Probably The Best Mobile Phone In The World

Mobile phones are ubiquitous, but in the pursuit of ever "Smarter" models, basic functionality seems to have been overlooked. My last two phones claimed to be tough, and indeed for a couple of years each survived regular dunkings before eventually failing. At £100 for the Samsung B2710 Solid Immerse and £50 for the slightly smaller B2100 they are better priced and more pocket sized than many and, if the data is switched off, can last a week or so on a charge. They also both had a big loop to attach a chunky lanyard and a torch. Both endlessly useful. The problem I have with these phones, aimed at users with an active lifestyle, so I guess outside - perhaps when the sun is shining -  is that it is impossible to see the screen in daylight. Quite an oversight. (No pun intended.)

A good game when ringing a Crapple iPhone clone or other "smart"phone user (assuming they get the call at all - more on that soon) is guessing if they are inside or out. The clue is whether they know it's you - i.e.  can they see the caller display.

For many months I came close to either re-buying a Nokia 8210 (sold my 1999 original on eBay with a mass of accessories a few years back) or a now ridiculously expensive 8910 (bought one and sold it again as it kept snapping open in my pocket) since both have the old school Monochrome screen that makes daylight use possible.

Enter the Nokia 1280.

I discovered this little marvel in the nick of time and having bought one for about £20 was so impressed that a week later I bought another five from the same eBay seller. The reason? Well six, because the model has been discontinued by Nokia/Microsoft - nice move guys. 

Why get it at all? Well just look at the features and benefits:

• Dimensions 107.2 x 45.1 x 15.3 mm
• Weight 81.9g

• Means it fits in your pocket & you hardly notice it.

• Monochrome Display

• Visible in daylight - even the brightest sunlight.

• Standby Time - 528 h
• Talk Time - 8h 30m

• You can make a call when you need to - no daily charging.

• Flashlight

• See in the dark.

I could go on about the simple user interface and predictive text that works beautifully, but it's a Nokia so these things are a given. It has every feature bar one I need and nothing I don't. My only regret is that it isn't waterproof, but I have two workarounds:

• Most supermarkets do a nice line in cheap freezer bags. Drop it in, tie a knot and you're good to go. Lightweight, cheap and you can still use the phone. I've taken this approach in the water and up a mountain many times and never had a problem.

• Aquapac make a fine range of floaty, strappy or dangly waterproof pouches from about £20. I've used them for years, having bought one full price and a second hand one for £2.00 in a junk shop.

The only feature of previous smart phones I've missed is a camera, which though poor quality was useful for snapping a reminder image - but this is a minor inconvenience. 

I believe this phone is aimed at developing countries, but I can't understand why Nokia don't see how great this is anywhere. The only negative reviews I've seen miss the point that it's a dumb phone for a more enlightened (smart) user. Most people that have one love it.

As I said, I was so impressed I bought six. (I gave one to my wife.) Now - where can I find a natty yellow cover?