The NEC DB4000: A Feature Phone Released in 2000
In the early 2000s, feature phones were all the rage. These devices were used for making calls, sending texts, and maybe even playing simple games. One such device is the NEC DB4000, released in the year 2000 by the Japanese company NEC. Let's take a closer look at this device and its specifications.
Dimensions and Storage
The NEC DB4000 was a compact device, weighing in at just 99g with a thickness of 22mm. This made it easy to carry around and fit into pockets or purses. However, one downside of this phone was that it had no card slot for external storage. This meant that users had to be careful about how much content they stored on the device as there was limited internal storage available.
Network and Operating System
The DB4000 was a GSM phone, meaning it worked on the Global System for Mobile Communications network. It supported 2G bands for GSM 900/1800 and did not have any support for GPRS or EDGE. This meant that internet browsing was not possible on this device. The operating system of the DB4000 was a basic feature phone system, which allowed users to make calls, send texts, and set alarms.
Display and Keyboard
The screen of the NEC DB4000 was alphanumeric, meaning it displayed numbers and letters in a basic format. It had a resolution of 97 x 59 pixels, providing a 5:3 ratio for text and other content. One unique feature of this phone was its dynamic font size, allowing users to adjust the size of the text on their screen. The DB4000 also had softkeys, which acted as shortcut buttons for various functions on the phone.
Memory and Camera
The DB4000 had no external storage options, but it did have a phonebook that could hold up to 100 contacts. It also had the capability to store call records for 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. However, this device did not come equipped with a camera.
Sound and Other Features
The DB4000 also lacked features like a loudspeaker, WLAN, Bluetooth, positioning, radio, and USB. The only sound option on this device was vibration and monophonic ringtones. It did not have a 3.5mm jack for headphones either. Some other features of this phone included SMS messaging, a clock, an alarm, and the ability to change profiles. The DB4000 also had a scratchpad for users to jot down notes and reminders.
Battery Life and Additional Details
The DB4000 came with a removable Li-Ion battery that provided a stand-by time of 195 hours and a talk time of 330 minutes. It also had a metallic color option, giving it a sleek and modern look. This device was announced in 2000 and has since been discontinued by NEC.
In conclusion, the NEC DB4000 was a compact feature phone that met the basic needs of communication. Its compact design, simple operating system, and dynamic font size were some of its unique features. However, its lack of memory and advanced features make it outdated compared to current smartphone standards. Nevertheless, the DB4000 holds a place in history as one of the early feature phones that paved the way for the smartphones we use today.