Until not very long ago the mobile phone was expensive and the preserve of a rich few. Today the cellphone is everywhere--so common it goes unnoticed. Jon Agar tells the fascinating story behind the rise and rise of this incredible little device.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Ramses
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I like this book, it starts with a few good insights and remarks then gives a good (quick) overview of the origins and further worldwide development of mobile telephony. This is a very quick read (a couple of hours) so don't expect too many details.
My only gripe is the long part devoted to the UK situation, which is not too relevant compared to the rest of the world if the book tries to be general.
The tone is friendly, direct, no frills. So I do recommend this book for those who want to get a quick intro into mobile comms history.
My only gripe is the long part devoted to the UK situation, which is not too relevant compared to the rest of the world if the book tries to be general.
The tone is friendly, direct, no frills. So I do recommend this book for those who want to get a quick intro into mobile comms history.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.0 out of 5 stars
1 review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Accessible & Comprehensive history of the mobile phone
30 Sep 2006
By C. Taylor
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Where did mobile phones come from? What makes them so attractive? Why have they come to represent a dominant part of our everyday lives? Jon Agar's investigation into the origins and impact of mobile phones on a global scale is an important and necessary contribution to research in this area.
His discussion of complex and 'dry' details of mobile network expansion and commodification in various countries, is clear and accessible, with relevant examples given to elucidate various points. By linking developments in various countries together, Agar is able to paint a clear picture, of the global development of this ubiquitous technology. Agar's extended investigation into the impact of mobile phones on various aspects of culture, as well as the possible future of these technologies, is strengthened through a drawing together of the historical patterns he lays down throughout the book.
Although at times Agar can gloss quickly over some interesting points that might have benefited from further discussion (cultural impacts in general, in the third world, and further possible trajectories for mobile technology uses as examples). The flip side of this is that it is a quick read: the reader quickly gains valuable knowledge and insight into what is essentially and unknown and un-investigated aspect of very recent history.
Agar offers the reader an essential and helpful text for anyone interested in or investigating mobile phones and their place within society and culture. The reader really develops an appreciation for this small piece of technology that seems to be changing large parts of our everyday lives.
His discussion of complex and 'dry' details of mobile network expansion and commodification in various countries, is clear and accessible, with relevant examples given to elucidate various points. By linking developments in various countries together, Agar is able to paint a clear picture, of the global development of this ubiquitous technology. Agar's extended investigation into the impact of mobile phones on various aspects of culture, as well as the possible future of these technologies, is strengthened through a drawing together of the historical patterns he lays down throughout the book.
Although at times Agar can gloss quickly over some interesting points that might have benefited from further discussion (cultural impacts in general, in the third world, and further possible trajectories for mobile technology uses as examples). The flip side of this is that it is a quick read: the reader quickly gains valuable knowledge and insight into what is essentially and unknown and un-investigated aspect of very recent history.
Agar offers the reader an essential and helpful text for anyone interested in or investigating mobile phones and their place within society and culture. The reader really develops an appreciation for this small piece of technology that seems to be changing large parts of our everyday lives.
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