Released in August 1996 for a jaw-dropping £1,000 in the UK, the Nokia 9000 Communicator isn’t so much a mobile phone as it is a brick that happens to have a PhD in computer science. At 397 grams, it weighs nearly as much as a full can of Coke, and carrying it in your pocket is a bold fashion choice…
Ericsson GA628
If the Nokia 9000 is a tailored suit, the Ericsson GA628 is a colourful shell suit for the masses. Launched in 1996 as a mid-range GSM contender, the GA628 is a sturdy, no-nonsense “brick” phone that has decided to inject a bit of fun into the grey world of telecommunications. Its big claim to fame …
Philips Fizz
The Philips Fizz is a bit of an odd duck in the mobile pond, but it’s one that deserves a closer look if you’re tired of the usual Ericsson and Nokia dominance. Announced in 1996, its biggest claim to fame is its incredible slimness, just 17mm thick. In an era where most mobiles look like they were …
Motorola StarTAC
It is January 1996, and if you aren’t currently staring at the Motorola StarTAC with a mixture of lust and financial dread, you’ve clearly settled for a life of carrying a plastic brick in a holster. The StarTAC isn’t just a phone; it is a declaration that the “mobile” part of mobile telephony has f…