GD87: A Look Back at Panasonic's Feature Phone
The GD87, released in November 2002, was a popular feature phone manufactured by Panasonic. This lightweight and compact device quickly gained recognition for its impressive features and sleek design.
Design and Dimensions
Weighing just 103g, the GD87 boasted a slim 23mm thickness, making it easy to carry around. Its dimensions measured 97 x 49 x 23 mm (3.82 x 1.93 x 0.91 in), making it one of the most compact phones of its time. The phone's body was made with a mini-SIM slot, providing a secure connection while using the device.
Display and Memory
Equipped with a TFT display and 65K colors, the GD87 offered a vibrant and clear viewing experience. Its resolution of 132 x 176 pixels and 4:3 ratio provided a decent display for its users. The phone also included a second display, adding to its user-friendly features. With a phonebook capacity of 200 and the ability to store records of up to 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, the GD87 ensured that its users stayed connected. It also had message templates, making messaging easier and more efficient.
Camera and Sound
The GD87 featured a single CIF camera that allowed users to capture their favorite moments in stills or video format. Although the front camera wasn't available, the back camera offered satisfactory visuals to capture memories. It also came with a loudspeaker and downloadable polyphonic ringtones, adding to the overall user experience.
Network and Connectivity
The GD87 operated on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands of GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900. It also had GPRS, Class 8 and an infrared port for file sharing and connectivity with other devices. However, it lacked Bluetooth, WLAN, and USB capabilities.
Features and Battery
The GD87 offered various useful features, such as messaging options like SMS, MMS, and email. It was also equipped with a clock, alarm, downloadable games, and Sync ML for synchronization with other devices. The phone's battery capacity of 720 mAh ensured a standby time of 75 to 220 hours and talk time of 1 hour 30 minutes to 7 hours, providing users with long-lasting usage.
Discontinued but Loved
Although the GD87 had a limited release of just a year, it gained popularity in its short lifespan. Its sleek design and impressive features made it a fan favorite. However, due to the rapid advancement of technology, it was eventually discontinued, making it a nostalgic piece of history for Panasonic users.
In Conclusion
The GD87, with its sturdy build and user-friendly features, was a standout feature phone of its time. Its compact size, combined with powerful features, made it a hit among its users. Even though it is no longer in production, it remains a cherished device and a reminder of the progress made in mobile technology.
