XPal Spare One
Calamity companion
$69 + $15
(shipping charges)
In an emergency, it is intutitive to shout for help and seek help. But in case you find that your phones have run out of power, XPal's Spare One can be your security because it has been designed for such eventualities. Throw it in your car or keep it handy for the elders at home, the Spare One will never disappoint as it does not need regular charging (this sleek device runs on AA batteries). There is also a SIM adapter, in case you have a microSIM.
In complete contrast to current phones with their huge displays, the Spare One does not have one. There is a screen-like portion from which you can spy the AA cells inside. The SIM card slot can be accessed by removing the back panel. The limited set of keys includes an alphanumeric keypad along with volume control, torch and the lock key. When powered on, the phone beeps a couple of times. There is an LED indicator on the left and right of the battery that shows the signal and battery status.
The Spare One can be used for dialling any number. Designed only for emergency use, the phone does not come with a contacts list, just nine numbers that can be assigned to speed dials. Dialling a number and long pressing the desired key saves it to the assigned number. Without a screen, sending a message is a task. So the Spare One can be used for sending a pre-configured text to preset numbers.
Xpal has been intelligent enough to add sound for indicating the actions. There are distinctive tones when switching the phone on or off. The call quality was clear and we are sure that the Spare One will offer 10 hours talktime as promised. The company claims a standby time of 15 years. But what if it runs out of charge? While the Spare One is clearly a use-and-throw phone, it does not die so easily. When the 10 hour talktime is consumed, just replace the battery. It will instantly make the phone ready for another possible emergency.
BAG IT OR JUNK IT? This no-frills device is eminently designed for emergencies of all types.
