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Companies tout new hi-tech mobile gadgets at a low cost

By Hilary Powell

With record high unemployment rates nationwide, peaking prices at the pump and the rising cost of food, the average mobile device user may be pinching pennies to purchase the latest tech toys.

A growing number of technology companies are providing cheaper models to keep users connected.

For example, how does a $10 cell phone sound?

The Hop 1800 is a GSM cell phone developed by Hop On, Inc.

The makers of the Hop 1800 say the hassle-free device is, “ideal as a backup cell phone, when traveling abroad, or for anyone looking for a super affordable cell phone that does one thing extremely well: make phone calls.”

The affordability comes at a technical cost: the phone has no display. There’s also no Web access for e-mailing and texting. And it’s not GPS-integrated.

But it’s a cost some companies recognize users are willing to take.

An article posted Sunday on MiamiHerald.com indicates more companies are developing low-cost mobile gadgets.

According to the article, analysts and manufacturers say items priced under $200 are in a “sweet spot” that is considered to be somewhat recession-proof.

Canon is one company aiming for that “sweet spot” with three cameras under $200. The $129 model Medico chose is the least expensive camera the company has ever offered.

According to the Techie Diva, camcorders are becoming more budget-friendly. RCA, she said, just released a device called the Small Wonder EZ300HD. The high definition camcorder has a 2.4-inch LCD display, features 2GB of internal memory and an expansion slot and is optimized for low-light recording. It’s predecessor is the $150 Ultra Flip by Pure Digital.

In-house gadgets are perhaps taking a cue from the affordable mobile device movement.

According to MiamiHerald.com, Sony developers have hinted at ”entry-level” TV sets in 2008 that cost between $500 and $1,200 - about $200 less than its premium line. And Samsung just cut the prices on part of a new line of flat panels by $200.

Monday, June 9th, 2008 Filed under Mobile technology |