The year was 2001, and the mobile phone industry was rapidly evolving. It was a time when flip phones were all the rage and the term "smartphone" had yet to be coined. It was in this changing landscape that NEC released the DB5000, a feature phone that would become a classic in its own right.
Introducing the DB5000
The NEC DB5000 was a small and lightweight device, weighing only 99g and measuring 23mm in thickness. It was compact and could easily fit into pockets and purses, making it a popular choice for those on-the-go. With a sleek silver design, it was also aesthetically pleasing.
A Notable Release
The DB5000 was announced in 2001 and quickly gained attention for its innovative features. It was a device ahead of its time, with a "see who is calling" feature, a 7-color LED display, and dynamic font size. These features may seem simple now, but they were groundbreaking at the time.
The phone also offered a monochrome graphic display that could show up to 97 x 59 pixels, giving users a clear view of calls and messages. It also came equipped with 100 phonebook entries and could store up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls.
Feature-Packed, But Limited Storage
Despite its advanced features, the DB5000 did have some limitations. One of its notable drawbacks was the lack of a card slot, meaning users could not expand the storage capacity. However, this was a common issue among feature phones at the time.
No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but Still Capable
In terms of connectivity, the DB5000 did not offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities. However, it did have SMS messaging and could serve as a reliable clock and alarm. It also had an impressive 200 hours of standby time and 5 hours of talk time, making it a dependable choice for communication.
The NEC DB5000: A Discontinued But Beloved Device
The DB5000 may have been discontinued, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of those who owned it. Its simplistic design and reliable features make it a fond memory for many. Plus, the fact that it was released in the same year as the original iPod and the first camera phone only adds to its significance in mobile phone history.
In conclusion, the NEC DB5000 was a device ahead of its time. It may not have had all the bells and whistles of modern smartphones, but it will always hold a special place in the evolution of mobile phones.
NEC DB5000 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
No
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2001
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
90 x 46 x 23 mm, 85 cc (3.54 x 1.81 x 0.91 in)
Weight
99 g (3.49 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
Monochrome graphic
Size
Resolution
97 x 59 pixels, 5:3 ratio
Other
See who is calling feature
7 colour LED
Dynamic font size
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
100
Call records
10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Monophonic ringtones, composer
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS
Browser
Clock
Yes
Alarm
Yes
Games
No
Languages
18
Java
No
Other
Predictive text input
Profiles
Organizer
Scratchpad