Introducing the LG W3000: A Feature Phone Ahead of its Time
In 2002, LG released the W3000 - an innovative feature phone that pushed the boundaries of technology. With its sleek design, advanced features, and impressive specs, it quickly became a fan-favorite in the mobile market. In this article, we will take a closer look at the key aspects of this iconic device.
Design and Dimensions
The LG W3000 weighed only 80g and was 20mm thick, making it one of the lightest and slimmest phones of its time. It was designed with a timeless, minimalist approach, and was available in three colors - white, red, and blue. The small but sturdy phone easily fit into the palm of your hand, and its compact size made it convenient for carrying around.
Operating System and Storage
The W3000 was powered by a feature phone operating system, giving users access to basic functions such as calls, text messaging, and a simple web browser. It did not have a card slot, which meant that storage was limited to the phone's internal memory. However, with an impressive phonebook capacity of 200 contacts and the ability to store 110 short messages, it was more than enough for the average user.
Network and Connectivity
The W3000 utilized GSM technology and had 2G bands for GSM 900/1800 networks. This made it compatible with most network providers at the time. Despite not having GPRS or EDGE capabilities, the W3000 still offered reliable network connectivity for calls and texts.
Display and Camera
The W3000 featured a grayscale graphic display with 4 shades, providing a clear and crisp image. Its 128 x 64 pixels resolution and 18:9 aspect ratio were considered top-of-the-line at the time. The phone also had a blue backlight, making it easy to use in low light conditions. However, the W3000 did not have a camera, which was not uncommon for feature phones during its release.
Sound and Other Features
One of the unique features of the W3000 was its ability to download wallpapers, adding a touch of personalization to the phone's display. Users could also store up to 10 voice-dial numbers and 20 calendar events on the device. Additionally, it came with three pre-installed games - Mobile Hawk, Stone Axe, and Crazy Race - providing some entertainment for users.
Battery Life
The W3000 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 850 mAh battery, which could last up to 250 hours on standby and up to 4 hours of talk time. This was impressive considering the phone's small size and its advanced features.
In Conclusion
The LG W3000 may have been a feature phone, but its features, design, and performance were ahead of its time. It set the bar high for other feature phones and was loved by many for its simplicity and convenience. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a cherished device in the history of mobile phones and serves as a reminder of how far technology has come.
LG W3000 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2002, Q3
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
102 x 45 x 20 mm (4.02 x 1.77 x 0.79 in)
Weight
80 g (2.82 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Grayscale graphic, 4 shades
Size
Resolution
128 x 64 pixels, 18:9 ratio
Other
Blue backlight
Downloadable wallpapers
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
200 x 5 fields
Call records
20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Other
110 short messages
10 voice dial numbers
20 calendar events
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS
Browser
WAP 1.2.1
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
3 - Mobile Hawk, Stone Axe, Crazy Race
Java
No
Other
Predictive text input
Organizer
World clock
Voice dial
Exchangeable covers
Nokia Smart Messaging