Early transportable cell phone (1980s) : the not so mobile network

Before reaching the micro-technology of today's mobile phones, cell phone users had to go through a period of arm-stretching portability, which seemed closer to carrying a brick than a state-of-art telephone.

Early cell phones were heavy. They had to use large components and the batteries were huge by today's standards. Cell phones in cars were more practical because they had access to a large battery, but for people who had to be in contact on foot there were two other options.

The batteries on hand portable phones allowed 10 x 3 minutes of talktime, which meant that for the serious conversationalist this transportable cell phone was a better answer. Perhaps lugable is a better description than portable; either way this phone helped start the trend that has led to today's multibillion pound mobile phone business.