Before smartphones and touchscreens became the norm, there was a time when mobile phones were simple and functional. In the early 2000s, Ericsson released the R600, a device that may seem basic by today's standards but was ahead of its time back then. Let's take a closer look at this iconic feature phone.
Release Date and Operating System
The R600 was released in the fourth quarter of 2001, making it almost two decades old now. It was one of the first feature phones to hit the market and offered a slew of features that were new and impressive at the time. The device ran on Ericsson's own operating system, specifically designed for feature phones.
Sleek Design and Dimensions
Weighing in at just 82g and with a thickness of only 20mm, the R600 was a sleek and compact device. Its dimensions of 105 x 45 x 20 mm (4.13 x 1.77 x 0.79 in) made it easy to carry around, even in small pockets. The phone came with a mini-SIM card slot and a grayscale graphic display that could illuminate in 3 colors, making it perfect for users who wanted a bit of customization.
Network and Technology
The R600 was a GSM device, which meant it could be used on any GSM network. It supported 2G bands of GSM 900/1800 and also had GPRS for internet connectivity. However, it did not have EDGE support, which was relatively new technology at the time.
Memory and Storage
One of the downsides of the R600 was its lack of a card slot for external memory. This meant that users had to make do with the limited internal storage, which was a significant drawback compared to other feature phones on the market. However, it did have a phonebook capacity of 200 contacts and could store 10 received, dialed, and missed calls in its call records.
Features and Functions
The R600 may have been a basic feature phone, but it still packed a punch when it came to functions. It had an alarm, a clock, and could send and receive SMS and EMS messages. The phone could also be used for basic browsing through WAP 1.2.1. Additionally, the R600 came with four games - Erix, Catcher, Pathy, and Ripple, providing entertainment for its users.
Battery Life and Color Options
The R600 came with a removable Li-Ion battery (BST-20), which provided a standby time of 90-150 hours and a talk time of 2-4 hours. Not bad for a device released almost 20 years ago! The phone came in two color options - Ice Blue and Luminous Champagne, giving users a bit of variety to choose from.
The Legacy of the R600
Despite being discontinued, the R600 left a lasting impact on the mobile phone industry. It paved the way for feature phones to become more advanced and popular before smartphones took over. It also proved that a phone didn't need to have all the latest technology to be functional and appreciated by users.
In conclusion, the R600 may have been considered a basic feature phone in its time, but it was proof of Ericsson's innovative mindset and ability to stay ahead of the curve. Even though it may not hold up against today's standards, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who used and loved it.
