The chaps at Hop-On have launched their $10 Anti-iPhone GSM handset.

First off, this is a cheap-as-chips handset. A disposable GSM phone. But it works. 4 hours talk time, 150 hours standby, dual band and it weighs 77 grams. No display.

An iPhone, it ain’t.

But that’s the point, explains Hop-On CEO Peter Michaels, “Though the iPhone is an amazing device, I challenge anyone to make a call faster than with the HOP1800.” Fair point. Heh. He continues, “With the cost of living and roaming fees going though the roof, the HOP1800 is also the perfect iPhone traveling companion. Just buy a local SIM card and you can use the HOP1800 with over 40 domestic wireless carriers.”

Brilliant.

The HOP1800 is a study in simplicity. There is no display. A tactile numeric keypad with Braille markings, offers reassuring buttons that touch screen cell phone users are longing for. Being a pre-paid cell phone, no contracts are required so you can be up and talking in seconds. The HOP1800 can be used with over 40 US carriers including AT&T, Cingular and T-Mobile as well as through Hop-On’s own low cost Graffiti Wireless(TM) network.

For a tenner? That’s £5.09. For a GSM handset! Heh.

Look out for them in retail stores and if you’re looking to rebrand them, talk to Peter Michaels.

(They’ve also got a range of more powerful, sexier handsets — check them out).