String phone (toy version)
Two tin cups and some string was all that was needed if you wanted to talk to someone far away – so long as “far away” was no more than 300-400 metres, of course. (From the catalogue 1931.)
Connecting to each other
Mobile phones
Mobile phones came into usage in Sweden in the early 1980s but by 1987, only two percent of the population had their own phone because they were expensive. Thirteen years later that number had risen to 71 percent and, by 2004, 100 percent had a mobile phone (and many had one for work and one for private use). (From the catalogue 2008.)
House phone
For short-range calls, local phones were often installed. They worked within a building and sometimes between nearby houses. The microphone was made from Bakelite. (From the catalogue 1933.)
Telegraphy key
The manual key allowed the user to send dot-and-dash telegraphic signals in Morse code. (From the catalogue 1948.)
Bluetooth headset
Bluetooth technology has been around since 1999. It enables wireless communication between a sender and receiver (for instance, a mobile phone and a headset, or a mobile phone and a car stereo). The technology is a joint venture between Ericsson, IBM, Toshiba, Nokia and Intel. The name came from Harald Bluetooth, a Danish Viking king who united Denmark and Norway and was a good speaker. The project group took the name as they worked across countries and in harmony. (From the catalogue 2004.)
Speech amplifier
A two-way speech amplifier lets you keep conversations going even in noisy surroundings. The amplifier and throat mic were used by motorcycle riders and paragliders alike. (From the catalogue 1983.)
Telephone-timer
The telephone timer helped you keep track of how long you had talked – and how much it would cost. (From catalogue 1944.)
Intercom
Open and shared office spaces are a relatively new solution. In Sweden in the 1960s, most executives had their own office. The intercom made sure that your office neighbours were never further away than the push of a button. (From the catalogue 1965.)
Speed-dial phone
This classic model could store 10 numbers for speed-dialing. Plus, you could dial the last number called with one simple button push. (From the catalogue 1993.)
