Introducing the Asus M303: A Feature Phone Ahead of Its Time
In 2006, the tech world was buzzing with excitement over the release of a new device - the Asus M303. This feature phone, released in March of that year, promised users a unique experience with its sleek design and advanced features. Let's take a look at what made the M303 stand out from the competition.
Design: Slim and Lightweight
The Asus M303 was designed with both style and functionality in mind. At only 22.9mm thickness and weighing just 87g, this device was slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and hold for extended periods of time. Its dimensions of 83 x 43 mm gave it a compact yet sturdy feel, perfect for everyday use.
Display: A Dual Screen Experience
One of the standout features of the M303 was its dual screen display - a 1.8 inch TFT display on the main screen and a 1.2 inch external screen. This innovative design allowed users to access information and notifications at a glance without having to open the phone. The main display offered vibrant and clear images with its 256K colors and 128 x 160 pixel resolution, while the smaller external screen provided an additional 96 x 96 pixel display with 262K colors.
Memory and Storage: MiniSD Slot for Extra Storage
The M303 may have been a feature phone, but it certainly did not skimp on storage space. With a miniSD slot, users could expand their storage up to 2GB, providing plenty of room for photos, videos, music, and more. The phone also offered a phonebook capacity of 300 entries and call record storage for up to 20 received, dialed, and missed calls, making it a convenient device for keeping in touch with friends and family.
Camera and Sound: Basic but Functional
The M303 may have only had a 1.3MP camera, but it still managed to capture decent quality photos and record videos. The device also came equipped with LED flash, allowing users to take pictures in low-light settings. In terms of sound, the phone lacked a loudspeaker but offered vibration alerts and downloadable ringtones to personalize the user's experience.
Connectivity and Features: Ideal for On-the-Go Use
The M303 may not have had advanced connectivity options such as WLAN or Bluetooth, but it did offer features that were useful for on-the-go use. Its WAP 1.2.1/2.0 browser provided access to the internet, and the device came with pre-installed games for entertainment. It also offered messaging via SMS and MMS and had basic organizer features such as text and voice memos, world time, and a stop watch.
Battery Life: Reliability on the Go
With its removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery, the M303 provided up to 150 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time. For those who needed even more power on the go, the device also had a standard Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery option available.
Conclusion: A Discontinued Device but Still Remembered
The Asus M303 may have been discontinued, but it remains a popular device among tech enthusiasts and collectors. Its sleek design, advanced features, and reliable performance made it stand out in a market dominated by smartphones. Even today, many still appreciate the M303 for its unique design and functionality, making it a timeless device in the history of feature phones.