Notes Design

Desperately hoping not to become known as the "disposable phone company" BIC, wellknown makers of disposable razer blades, lighters and ballpoint pens have just launched the first 'off the shelf' mobile phone in France.

The BIC phone will cost 49 Euros (US$78) and is capable of just making phone calls and sending text messages. It comes with a SIM card, 60 minutes of free calls, a phone number included in the packaging and a fully-charged battery. Extra minutes can be bought through the use of a mobicarte and works the same way as most pay-as-you-go schemes. The phone will initially only be available to buy in France.

The BBC has a video announcement while others wonder how the phone will be disposed and whether there are any recycling facilities. A disturbing product to join the "throwaway and replace" category, although one could muse on the benefits of catching a lobbed iPhone 3G...

[photocredit Geek.com]