It was only a matter of time before Asia's two most celebrated pop culture icons were combined; the cell phone and Hello Kitty. Actually Nokia previously created one, but Taiwanese manufacturer, OKWAP, has taken it one step further by created the A267 and i516 clamshells for Hello Kitty's 30th anniversary.
OKWAP A267
Being incredibly pink, it's safe to assume the phone is aimed at girls who love all things Hello Kitty. The clamshell has 128 x 128 px internal and 96 x 48 px external screens, both capable of displaying 65K colors. The external screen shows common information such as battery and signal level, and time and date in digital or animated analogue formats.
The phone also has a built-in 0.3 megapixel camera able to snap photos at up to 640 x 480 px, 64 chord polyphonic ringtones, a flashlight, MMS, Class 10 GPRS, along with Hello Kitty pictures, wallpapers, and animation.
OKWAP i516
The i516 is similar to the A267, but slightly upgraded. Being pink as well, the i516 contains a 1 megapixel camera with flash and 4X zoom that can capture both pictures and videos. And at 42 x 84 x 19 mm and weighing just 85 g, it's a tiny phone. Additionally, it features internal 128 x 160 px 262K color and external 96 x 64 px 4K color screens, perfect for showing those Hello Kitty pictures and animations. Opened, the screen even swivels 180 degrees allowing users to flip the phone closed with the internal screen facing up. Games, FM radio, stereo handfree kit, and other fun features are included as well.
Both models contain Hello Kitty accessories including a Kitty Phone Pouch (Hot pink as well), hand strap, second battery, handsfree kit, and key ring mascot.
Although they're sold in Asia, those who must have it (and can read Chinese to order it) can use it on GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 networks in the U.S., UK, and Europe. The A267 sells for around $400 USD, while the i516 is around $450 USD.
For the CDMA loyalists who ask what benefit GSM has aside from outdated technology, I think it was just answered.
I for one welcome our new Japanese feline overlord. Hello Kitty's quest for world domination continues...
5. Posted by GSMDude
Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:55 pm
My god... what has the world come to... I find it quite ironic that the two people who want it have Hello Kitty avatars... Biased!
6. Posted by darkgypsy
Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:36 am
Hi, this is my first listing - i hope i get it right? I have a hello kitty phone (a263) pretty pink, camera etc etc and it got "injured" today (fell on the floor) and broke its screen. Now all i can see is a blurr of colour! i can still make and receive calls - but i cant see anything. can anyone tell me how we get these phones repaired (if at all?)
7. Posted by kguidry
Tue Jul 26, 2005 11:51 am
soooo cute!
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Biased! 
