The Evolution of the Motorola ROKR W5 Feature Phone
In 2007, Motorola released a new feature phone that was designed to combine the functions of a phone and an MP3 player. This revolutionary device was called the ROKR W5 and it quickly gained popularity among music lovers and technology enthusiasts. Let's take a closer look at this unique device and its impact on the mobile market.
Design and Specifications
The ROKR W5 was a compact and lightweight device, weighing only 107g with a thickness of 17.5mm. It had a traditional flip phone design and came in a dark pearl gray color. The phone also had a mini-SIM card slot and a dedicated microSD slot for expandable storage, with a capacity of up to 20MB.
One of the key selling points of the ROKR W5 was its music capabilities. It featured a 1.9-inch TFT color display and a second external CSTN display, both capable of displaying 256K colors. This allowed users to not only make calls and send texts, but also view album art, screensavers, and wallpapers on their phones. Additionally, the device had a built-in MP3/AAC+ player and support for downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones.
Network and Connectivity
The ROKR W5 was equipped with GSM technology and could connect to GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 bands. It also had GPRS and EDGE capabilities, making it possible to browse the internet and download music at relatively high speeds for a feature phone. Other connectivity options included Bluetooth 1.2 with A2DP, allowing users to wirelessly transfer files and listen to music on compatible devices.
Camera and Other Features
The main camera on the ROKR W5 was a 1.3 MP single lens, capable of recording videos. However, the phone did not have a front-facing camera for selfies. It also lacked other common features such as Wi-Fi, a radio, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, it did have a voice memo function and an organizer for practical use.
Battery Life and Price
The ROKR W5 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 880 mAh battery that provided a stand-by time of up to 340 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours. This was considered average for a feature phone at the time. The phone was released with a price tag of around 100 EUR, making it an affordable option for consumers.
Legacy and Discontinuation
The ROKR W5 may not have been as popular as some other Motorola models, but it still left a lasting impact on the company's line of phones. It paved the way for future music-focused devices such as the Motorola ROKR E6 and E8. Unfortunately, the ROKR W5 was discontinued after a short period of availability, and is now only available through second-hand sellers and collectors.
In Conclusion
Overall, the Motorola ROKR W5 was a game-changer in the feature phone market. It combined essential mobile functions with music features, giving users the best of both worlds. Although it may no longer be widely available, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers and early adopters of technology.
