system@questor.wimsey.bc.ca (system administrator) (02/17/91)
I remember reading some time ago that cellular telephones were sold as
low as $100 in Michigan.
I recently received a mail-order catalog from Minnesota offering two
"transportable" cellular phones, one at $88 (+$20 s&h) and the other
at $199 (+$25 s&h).
Both phone ads have the following disclaimer: "These transportable
celluar phones require a one year service and new activation commitment.
Your phone will come pre-programmed with a local cellular number.
Phones are not available in North Carolina, California and Hawaii
Please have your Social Security number and driver's license number
ready when you call to order. This phone comes fully activated and
preprogrammed with your local cellular number."
(I presume that the sellers make their money from the one year service
agreement, which may cost $40/mo or more.)
If any cellular gurus can offer any advice as to which might be the
"better" unit, in terms of technical advantages, battery life,
serviceability, etc, I would appreciate advice, and might be moved to
purchase one.
The cheapest unit is touted to have a "suggested retail" price of
$599, has no model number, and is described as follows:
CM Telecom Transportable Cellular Phone (no model nbr quoted, just a photo
of a cellular handset coming out of a leather "shaving-kit" type bag
with an antenna on it. Handset has the words "freecomm" on it,
standard 12-button tt pad, + 6 buttons in two rows below it.
- ESN callup; three call timers
- 99 full alphanumeric memory locations
- silent incoming call alert
- battery overdrain protection
- four level lock with 911 override
- one-touch auto-send dialling
- auto-retry; scrolling
- ten-digit lcd display
- last number redial, silent scratchpad
- fully modular removable handset
- programmable lock mode
- cigarette lighter adapter
- leather case with antenna (has a zipper (down the middle, antenna on
the side.)
They ask $58. for an optional rechargeable battery pack and $38 for
the hands free speakerphone accessory.
The other unit:
Nokia-Mobira Transportable Cellular, model LX-11
- thirty number memory with thirty-two digit capacity
- speed dialling, last nbr redial
- three watt power output
They ask $99 for an "optional" nicad battery with charger, plus $19. for
an "optional" handsfree speakerphone.
Sorry for my ignorance, but I still have an old Motorola TLD1200 IMTS
unit in my storage locker which I used happily for many years. (Maybe
I should get the parts I need (cable assembly to control head and
battery, and the locking base plate for the trunk transceiver unit)
and use it instead?
Steve Pershing, System Administrator
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