How many of us still have such a ‘Big Brother Big 大哥大’ at home? Sigh…I don’t have one at all…. I’m referring to the first generation of those mobile phone – big bulky type. Later toy makers made water bottles mobile phones lookalike for children to mimmic.
Talking about such ‘Big Brother Big’ mobile phone users, probably because of the size of the phone, they were usually held on the hands and ‘displayed’ on the tables when the users were seated down.
Above Photo : Relatives ‘displayed’ their Big Brother Big mobile phones on the dining table during my wedding dinner on 19 Dec 1992.
Above Photo : A lady reporter from the Chinese media holding a ‘Big Brother Big’ mobile phone in 1992.
Take a look at how this man used the ‘Big Brother Big’ mobile;
Don’t you find the long antenna troublesome?
Such bulky mobile phones were popular during the 80s and 90s; and mainly from Motorola.
Do you still remember what brand and model is your first mobile phone? I don’t remember the brand and model, but I do recalled that the phone advertisement on TV showing it floats on a leaf. Do you know that brand for this ad?
That was my first mobile phone in 1991 or 1992 when I was working for a US MNC as a Product Manager. The phone was fully paid by the company then and of course the monthly bill too. Too bad the phone was returned back to the company when I left them. In 1991 or 1992, I do remembered that my boss was using the popular Motorola Micro Tac phone;
In fact, in the early 90s most Big Brother Big mobile phones were slowing fading off from the scene. The smaller version of mobile phones like the Micro Tac was surfacing then.
If I were to keep all my handphones since day 1, I really don’t know how many will there be? But it was easier to trade-in used handphones in the past, so I didn’t keep most of them. Below are only some of those that I have left;
Times of My Life 
Reminds me of The Handphone Shop display at Plaza Singapura when they first opened. A pity they’ve removed it.
My first mobile phone was an Alcatel one-touch easy. It had a rechargeable battery but could also be powered by 4 AA batteries!
Very simple, two-line monochrome display, no SMS capability. The reception on that phone was unparalleled.
those chunky things, you could not keep one in your trousers’ pocket. not many could afford a mobile phone then as it cost a ‘bomb’ and so it was a kind of status symbol. my friend was relating to me how his drinking kaki used to carry one around,but whenever he needed to make a call, he would use the 10-cent coin-a-phone instead of his expensive ‘big brother big’.
These heavy-duty phones can take a lot of knocks and are well weather-beaten. Nowadays, one drop of your mobile phone may see it break into a few pieces or the internal components may present new problems that need you to change phones again.
My first h/p was an Ericcson. Cannot remember model no. Just that it was the cheapest.
Yes I was always amused by the ‘show offs’. I think there are actually people who became upset when prices of h/ps dropped till everyone could afford one.
Thanks for reminding me of the brand Alcatel, almost forgotten about it. Yes, in the past the handphone usage is very simple – just for calling out and receiving call. No SMS or MMS or whatsoever.
YG and Ordinary Guy,
Yes the old handphone sure cause a bomb and I remember mine was a $1K plus with very basic functions. For the same price now, it will be with much more functions. Of course those handphone in the past will not come with cameras, videos or memory cards. And of course can’t stand those heavy knocks or drops.
Chun See, at least you could remember your handphone brand..I totally cannot recall at all!
This phone reminds me of a brick. One hit and concussion will follow… for the person and the phone! heh heh.
You are right Seenthisscenethat, using this type of phone to hit someone’s head…haha….
Hii,
ermmm..that man ( 3rd pic) seems very familiar to me.
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