The Adnostic

I was having a conversation about cell phones with a friend of mine at a party and she was adamant about not upgrading.

Me: Why?

Shane: I just want the basics. I don't need any of the other stuff.

Me: But the other stuff is so great! Email, mobile web, texting, photos.....

Shane: But I can't SEE anything on other phones. I want to be able to read the keypad and the screen without putting on my glasses. I just want the basics. Where is the phone for me?

Think of all the millions upon millions of Baby Boomers who aren't that tech savvy, have weak eyes, and who want just the basics, but wouldn't mind paying a little extra for the basics well done. Chew on that for moment.

I wasn't long after this conversation that I started seeing cell phones that do just that, the basics, only in a beautiful, modern, and stylish manner. First is the Willcom R9, which is considered to be the ultimate minimalist cell phone.

They weren't obsessed with cramming as many features as possible into one tiny device, they just focused on doing the basics extremely well and fitting them into a sleek, well designed package.

Then there is the concept Tiny Phone. It's really ust a stick with flip out screen and four buttons that can enter multiple numbers.

This may be too far in the minimalist direction. I could see it working for an aging 007. Unfortunately, they keep replacing them with younger versions, so weak eyesight and arthritis is never really an issue for Her Majesty's Secret Service.

Even though the iPhone has the world abuzz with it's amazingness, it is always good to take a step back and realize that some people are not interested in amazing products. They are interested in ordinary products in amazing packages.