The new BorgCo paper-cup phone looks like ... a paper cup, with a bit of string dangling from the base, which has a loop tied in the end.
Concealed in the base of the cup is a stripped-down but fully functional cell phone chassis. Control is via a bluetooth wristwatch.
To use, hook the loop of string over a fixed point and pull it tight. Speak the name of the person you wish to converse with. The electronics dial the call, and activate speakerphone mode.
When complete, release the tension on the string. This drops the call.
Observe with amusement the bewilderment and consternation of onlookers.-- 8th of 7, Dec 07 2017 Really old wiring insulation https://inspectaped...TH_MN_116_DJFcs.jpgThis was before plastic insulation became common. [Vernon, Dec 07 2017] Observe with bewilderment and consternation the arrival of the men in white coats.-- MaxwellBuchanan, Dec 07 2017 Why, did you phone for them ?-- 8th of 7, Dec 07 2017 I think it might be cool if the string surrounded a piece of extendable wire (see link). When you want to make a call, you push a button that extends the wire and thus makes the surrounding string taut. This wire could double as at least part of the phone's antenna. When the call ends, a circuit triggers an unlatching mechanism that reduces the extension of the wire and thus lets the string become slack.
While the main advantage of this over the string in the main text is the fact that you can still move around a lot while holding your phone, the proper coloration of the string might make it look like it extends into some other dimension, thus connecting to the other paper-cup phone.-- Vernon, Dec 07 2017 Wonder if there would be a way to surreptitiously hide a Makey-makey to create a paper-drawn dial pad...-- RayfordSteele, Dec 07 2017 random, halfbakery