Bird A130: An Overview of the Released 2004 Feature Phone
If you're someone who has been using smartphones for a while now, it's hard to imagine a time when flip phones and feature phones were the norm. But in the early 2000s, devices like the Bird A130 were popular choices for those looking for a simple and affordable way to stay connected.
Release and Brand
The Bird A130 was released in 2004, during the fourth quarter of the year. It was manufactured by the company Bird, which was a telecommunications company based in China. Despite being a lesser known brand, Bird was able to make a mark in the affordable phone market with the A130.
Design and Dimensions
At just 82g and 22mm thick, the A130 was a compact and lightweight device. Its dimensions were 87 x 42 x 22 mm (3.43 x 1.65 x 0.87 in), making it small enough to fit into any pocket or purse. The phone had a simple and classic flip design, with a small external display on the front and a larger internal screen when flipped open.
Operating System and Storage
The Bird A130 was a feature phone, which meant it ran on a basic operating system and did not have the advanced capabilities of a smartphone. It also did not have a card slot for additional storage, so users had to rely on the phone's built-in memory. This may seem limiting now, but at the time, it was still a major step up from traditional landline phones.
Network and Connectivity
Connectivity options on the Bird A130 were very basic. It could only connect to 2G bands, specifically GSM 900 / 1800. It also had GPRS Class 4, which was a slow speed for internet connection. The phone did not have Bluetooth, WiFi, or any other modern connectivity features. But for its time, the A130's ability to make calls and send texts was more than enough for most people.
Display and Camera
The phone's external display was a simple STN screen with 65K colors. Its internal screen had a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels, which was decent for viewing basic graphics and icons. The A130 also had a VGA camera, which was considered a luxury feature at the time. However, it did not have any video recording capabilities.
Memory and Battery
Like most feature phones, the Bird A130 did not have a card slot for additional memory. It could store up to 500 entries in its phonebook and 20 dialed, received, and missed calls each. Powering the device was a removable Li-Ion battery, which was a common choice for phones in that era.
Other Features and Color Options
Along with the basic features mentioned above, the A130 also had a standard messaging system (SMS, EMS, MMS), a WAP 1.2.1 browser, and a few pre-installed games. It did not have Java support or advanced features like GPS or a music player. The phone came in a sleek silver color, giving it a timeless look.
Conclusion
Although the Bird A130 may seem outdated now, it was a popular and budget-friendly choice for many people in 2004. Its simple design, basic features, and affordable price made it a practical option for those who only needed a device for making calls and sending texts. While smartphones have taken over the market, devices like the A130 will always hold a special place in the history of mobile technology.
