In 2007, Alcatel announced their latest mobile device, the OT-E230. This compact and lightweight phone quickly gained attention for its unique features and sleek design. However, shortly after its announcement, the release of the phone was cancelled. Let's take a closer look at this device.
The Basics of the OT-E230
The OT-E230 was a feature phone that weighed only 83g with a thickness of 23.4mm. It was a simple and compact device that could easily fit into any pocket or bag. The phone did not have a card slot for additional storage, so users were limited to the phone's internal memory.
Connectivity and Network
The OT-E230 operated on a GSM network, supporting 2G bands such as GSM 900/1800 and GSM 850/1900 (US version). Unfortunately, the phone did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities, making internet browsing and data transfer impossible.
The Launch and Cancellation
Alcatel announced the OT-E230 in February 2007, but sadly, it was cancelled before its official release. The reasons for this cancellation are still unknown, and the phone never made it to the market.
The Design and Display
The OT-E230 had a simple yet elegant design, with dimensions of 84.6 x 45 x 23.4 mm. It had a small CSTN display, measuring 1.3 inches with a resolution of 102 x 80 pixels. While the screen may seem small by today's smartphone standards, it had a decent pixel density of 100 ppi. The phone also had the ability to display embedded images and animations, adding a touch of uniqueness to its design.
Memory and Storage
One drawback of the OT-E230 was its lack of a card slot for expandable memory. The phone had only 250 entries for the phonebook and could store up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls in the call records.
The Camera and Sound
The OT-E230 did not come with a camera, so users were unable to take photos or record videos. As for sound, the phone did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack for headphones. It had vibration alerts and polyphonic ringtones with a selection of 16 tones.
Additional Features
The OT-E230 did not have any advanced features such as WiFi, Bluetooth, positioning, or a radio. It also lacked a USB port for data transfer. However, the phone did have a predictive text input feature to aid in typing messages quickly.
Battery Life and Colors
The OT-E230 had a removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery that provided up to 250 hours of standby time and 10 hours of talk time. It came in three colors: white, brown, and fuchsia, giving users some options to choose from.
The OT-E230's Cancellation And SAR Ratings
Alcatel has not disclosed the reason for the OT-E230's cancellation. It is still a mystery why this promising feature phone never made it to the market. However, according to European guidelines, the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) rating for this device was 1.00 W/kg (head), which falls within safe limits for everyday use.
In conclusion, the OT-E230 may have been a cancelled device, but it still left a mark in the mobile industry. It offered a unique design, decent battery life, and essential features for a basic phone. Although it never got a chance to shine, it remains an interesting piece of technology from Alcatel.
