When it comes to the world of feature phones, one device that stands out is the NEC e101. This device was released by Japanese electronics company NEC in late 2004, and even though it has long been discontinued, it remains a classic in the eyes of many users.
Design and Dimensions
The NEC e101 may not have been the flashiest phone in its time, but it was definitely a sturdy one. Weighing at 85 grams with a thickness of 24mm, this phone had a compact and lightweight design. Its dimensions were 84 x 45 x 24 mm, fitting perfectly in the palm of your hand, and had a mini-SIM slot for connectivity.
Display and Memory
The e101 featured a 1.8 inch CSTN display with 65K colors, providing decent visuals for its time. It also had a secondary external STN mono display, perfect for checking notifications without opening the phone. The phone boasted a storage capacity of 1.5MB and could hold up to 250 phonebook entries, with call records for 20 dialed, received, and missed calls.
Unfortunately, this device did not have a card slot for expandable memory, but it made up for this with its ability to store downloadable pictures and files. With a MMS capacity of 700KB and Java capacity of 600KB, the e101 was still considered ahead of its time.
Camera and Sound
The main camera on the e101 was only a VGA, but this was common for phones during its release. Video recording was not available, but the phone did have an option to download polyphonic ringtones and a composer to create personalized tones. What it lacked in sound quality, it made up for in its customizable sound features.
Connectivity and Features
Released in a time when wireless connections were not as prevalent, the e101 did not have WLAN or Bluetooth capabilities. It also did not have positioning or radio functions. However, it did have messaging features like SMS, EMS, MMS, and even Email. The phone also came with built-in games that could be downloaded, making it a go-to device for entertainment.
Battery Life and Misc Features
The NEC e101 was powered by a removable Li-Ion 780 mAh battery, which could last up to 200 hours on standby and up to 3 hours and 20 minutes of talk time. Its predictive text input feature made texting easier, and it also had an organizer and voice memo for added convenience.
This device came in a classic silver color, adding to its timeless appeal. Overall, the NEC e101 may not have been the most advanced feature phone of its time, but it definitely left a mark with its features and design. It remains a popular choice for many phone enthusiasts and will always hold a special place in the world of feature phones.
NEC e101 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2004, Q4
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
84 x 45 x 24 mm, 80 cc (3.31 x 1.77 x 0.94 in)
Weight
85 g (3.00 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
CSTN, 65K colors
Size
1.8 inches, 29 x 35 mm, 10.2 cm2 (~27.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density)
Other
Second external STN mono display (96 x 64 pixels)
Downloadable pictures