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Walkie-talkies take over as trendy way to keep in touch

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Hong Kong's gadget-mad communication junkies have found a new way to keep in touch - by walkie-talkie.

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Since the government opened some radio frequency bands for public use, two-way radio manufacturers have seized the market opportunity, churning out slim-line stylish devices for the mass consumer market.

The machines have a range of 2km to 3km, cost less than a mobile phone - between $160 and $420 - and require no monthly service fees.

And one drawback - the fact that conversations can be overheard or shared by strangers - has in fact become a hot selling point.

Motorola Asia-Pacific, one of several manufacturers, says it has sold more than 10,000 walkie-talkies locally since the airwaves were opened in February. The new models are smaller than traditional walkie-talkies with modern designs. There's even a wrist version that doubles as a watch. And scanning features allow users to eavesdrop.

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One user, surnamed So, 35, said the new device allowed him to act out a childhood fantasy.

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