Equipment & Weapons—Mobile Devices/Phones & Computers

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Note: green is Official Setting information, blue is Extended Universe information, and brown is dojinshi information.

In General...

The following is generally true irregardless of the era. Included below are some basic items with prices to serve as a guideline. Generally, in-game prices are consistent with the real world prices at the time that you are playing your game.
For eras after 2009 (when the Macross world begins to substantially differ from the real world), computers and other electronic devices generally have 10% to 15%* greater performance than the equivalent in the real world at the moment you are running your game.
* 20% to 25% for games set after 2055.

Mobile Phones Their functions include not only the basic ones such as calling and e-mailing, but also a wide range of advanced ones that make it possible to say that the phones are handheld computers.
Digital Assistants Other Than Mobile Phones Even though they are often overshadowed by mobile phones, a variety of communication devices are also in use. These devices are in a different position from that of mobile phones, and it's thought that their purpose is the pursuit of multi-functionality and securing confidential phone lines.

Mobile Phone Basic Functions:
1. Calling: their basic functionality is for mobile "phone calls". Understandably, if there is no signal or the receiver has turned off their phone, then the phone function cannot be used. 2. E-Mail: sending and receiving texts is a basic function of mobile phones, and this function has changed little from past phones. Advances in displays have also made the text easier to read. 3. Answering Machine: a standard function in which the message recorded by the caller is replayed on the receiving mobile phone. An icon is displayed to identify the caller.

Generic Computers, Electronic Devices, Telephones & Voice Recording Equipment

Color Monitor. $250 (¥25,000)

Computer: Basic Desktop. $800 (¥80,000)

Computer: Basic Laptop. $1,500 (¥150,000)

Computer: Basic Tablet. $200 (¥20,000)

Mobile: Basic Flip Phone. $50 (¥3,000)

Mobile: Basic Smartphone. $80 (¥8,000)

Printer/Scanner. $150 (¥15,000)

Ink/Toner. $30 (¥3,000)

Pack of red, blue, yellow and black cartridges.

Telephone: Basic. $50 (¥5,000)

Telephone: built in Answering Machine and Fax. $120 (¥12,000)

Voice Recorder - pocket sized. $100 (¥10,000)

Small-Capacity Data Card. $5 (¥500)

60 min. recording time.

Med-Capacity Data Card. $9 (¥900)

180 min. recording time.

High-Capacity Data Card. $18 (¥1,800)

360 min. recording time.

VR Goggles & Gloves. $100 (¥10,000)

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2005-2010 (M0 / SDFM) era

Fujitsu Desert 100 Word Processor

Mobile phones as we know them were unforeseeable in 1982 when Super Dimensional Fortress Macross was being developed and broadcast. However, 2009's Super Dimensional Fortress Macross: THE FIRST manga reenvisioned the setting with the mobile phones that were available in Japan at the time. Even though The FIRST was released after 2007's introduction of the iPhone (the smartphone that revolutionalized mobile phones), the smartphone revolution in Japan didn't start until well after the release of the iPhone 3G in the latter half of 2008. Thus the mobile phones in The FIRST are based off of the unique, feature-ladden "Galapagos mobile phones" prevailent in Japan at the time. Most Galapagos phones could be connected to a "Mobile Internet" (a kind of text-centric internet exclusively for Galapagos phones). Some of their features are listed on the right.

Mobile Phone Basic Functions:
same as 1. Calling, 2. E-Mail, and 3. Answering Machine above, and:

Alarm clock, stopwatch, and timer

Audio recording

Camera phone features (front-facing camera, selfie camera) with image enhancement capabilities (e.g., add borders, create animations, and more.)

Calculator, calendar, schedule notes, and memo pad

E-money service (wallet phone, also allows phone to be used as a rail ticket)

E-mail, and Instant messengers with emoji.

GPS navigation

Pedometer

Video calling

Music player (MP3 player, etc.), and Video player (MP4 player, etc.)

Television (1seg) and radio (FM/AM) access

Fujitsu Desert 100 Word Processor

Equivalent of the Toughbook CF-30 (released 2007).
Runs Windows Vista (Windows 7 from mid-2009).
Cost: $1,600 (¥160,000)

A compact word processor. Screen folds down like a lap top, and by clipping the attached printer onto it, the two parts form a briefcase for portability.
Why you want it: rugged, all-in-one portable computer. Certified to meet MIL-STD-810 standards of operation in a range of extreme conditions. Not the fastest/largest/etc., but it does the job, and in a post-apocalyptic world, ruggedness and durability are what you want. What other laptop can you drop in the mud and then drive a truck over?

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Hikaru's Slide Phone

Medium-grade Galapagos phone
Cost: $125 (¥12,500)

Why you want it: the slide. Slide it open with a single finger. No dorky clamshell-like phone held up to your head. This one's compact and stylish. Popular with the boys.

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Minmei's Flip Phone

High-grade Galapagos phone
Cost: $150 (¥15,000)

Why you want it: fully-loaded with all the latest features. High-quality camera and medium-grade selfie camera. Popular with the girls.

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Other Mobile Phones

The various mobile phones used by Minmei's classmates (in Japan) and during the SDF-1's Space Launch Ceremony (on South Ataria Island).

1 Minmei's Classmate's Phone 1

Medium-grade Galapagos phone

High-end camera

Cost: $135 (¥13,500)

Why you want it: the high-grade camera—the best digital camera you can find in a mobile phone at the time.

2 Minmei's Classmate's Phone 2

High-grade smartphone

iPhone 1 equivalent

Cost: $500 (¥50,000)

Why you want it: the next generation mobile phone. Get on the bleeding edge of technology! Only drawback is the limited number of apps available.

3 Hikaru Watanabe's Phone
Minmei's childhood friend from high school.

Medium-grade Galapagos phone

camera/media player/phone combi

Cost: $130 (¥13,000)

Why you want it: screen rotates 360°, and is able to be closed while reversed—giving a digital camera-like experience or the ability to watch videos more comfortably in the hand. Not the highest-grade camera, but a pretty decent one.

4 Basic Phone
Seen in the crowd watching the SDF-1 Space Launch Ceremony.

Low-grade Galapagos phone

built-in selfie camera

Cost: $60 (¥6,000)

Why you want it: cheap as chips. Barebones, basic model, but gets the job done.

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Video Phone

Range: >50 km
Cost: $250 (¥25,000)

A personal communication device. A video-telephone. Why you want it: doesn't need a wireless network to work—has a built-in radio transceiver. Doesn't come with any bells and whistles, but is the only thing on the market that allows video calls when you're outside of the cities in the post-apocalyptic Earth. Certified to meet MIL-STD-810 standards of operation in a range of extreme conditions.

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2011-2034 (FB, M3) era

Smartphones

Mobile devices/phones and computers stagnated in the years after the First Interstellar War. This is because not only was the manufacturing base destroyed and the potential audience had shrunk from billions to mere millions, the majority of people were devoted to much more immediate concerns: food production, rebuilding infrastructure (including residences), and the preservation of the human species via the Mankind Sowing Project. Due to the manufacturing complexity of the wide variety of Galapagos mobile phones, they were discontinued and the focus switched to one or two models of smartphone. Also due to the lack of resources, the introduction of new models slowed from a pace of 1 every 6 months to one every couple of years.

It wasn't until late in the 2010's or even in the 2020's that the mobile device/phone market begins to resemble the real-world one. However, the Macross version is behind by up to a decade, and the kinds of apps that are available are generally different due to the fracturing of the human race across different star systems, and the continued focus on rebuilding the Earth and the Mankind Sowing Project. Computers and other electronic devices in the first half of this period generally are the equivalent of the real world ones at the moment you are running your game. Devices in the later half generally have 5% to 10% greater performance.

Smartphones

iPhone/Android equivalents
Low-grade cost: $80 (¥8,000)
Med-grade cost: $150 (¥15,000)
High-grade cost: $500 (¥50,000)

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2035-2054 (M+ / M7 / VF-X) era

Gala-Spo Reader

Smartphones

Computers and other electronic devices generally have 10% to 15% greater performance than the equivalent in the real world at the moment you are running your game.

Mobile Phone Basic Functions:
same as 1. Calling, 2. E-Mail, and 3. Answering Machine above (In General), and 5. Media Playback Functions, and 6. Navigation Functions below (Macross Frontier).

Gala-Spo Reader

cheap Kindle equivalent
Cost: $45 (¥4,500)

This is a no-thrills tablet. Generally -10% lower performance than a generic tablet in the real world at the moment you are running your game. Why you want it: a basic, cheap-as-chips tablet. Perfect for reading the latest issue of Gala-spo (Galaxy Sport)!

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Smartphones

iPhone/Android equivalents
Low-grade cost: $80 (¥8,000)
Med-grade cost: $130 (¥13,000)
High-grade cost: $450 (¥45,000)

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2055-2064 (MF) era

Network Connector Necklace

Even though the Frontier Fleet has a vast area, implants are prohibited except for medical purposes, so various types of communications devices are used. Mobile phones are the most popular kind of communication device in Frontier. The mobile phones—used by men and women of all ages—are generally compact in size. In addition to making calls, sending e-mails, and accessing computer networks, they can also do such things as display location information and play back recorded media. They have a wide range of basic and advanced functions that makes it possible to say that the phones are handheld computers filled with plenty of indispensable functions. In fleets such as the Macross Galaxy Fleet—where implants are accepted practice—humans can directly access the network regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.
Computers and other electronic devices generally have 20% to 25% greater performance than the equivalent in the real world at the moment you are running your game.
Mobile Phone Capabilities: the standard screen is a 3D image with touch-panel functionality, making it easier to see than the actual size of the mobile phone. Many models can display the face or symbol of the caller on the screen. They also have the ability to transfer optical media, such as holographic discs, from one mobile phone to another—like it was flung from one device to the other.
Mobile Phone Variations: there are many variations, with some models having peculiar shapes and special materials. Standard models that are recognizable as mobile phones seem to be the most popular, and not only ordinary people but also military personnel own them for personal use. Perhaps because there are no functional problems, military personnel and employees of Private Military Companies also use the mobile phones that are available to the public.
Digital Assistants Other Than Mobile Phones: even though they are often overshadowed by mobile phones, a variety of communication devices are also in use. These devices are in a different position from that of mobile phones, and it's thought that their purpose is the pursuit of multi-functionality and securing confidential phone lines.
Desktop Phones: they were used by the President, Chief-of-Staff, and others. It seems that they were used for confidential phone lines with excellent security.

Mobile Phone Basic Functions:

① Calling: above (In General), and the performance of microphones and earphones has improved, making it easier to have a conversation without having to hold the phone close to one's face. The incoming screen can be set by the person recording it.
② E-Mail: above (In General), and since the holographic screen is larger than the actual size of the mobile phone, it looks like the email screen is also easier to see.
③ Answering Machine: above (In General), and this type of voice mail also animates the caller's icon during message playback.
④ Off-Island Calls: calls not only within Island 1 and the Environment Ships, but also to outer space. It seems that the caller needs to be in a spacecraft with relay capabilities, and the receiver must have receiving capabilities.
⑤ Media Playback: plays music and other media. Available on models with media-compatible slots. Usually, it seems that media is played over the network.
⑥ Navigation Functions: displays a map of the surrounding area and one's current position. Since maps of normal areas are publicly available, there isn't any inconvenience. However, it seems that it cannot be used by anyone other than authorized personnel in such places as military facilities.

Data Disc

Low-capacity cost: ¥700 ($7)
Med-capacity cost: ¥1,500 ($15)
High-capacity cost: ¥3,000 ($30)

Low-capacity disc: can hold 1 feature film's worth of footage. Med-capacity disc: can hold 2.5 feature film's worth of footage. High-capacity disc: can hold 5 feature film's worth of footage.
Why you want it: owning the media is so much better than paying a monthly fee to stream it—not to mention maintaining your privacy and keeping things secret from the prying eyes of hackers. Also extremely useful for playing your favourite media when you're off somewhere disconnected from the internet.

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PDA (Grace's Mobile Device)

High-end tablet equivalent
Cost: $150 (¥15,000)

A notebook-sized PDA. It's a portable device smaller than a laptop computer. It is operated with the attached retractable stylus that comes with it. Sheryl Nome's manager, Grace O'Connor, used it for entertainment-related work, such as scheduling. Even though it's not intrinsically necessary for Grace—who has implants—it could also be said that it's a prop for her disguise.
Why you want it: stylish, classy, and you can do proper work on it (unlike the smaller mobile devices).

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Implant Mobile Phone

Cost: varies according to tranceiver range
- short range (4.8 km): $600 (¥60,000)
- medium range (32 km): $650 (¥65,000)
- long range (160 km): $900 (¥90,000)

Combination Clock Calendar, Universal Headjack and Ear Implant with Special Augmentation, and Optic Nerve Video Implant. For details, refer to either Rifts Core Rules Pg 230 (divide costs by 100), Rifts Ultimate Edition Pg 48 Bionic Features and Accessories (divide costs by 100), Heroes Unlimited Pg 104 (divide costs by 1,000), or Ninjas and Superspies Pg 65 (divide costs by 100).
Note: MDC implants are not possible in the Macross universe.
Why you want it: your body is already fully of implants (if not mostly cybernetic already). Why waste time with a handheld, external device, when you can do what everyone else does, but beamed directly into your head?

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Laptop Computers (Luca's Laptop)

High-end laptop equivalent
Cost: $2,500 (¥250,000)

The laptop computer owned by Luca Angeloni. It has slots for media. The compact personal computer was also used as a network device. It is a notebook-sized device with advanced functions. It was Luca's favourite mobile device that he carried with himself at all times, both at school and at S.M.S. He also used it to simulate the acrobatic performances they performed in EX-Gear.
Note: the laptop has even higher performance than others on the market at the time: +5% (total 25% to 30%) greater performance than the equivalent in the real world at the moment you are running your game.
Why you want it: why limit yourself to the limited computing performance of a mobile phone? This stylish laptop is the boss when it comes to such things as programming and hacking!

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Network Connector Necklace (Grace's Necklace)

Premium Wi-fi goods
Cost: $75 (¥7,500)

The necklace also serves as a network connector. Even though the design of Grace's handbags, necklaces and other accessories are simple, they also feel refined.
Why you want it: perfect for Cyber-grunts and others who want to disguise that they have—and are using—implants. Also handy for boosting the range of mobile devices, too! Masculine and other feminine versions also exist.

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Aruto's Mobile Device

Upper medium-grade smartphone
Cost: $175 (¥17,500)

This model is a traditionalistic type popular mainly among young people. The display is a type of arched-shaped hologram that unfurls. The window part on the phone can be slid to the side. The incoming message screen can be set by the person recording it. Ranka was also Aruto's e-mail friend. Even though mail from Ranka got through to Aruto, his replies were rather short.
Why you want it: cool, stylish, and all the rage with your mates. The arch hologram is also one of a kind!

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Nanase's Mobile Phone

Lower medium-grade smartphone
Cost: $125 (¥12,500)

This small, folding type is popular among girls. The display uses both a fixed screen and a holographic screen. The curved part on the upper left is an antenna. It was Nanase's favourite mobile phone.
Why you want it: small, compact, and stylish. The small screen is also great when you want to keep things private!

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Ozuma's Mobile Device

Luxury goods. Status symbol
Cost: $650 (¥65,000)

This is a custom-made, signature-stamp-box shaped model. It can be used by opening the top and bottom parts, and a holographic screen is displayed between them. The upper and lower parts are connected with strings. The signature-seal type is elegant! He has been using it since he and Cathy were dating. The lid opens and a hologram is displayed. It makes a satisfying sound when the lid is closed.
Why you want it: nothing says classy like this custom-made mobile phone. Who needs an obvious technological device, when you can get this refined, premium-quality mobile device.

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Mr. Giant Salamander/Ranka's Mobile Phone

High-grade smartphone
Cost: $300 (¥30,000)

Also known as a bio-cellular [phone], this giant salamander-shaped device is made of a biological material. It totally looks like a living creature. It has simple AI functions, a slot for media in its mouth, and earphone functionality in its legs. It is designed to resemble a small animal, and is made of a soft, flexible material. Mr. Giant Salamander is an exceptional product that also has a music playback function. The music being played could be listened to with the attached earphones. It has e-mail and voicemail functions, and can read the contents of a disk by 'eating' it. In addition to listening to music and reading discs, the phone can even be used as a ticket for a live performance. The phone can also transform into a guide light and a microphone. It also seems to have some kind of artificial intelligence. Ranka's favourite mobile phone. It is shaped like a Japanese giant salamander, and looks comfortable to touch. Of course it features telephone calls and mail. It has diverse functions, and can do such things as play back music that is on discs—which are ingested through the phone's mouth—and private mail that also expresses emotions.
Why you want it: who wouldn't want this latest AI-equipped bio-cellular? Not only does it come with everything you need for a mobile device, it's soft and cuddly, too!

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Whip Phone/Sheryl's Mobile Phone (TV)

High-grade smartphone
Whip: bullwhip-length: 1D8+1 SDC, arms-length: 1D6 (15% chance of breaking each time)
Cost: $250 (¥25,000)

Sheryl loves to use a mobile phone shaped like a whip. This phone imitates Sheryl's favourite whip-shaped microphone, has excellent retainability, and the fur and ribbon are eye-catching. It is unknown whether or not Sheryl has been using it since the time that she was in the Galaxy Fleet. Following based on the lineart (artist's notes) from Macross F Collection of Setting Data Red: Holographic hearts and sparkles float near the top as an incoming call notification. An incoming message alert is displayed on the shaft under the fur at the top. The glittering parts under the notification bar light up only when the phone is started up or deactivated. The whip stowage button is at the bottom. The antenna and whip stick out of the fur at the top. There are ribbons and charms near the top under the fur. The whip can be stored quickly—like a vacuum cleaner cord. Transmission strength 1 when the whip is stowed, strength 2 when the whip is pulled out arm length, and strength 3 (maximum) when it is fully pulled out to bullwhip length. The shaft opens to reveal an internal monitor and keypad and can be used just like a general mobile phone. The tip at the bottom can be used to scroll through images and videos.
Why you want it: compact, stylish, strong but also feminine. Not only can you emulate S&M Sheryl, it includes a fully functioning whip! (Disclaimer: not to be used as a real weapon)

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Keitai (Mobile "Fish")/Sheryl's Mobile Phone (movie)

High-grade smartphone
Cost: $275 (¥27,500)

A taiyaki (fish-shaped pancake filled with bean jam) shaped mobile phone that looks just like the real thing. It is also known as a "keitai" (mobile 'fish').* Despite its unique shape, it is a multifunction "mobile" phone. It has almost all of the functions of a normal mobile phone, and jumps around energetically when receiving a call. "Keitai" in various colours were on sale at the venue for Sheryl's Revenge Live performance. Translator's note: there's a pun lost in translation. The Japanese for mobile phone is "keitai". However, with this phone, the second kanji is replaced with the one for tai—the reddish-brown Pacific sea bream. Following based on the lineart (artist's notes) from Macross F The False Diva Collection of Setting Data: Sheryl's new "keitai". It's about palm sized. The scales are the buttons. There is a monitor on the back side and a concealed plug just under the mouth. Holographic comic book speech bubbles come out of its mouth. Images and videos appear in the speech balloons. When you type an email, the letters appear in the speech balloon. The device flutters during the incoming vibration. The "keitai"'s mouth opens when it's communicating. The device is plump, just like when a taiyaki is just backed.
Why you want it: stylish, and much more elegant than the gross-cute Mr. Giant Salamander mobile phone, with virutally all the same features.

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2065-2074 (MD) era

Freyja's Mobile Phone

Makina's Mobile Phone

Reina's Mobile Phone

Other Mobile Phones

The capabilities of the MD era mobile devices are basically the same as the MF era ones (including +20-25% improved capabilities).

The main differences between this generation and the Macross Frontier generation are 1. the majority of phones are bio-cellular types (such as Ranka's Mr. Giant Salamander or Sheryl's "Keitai"), and 2. these soft or plush-type phones sometimes take on roles more akin to accessesories, as the primary interface is a holographic display.

Sea-cat Phone/Freyja's Mobile Phone

High-grade smartphone
Cost: $150 (¥15,000)

The mobile phone Freyja acquired on Laguna is a sea-cat merchandise. It uses an elastic material with a very stretchy structure, and can be wrapped around ones arm or used as a microphone. When it's a microphone or telephone, it can stand on its side and look like an industrial product.

The tail is like a ribbon when wrapped around the arm. It has rectangular eyes, and the expressions look more like ASCII art or something like that.
Why you want it: striking, stylish, able to be used as a cute arm bracelet, but can still be held and used like a traditional phone. All the rage with travellers to Laguna.

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Cat Phone/Makina's Mobile Phone

High-grade smartphone
Cost: $125 (¥12,500)

A bracelet-style mobile phone used by Makina. It has a rabbit-themed interface.
Why you want it: who needs a tacky, souvenir-like sea-cat phone? This exquisite phone is the perfect accessory for the lady on the go!

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Ghost Phone/Reina's Mobile Phone

High-grade smartphone
Cost: $125 (¥12,500)

Reina's mobile device. The eyes are buttons, and the phone is soft. It is the latest bio-cellular phone, with a holographic display. Due to it's larger size (compared to the bracelet types), it has greater performance.
Why you want it: soft, stylish, and perfect for those that want to hold the device in their hand, and not have to hold their arm at a cockeyed angle just to use the phone!

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Other Mobile Phones

Note: these phones are unofficial. They were rejected ideas for Freyja's phone, and are being included to round out and show the potential of smartphones/mobile devices in the Macross Delta era.

Sea-cat Phone 2

Medium-grade smartphone

Cost: $125 (¥12,500)

Why you want it: compact version of the Sea-cat Phone with a more stylish bracelet form that doubles as a watch.

1 Bird type Phone

Medium-grade smartphone

Cost: $100 (¥10,000)

Why you want it: cute and whimsical.

2 Insect type Phone

Medium-grade smartphone

Cost: $100 (¥10,000)

Why you want it: cute and whimsical.

3 Ladybug Phone

Medium-grade smartphone

Cost: $100 (¥10,000)

Why you want it: cute and whimsical.

4 Butterfly type Phone

Medium-grade smartphone

Cost: $100 (¥10,000)

Why you want it: cute and whimsical.

5 Chocolate Phone

High-grade smartphone

Cost: $125 (¥12,500)