Walkie-talkies latest HK trend

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

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.

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