Verrrrry interesting! I've been wanting something like this forever. I like that it uses a common, user-replaceable AA battery, although a lithium AA is probably going to last longer than most users will keep one of these phones around.

Besides running out of juice, if your phone malfunctions or is broken, you can swap out your SIM card and continue to make and receive calls at your usual number. I would assume that contact info saved to your SIM card would also be accessible.

Even without a calling plan, I would assume that it is capable of dialing 911 all by itself. Maybe no E911 features, but I'm OK with that. I wonder if the FCC would have problems with that, though? The FCC didn't seem to like those mobile phones that were recycled but not re-activated on a calling plan and given to victims of abuse so they could call 911. You don't hear about those programs anymore.

I looked around a bit. Seems like MSRP of $49 later this year. Hopefully less when it hits stores.