Burnside Telecom, which makes 'desktop mobile phones', has announced that its P230 Easy Answer Desktop Mobile Phone is now available from The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). The phone combines the flexibility of a mobile phone with the familiarity and ease-of-use of a desktop telephone.
All that's needed is a SIM card and mains power supply. As well as offering conventional voice calling, the UK-manufactured P230 can automatically answer calls in handsfree mode for those who are unable to operate their phone. To ensure security, this option is only available to pre-programmed numbers. In addition, a 'hotline' number can be called simply by lifting the handset or pressing the handsfree key.
Simon McLean, the RNIB's Technology Product Manager, said "We chose to offer the Burnside phone because it offers the text message, portability and no line rental features of a mobile phone whilst providing the comforting familiarity and feel of a desktop, fixed line telephone".