NEC's N21i: A Feature Phone Ahead of Its Time
In 2002, NEC released the N21i - a sleek and innovative feature phone that captured the hearts of technology enthusiasts. This revolutionary device changed the game for other feature phones on the market.
The Launch of the N21i
Announced in 2002, the N21i made its mark as a premium and highly advanced feature phone. Despite being discontinued years ago, it still holds a special place in the hearts of technology enthusiasts due to its unique features and sleek design.
The Body and Display
NEC's N21i was slim and light, with a thickness of only 24.7mm and weighing 120g. It was also the first feature phone to introduce LED lights in seven different colors, assigned to specific contact groups. The dynamic font size feature was also a popular addition to the device, making text easier to read for users.
The display of the N21i was also ahead of its time, with a CSTN screen boasting 256 colors and a resolution of 120 x 160 pixels - a major upgrade from previous feature phones. The screen also had the capability to showcase 10 lines of text, providing a more user-friendly experience.
Memory and Camera
The N21i didn't have a card slot for external storage, but it did boast a phonebook that could hold up to 500 contacts and a call record feature that kept track of 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. While it lacked a camera, this feature phone more than made up for it with its impressive display and LED lights feature.
Other Features
The N21i was equipped with messaging capabilities, including SMS and email, making it a popular choice for staying connected. It also had a browser feature called WAP, which enabled users to access the internet on their device.
The phone also had a clock, alarm, and two pre-installed games - Thief and Rolling Band. While it didn't have Java support, the N21i did have predictive text input, ensuring that typing on the device was quick and easy.
Battery Life and Other Details
The N21i had a removable Li-Ion battery that boasted a standby time of 165 hours and a talk time of 3 hours. Available in a stunning silver color, this feature phone was a true embodiment of sleek and modern design.
In conclusion, NEC's N21i was indeed a feature phone ahead of its time. With its advanced display, LED lights, and user-friendly features, it set a new standard for feature phones in the early 2000s. And even though it may no longer be in production, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of technology enthusiasts.
