Motorola StarTAC 130: The Groundbreaking Feature Phone of 1998
In today’s world of smartphones, it’s difficult to imagine a time when cell phones were bulky and limited in their capabilities. But back in 1998, Motorola revolutionized the mobile phone industry with the release of their StarTAC 130 model.
Introducing the StarTAC 130
The Motorola StarTAC 130 was a compact and lightweight feature phone that quickly became the must-have device for anyone looking to stay connected on the go. It was the first cell phone to hit the market with a clamshell design, making it both stylish and practical.
Release Date and Operating System
The StarTAC 130 was released by Motorola in 1998, making it one of the earliest feature phones to exist. At the time, the idea of a phone that could fit in your pocket and perform basic functions such as calls and text messaging was mind-blowing. It operated on a basic feature phone system, which may seem primitive now, but was cutting edge technology back then.
Dimensions and Storage
One of the standout features of the StarTAC 130 was its compact size and lightweight design. It weighed only 95g and measured at just 19mm thickness. This made it easy to carry around and comfortable to use. However, it did not have a card slot for additional storage, so users were limited to the 100 phonebook entries and 10 call records that came with the device.
Network and Technology
The StarTAC 130 operated on the GSM network and was compatible with the GSM 900 band. While it did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities, it was still able to provide users with reliable and stable network coverage.
Launch and Status
The Motorola StarTAC 130 was announced in 1998 and quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the best-selling feature phones of all time. However, as technology advanced and smartphones took over the market, the StarTAC 130 was eventually discontinued and is now considered a nostalgic relic from the past.
Display and Memory
The StarTAC 130 featured a monochrome graphic display with a resolution of 4 x 15 characters. While this may seem basic compared to the vibrant color screens we have today, it was a significant step forward in mobile phone technology at the time. It also had a phonebook capacity of 100 entries and could store up to 10 dialed calls, 5 received calls, and 5 missed calls.
Battery and Other Features
The battery life on the StarTAC 130 was impressive, with a removable NiMH 500 mAh battery that could last up to 140 minutes of talk time and 50 hours on standby. It also had a few additional features such as a clock and a voice note function that could record up to three minutes of audio.
The Legacy of the StarTAC 130
Although it may seem dated now, there’s no denying that the Motorola StarTAC 130 paved the way for modern-day smartphones. It introduced the concept of a small and portable device that could do more than just make phone calls. Without the StarTAC 130, we may not have the advanced technology that we have today.
While the StarTAC 130 may no longer be in production, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to own one. It was a symbol of progress and innovation, and it will forever be remembered as one of the most influential feature phones of all time.
