NEC's e949/L1: A Feature Phone Ahead of Its Time
When it comes to mobile phones, there are always the latest and greatest models being released, boasting of advanced features and cutting-edge technology. However, we must not forget the devices that paved the way for these modern devices. One such device is the NEC e949/L1, a feature phone that was released in 2005, making it over a decade old now. Though it may seem outdated compared to today's smartphones, this device was quite impressive during its release and deserves recognition for its contributions to the world of mobile phones.
Released in Q2 of 2005, the NEC e949/L1 was a product of the Japanese multinational electronics company NEC Corporation. As a feature phone, it was not designed to compete with smartphones but rather, to provide users with basic and essential features at an affordable price. Despite its simple purpose, the e949/L1 offered a few notable features that made it stand out from other feature phones at the time.
Let's start with its design and dimensions. Weighing only 96g and measuring 11.9mm in thickness, the e949/L1 was incredibly lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry around. Its sleek and compact design also made it visually appealing. It had a 1.9-inch TFT color display with 65K colors, providing users with a decent viewing experience. The device also had a second external mono OLED display, which was quite uncommon for feature phones at the time.
In terms of memory and storage, the e949/L1 had 25MB of internal storage but no card slot for expandable memory. It could store up to 500 entries in the phonebook and keep a record of 20 dialed, received, and missed calls. It also had a 1.3 MP camera, which could capture photos and videos, a rare feature for feature phones of that time.
One of the most impressive aspects of the e949/L1 was its connectivity options. It could operate on GSM 2G bands and had class 10 GPRS but lacked EDGE technology. It also had Bluetooth 1.2, which allowed for data transfer between devices. The device's battery life was also impressive, with a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery that could last up to 140 hours in standby mode and provide up to 2 hours and 20 minutes of talk time.
The e949/L1 was also equipped with useful features such as SMS, EMS, MMS, and email messaging, a WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, and a currency converter. It could also play MP3/AAC/MP4 files, had predictive text input, and an organizer with a voice memo feature. The device also had Java support, allowing users to download and play games.
Sadly, the NEC e949/L1 has been discontinued, but it left its mark on the mobile phone industry, proving to be a reliable and efficient device for its time. It may not sound impressive now, but back in 2005, the e949/L1 was a remarkable feature phone that offered more than its competitors. With its sleek design, decent features, and affordable price, it was definitely ahead of its time.
In conclusion, the NEC e949/L1 may be a thing of the past, but it deserves recognition for being a trailblazer in the world of feature phones. It showed that a mobile device doesn't have to be a high-end smartphone to be functional and valuable. The e949/L1 will always hold a special place in the history of mobile phones, and it will be remembered as a budget-friendly device that provided its users with essential features and more.
NEC e949/L1 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2005, Q2
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
102 x 47.9 x 11.9 mm (4.02 x 1.89 x 0.47 in)
Weight
96 g (3.39 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT, 65K colors
Size
1.9 inches, 30 x 37 mm, 11.4 cm2 (~23.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
176 x 220 pixels (~148 ppi density)
Other
Second external mono OLED display (96x39 pixels)
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
500 entries
Call records
20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Internal
25MB
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Video
Yes
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
1.2
Positioning
No
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS, EMS, MMS, Email
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games
Yes + downloadable
Java
Yes, MIDP 2.0
Other
MP3/AAC/MP4 player
Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo
Currency convertor
SyncML