

I wonder if anyone in the world ever hears the Nokia ringtone and doesnt immediately think.........

HELLO............

NO, I'M IN THE CINEMA......

I SAID I'M IN THE CINEMA........

YEAH!!!!..................

Yeah, it's rubbish !

scamalert · 16-02-2017 07:37PM

nokia 3310 is like classical car,it never fails you,if smth breaks which is rare case fix is easy,thus no worries of smth going wrong.

Modern phones are like new cars,packed with 100s of electrical sensors if one goes,theres no diy ,your looking at expensive fix at very least,so old new they serve same function expecpt new is made in a way to brake easier,and cost you a fortune to get if fixed,and once you buy its matter of months before better one comes out.

id say if they follow old design they will make small fortune,since 60e for phone that does what it needs is small price,not that theres shortage on the market price vise of phones anyway.

colm_mcm · 16-02-2017 07:58PM

Esel wrote: »

Very interesting. Never heard of a combo like that. Are they readily available?

I think the basic Samsung one that looks like a Nokia has this.

4068ac1elhodqr · 16-02-2017 08:10PM

colm_mcm wrote: »

I think the basic Samsung one that looks like a Nokia has this.

Don't think any Nokia would/ever had the PMR446 transceiver chip, it requires a few additional hardware components such as PTT buttons. CAT & JCB used to make them for the chaps on building sites.

Some of the newer Asian ones use the full 400-470Mhz range, which isn't license free unlike the dedicated 446 ones.

colm_mcm · 16-02-2017 08:14PM

I'm pretty sure the PTT was done via the menus. Never used it just saw it there.

andekwarhola · 16-02-2017 08:54PM

There'll be a surge in tedious hipster types trying to source 80s brick phones now.

Hande hoche! · 16-02-2017 09:10PM

Would definitely pick one up. Will be interesting to see what they do with the charger.

Gadgetman496 · 19-02-2017 05:30AM

Ghost Train · 19-02-2017 10:31AM

Don't have a big problem with them reviving it but would prefer to see them do a modern take on it. Trouble is Nokia got caught up trying to compete with the iPhone etc would be nice if they revived the Nokia but gave it features the later Nokias had like WiFi for messaging and voice apps

Boom_Bap · 19-02-2017 10:47AM

Nice nostalgia touch.

And thankfully it's the sturdiest phone ever, the first time someone goes back to trying to write an sms after years with a smartphone will result in the nokia being lashed at a wall repeatedly.

My work phone is an old nokia and when I have to write an sms it's a nightmare.

VonLuck · 19-02-2017 11:09AM

Gadgetman496 wrote: »

Is that a confirmed mock-up image?

It would be great if it is. My mother avoids using all forms of technology, but that looks like a nice and simple introduction to the world of smartphones.

Gadgetman496 · 19-02-2017 11:15AM

VonLuck wrote: »

Is that a confirmed mock-up image?

It would be great if it is. My mother avoids using all forms of technology, but that looks like a nice and simple introduction to the world of smartphones.

I'm led to believe it is but that's not a confirmation.

It shouldn't be too long before we know for sure though.

colm_mcm · 19-02-2017 12:44PM

Those pics were going around 3-4 years ago AFAIK.

Remember the Nokia 3310?... It's back.

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