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Minimal Phone 2

328 points · 262 comments · nashashmi

  1. FinnLobsien · · focus · HN ↗
    This is great. I really like the “dumb phone” movement.

    Sadly for now they’re too expensive to buy just as an experiment.

    1. sama004 · · focus · HN ↗
      my question is why is it soo expensive if you are just making a dumb phone, give me a 100-200$ option with less ram and storage i'll be all in
      1. FinnLobsien · · focus · HN ↗
        Exactly. I would want:

        -Phone/texting -Messengers like WhatsApp/Telegram/etc. -Maps -Music/podcasts

        Ideally with e-ink.

        I want something that doesn't compete with a full-fledged smartphone (which I'd still keep for travel and stuff). I want something to take to the office, hanging out with friends, etc, where bringing the smartphone becomes a decision.

        1. wink · · focus · HN ↗
          I think if you ask 5 people what dumb (enough) phone meant you'd get seven answers.

          For some anything after SMS is not dumb enough (ok, this still exists), others would be ok with just a browser, and you said Maps and WA/etc/.

          I am not even sure I could give you a good enough definition, I'm kinda happy enough with Android and just ignore any dumb/minimal angle, because if I only take a phone with me I generally want to potentially use it as a computer replacement. There are really only 2 people I call regularly.

          1. FinnLobsien · · focus · HN ↗
            > I think if you ask 5 people what dumb (enough) phone meant you'd get seven answers.

            Yes, but I think anyone interested in this would know what they don't want: TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube, or any other app that wants you to spend maximum time in their app.

            Unless we're talking about complete purists who basically want a 2003 level phone that only does call/text, there's lots of flexibility.

            Someone who wants a less addicting phone but doesn't necessarily require maps is unlikely to not buy because of a maps app. It's not like they'd spend 3 hours a day getting directions.

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