The GB100: A Blast From the Past: A Look at Pantech's Feature Phone Released in 2004
Before the era of smartphones and touch screens, mobile phones were simpler and more basic. One such device was the GB100, released by South Korean company Pantech in 2004. While it may seem outdated now, the GB100 was a popular feature phone during its time and had some impressive specs for its era.
Introduction to the GB100
The GB100 was released in the second quarter of 2004 and had a compact design, weighing 80g with a thickness of only 21mm. It had a mini-SIM slot and a 65K color CSTN display with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels. These may seem like primitive features now, but back then they were considered quite advanced.
Dimensions and Body
As mentioned before, the GB100 had a compact design with dimensions of 80 x 42 x 21 mm. It was lightweight and easy to carry around, making it a convenient choice for users. The device had a simple and sleek design, with no loudspeaker or 3.5mm jack. It was available in two colors: black and white.
Network and Connectivity
The GB100 was a GSM device that supported bands 900 and 1800. It had Class 10 GPRS for internet connectivity, although it did not have EDGE support. While it may not have had all the connectivity options we have today, it was still capable of keeping users connected on-the-go.
Memory and Storage
The GB100 had 750 KB of internal storage, which may seem minuscule now but was considered ample for a feature phone at that time. Unfortunately, it did not have a card slot for expandable storage. The phonebook could store up to 300 entries and call records for 10 dialed, received, and missed calls.
Camera and Sound
The GB100 was released at a time when camera phones were just starting to become popular. However, the device did not have a camera, meaning users could not click photos or record videos. It also did not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack. Instead, it had vibration alerts and polyphonic (16) ringtones to choose from.
Features and Functionality
While it may have lacked in some areas, the GB100 had some useful features for its time. It had a predictive text input option for easier texting and EMS messaging capabilities. The device also had a basic WAP browser for internet access and came with a stopwatch feature for tracking time.
Battery and Battery Life
The GB100 came with a removable Li-Ion 640 mAh battery, which was quite impressive for a feature phone at that time. It had a stand-by time of up to 150 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours.
The End of an Era
The GB100 was announced in 2004 but was eventually discontinued. Its release marked the end of an era of basic feature phones, as smartphones started taking over the market. However, it will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who owned and used it during its time.
In conclusion, the GB100 may not have been the most advanced device, but it was a beloved feature phone of its time. It may seem outdated now, but it played an important role in the evolution of mobile phones and will always be remembered as a nostalgic device for many.
