# Big Ol' Clunky Cellphones. I want one. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 20, 2007, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739 "2007-01-20T18:26:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/1 "2007-01-20T18:26:24Z")
Can you get these anywhere? I gave my Dad a cellphone for Christmas and he’s not using it much, mostly because it’s got too may bells and whistles and it’s too fuckin’ small. We bought him one a while back and he was quite comfortable with it. It just sent and received phone calls. And it was pretty damn big. Anyone know if this animal exists? Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![LawMonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/2 "2007-01-20T18:40:41Z")
I think that [this](http://www.gojitterbug.com/) may be exactly what you’re looking for. It seems to be marketed at older folks who’re uncomfortable with all of the complexity of mainstream cellphones. I could see it appealing beyond that group, though. All I really want a phone to do is make calls and store phone numbers, personally… ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/3 "2007-01-20T19:11:03Z")
Have you checked out the cell phone stores, most of the bottom of the line, free with a plan phones might be what you’re looking for. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/4 "2007-01-20T19:25:47Z")
[QUOTE=Lemur Catta] I think that [this](http://www.gojitterbug.com/) may be exactly what you’re looking for. It seems to be marketed at older folks who’re uncomfortable with all of the complexity of mainstream cellphones. I could see it appealing beyond that group, though. All I really want a phone to do is make calls and store phone numbers, personally… [/QUOTE] Except it looks like a miniature toilet seat. I agree on the appeal, however. ---
**Author:** ![WonJohnSoup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f17d59/32.png) [@WonJohnSoup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WonJohnSoup)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/5 "2007-01-20T19:27:16Z")
Ack, I was going to post something similar. Yeah, does anyone know where you can get older phones that are still carried by the phone companies? Also on that note, anyone know how I can get one of those ginormous cell phones from the 80’s when they first came out? The ones where you look like you’re requesting for air support. I’m sure those aren’t supported by the phone companies anymore, I just want one for novelty purposes before they’re all destroyed in the dumps. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/6 "2007-01-20T19:38:51Z")
[QUOTE=WonJohnSoup] Ack, I was going to post something similar. Yeah, does anyone know where you can get older phones that are still carried by the phone companies? Also on that note, anyone know how I can get one of those ginormous cell phones from the 80’s when they first came out? The ones where you look like you’re requesting for air support. I’m sure those aren’t supported by the phone companies anymore, I just want one for novelty purposes before they’re all destroyed in the dumps. [/QUOTE] Search eBay for “Brick cell Phone” or “Brick Phone” ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_N](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f08c70/32.png) [@Steve\_N](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_N)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/7 "2007-01-20T19:56:14Z")
Hi. I have one of these [http://www.telusmobility.com/on/mike/handset\_i355.shtml](http://www.telusmobility.com/on/mike/handset_i355.shtml) it’s big, made to mil spec, almost indestructable, doesn’t take pictures or play mp3, and you could beat something to death with it and then phone to have the mess cleaned up. ---
**Author:** ![SkeptiJess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@SkeptiJess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkeptiJess)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/8 "2007-01-20T19:56:55Z")
I bought my cell phone off eBay. I don’t like really small phones because I carry my phone in my purse and the teeny ones slide down into the pocket where I can’t reach them. I don’t like to pay for a bunch of junk I don’t use, either. I want to get calls & text messages, recieve calls & test messages, & store phone numbers and that’s all. I bought the phone I have now off of eBay. It’s a refurbished [Nokia 3589](http://www.accessorygeeks.com/nokia3589.html) and it cost me about $40. It was cleared and ready to go when I got it, and I just went to the Verizon website and switched my phone number over easy as pie. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/9 "2007-01-20T20:15:35Z")
[QUOTE=WonJohnSoup] Also on that note, anyone know how I can get one of those ginormous cell phones from the 80’s when they first came out? The ones where you look like you’re requesting for air support. I’m sure those aren’t supported by the phone companies anymore, I just want one for novelty purposes before they’re all destroyed in the dumps. [/QUOTE] You’re thinking of the [Motorola DynaTAC series](http://www.retrobrick.com/moto8000.html), also known as “The Brick”. Unfortunately, they’re all analog devices and won’t work on modern GSM or CDMA/Qualcomm networks, but you can find them on eBay or collector’s sites. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/10 "2007-01-20T20:27:53Z")
[QUOTE=WonJohnSoup] Also on that note, anyone know how I can get one of those ginormous cell phones from the 80’s when they first came out? The ones where you look like you’re requesting for air support. I’m sure those aren’t supported by the phone companies anymore, I just want one for novelty purposes before they’re all destroyed in the dumps. [/QUOTE] You’re thinking of the [Motorola DynaTAC series](http://www.retrobrick.com/moto8000.html), also known as “The Brick”. Unfortunately, they’re all analog devices and won’t work on modern GSM or CDMA/Qualcomm networks, but you can find them on eBay or collector’s sites. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/11 "2007-01-20T22:35:11Z")
I have a Nokia 101, which uses the AMPS analogue system, if anyone wants it. Good luck finding a battery for it, though… ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2007, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/12 "2007-01-20T23:42:05Z")
Darn, wish I’d read this a few months ago. I finally tossed my first couple of cell phones. The first one had a pretty ordinary looking handset with a coiled line, and a bag about the size of a large purse or small knapsack, and a power line, all of which I installed in my car. Then I got a newer setup that was so small it didn’t need the bag, just had a half-shoebox sized chassis I could fit under the car seat. Who knew anybody’d want 'em? ---
**Author:** ![Sapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2007, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/13 "2007-01-21T00:39:50Z")
For those interested in the novelty factor of having a huge phone, there are some foam inserts where you can put your regular phone. They go from actual classics (such as the Brick) to silly stuff (bananas). Sorry I don’t have the link but I am sure someone so inclined can do the homework. ---
**Author:** ![Epimetheus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c4cdca/32.png) [@Epimetheus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Epimetheus)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2007, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/14 "2007-01-22T16:27:34Z")
It’s a 1980’s style Brick Phone. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2007, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/15 "2007-01-22T21:28:44Z")
I would suggest against getting an old clunky cell phone because they’re analog. Cingular, for one, has started charging an extra $5.00 a month for analog access. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2007, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/16 "2007-01-22T21:39:18Z")
Why not just get something like [this](http://www.shop.com/op/~HANDSET_FOR_CELL_PHONE-prod-39283969-52233745?sourceid=298) or [this](http://www.shop.com/op/~Retro_Cell_Phone_Handset-prod-34507372-45069339?sourceid=298) ? ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2007, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/17 "2007-01-22T21:41:41Z")
Last year a friend of mine needed a big cell phone for her dad, with the same basic need you’re talking about. She went to a cell phone store and asked about such a thing, the guy went in the back and found a phone in the backroom. It was about 7 or so years old but was in an unused condition. He gave her the phone at no charge since it wasn’t even in their pricing lists anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2007, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/18 "2007-01-22T21:52:53Z")
If you get a phone that’s not GPS capable, your (his?) provider **WILL NOT ACTIVATE IT** if it’s not GPS capable, due to a new (18 months?) law for 911 capability. ---
**Author:** ![RogueRacer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@RogueRacer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogueRacer)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2007, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/19 "2007-01-22T21:55:47Z")
It’s probably counter-intuitive, but a Motorola RAZR is actually a good phone for someone who doesn’t like the tiny buttons. Granted, it has a lot of bells and whistles, but it is a pretty large phone when it’s opened up. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2007, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739/20 "2007-01-22T22:00:50Z")
I’d go for that Jitterbug thing. I wonder if someone will write a simple user interface new [iPhone](http://www.sciam.com/media/externalnews/2007-01-10T215456Z_01_NOOTR_RTRIDSP_2_TECH-APPLE-IPHONE-DC.jpg) ? That might be neat, though not out yet, very expensive and restricted to Cingular. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-ol-clunky-cellphones-i-want-one/388739.md?page=2)