Discover the N600: A Throwback Feature Phone By NEC
The year was 2003, and technology was rapidly advancing. One of the devices leading the pack was the NEC N600, a feature phone that boasted impressive specs for its time. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the features of this iconic device.
Release and Dimensions
Released in Q4 of 2003, the NEC N600 was a lightweight device weighing in at only 110g with a thickness of 25mm. Its compact size made it easy to carry around and operate with one hand. The device had a sleek and modern design, typical of NEC's reputation for innovative and stylish products.
Operating System and Storage
As a feature phone, the N600 did not have a traditional operating system like smartphones today. Instead, it relied on a simple and user-friendly interface to navigate its features and functions. However, it did come equipped with a handwriting recognition software, making it easier to input text without a keyboard.
Unfortunately, the N600 did not have a card slot for external storage. This meant that users had to rely on the phone's limited internal storage, which could be a major drawback for some.
Network and Connectivity
The N600 operated on 2G bands – GSM 900/1800 technology. While this may seem outdated now, it was the standard at the time, allowing users to make calls and send messages with ease. It also featured GPRS for data connections, although it did not have EDGE capabilities.
Display and Camera
The NEC N600 had a TFT resistive touchscreen with 65K colors, providing a decent visual experience for users. Its main display had a resolution of 176 x 240 pixels with a 4:3 ratio. Apart from the touchscreen, there was also a second external mono LCD display with a resolution of 96 x 64 pixels.
As for the camera, the N600 featured a single VGA camera that could capture photos but not videos. While the camera quality may not have been the best, it was considered impressive for a feature phone at the time.
Memory and Battery
The N600 had limited internal memory and did not have a card slot for expandable storage. However, it did come with a phonebook and call records for up to 20 dialed, received, and missed calls. The device also had a removable Li-Ion battery that could last up to 110 hours on standby and 2 hours and 20 minutes of talk time.
Other Features
Apart from its main features, the N600 also had some additional functions that were quite popular at the time. It allowed users to personalize their device with wallpapers and downloadable pictures and animations. It also had a predictive text input feature, making typing messages easier and faster.
Price and Discontinued Status
The NEC N600 was priced at a reasonable rate for its features, making it a popular choice among consumers. However, it was eventually discontinued, making it a nostalgic and sought-after device for technology enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
The NEC N600 was a revolutionary device during its time. It allowed users to stay connected and entertained through its various features and functions. Despite being discontinued, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who owned and experienced this iconic device.
NEC N600 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800
GPRS
Yes
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2003, Q4
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
93.5 x 48 x 25 mm (3.68 x 1.89 x 0.98 in)
Weight
110 g (3.88 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT resistive touchscreen, 65K colors
Size
Resolution
176 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio
Other
Second external mono LCD display (96 x 64 pixels)
Wallpapers
Downloadable pictures and animations