The Story of Philips 759 - A Feature Phone Ahead of its Time
If you are a fan of retro phones, you may have heard of the Philips 759. Released in 2004, this feature phone from Philips may not have received the same attention as other popular devices at the time, such as the Nokia 6600 or the Motorola Razr, but it definitely had something special to offer.
The Beginning
The Philips 759 was announced in the first quarter of 2004 and was released soon after. At the time, it was considered to be a highly advanced device with its resistive touchscreen and sleek design. Unlike other feature phones, it was also equipped with a camera, albeit a VGA one. Despite its small internal storage capacity of only 7MB, it did not have a card slot for expandable memory.
Design and Display
The Philips 759 weighed only 89g and had a thickness of 18mm, making it one of the lightest and thinnest phones of its time. Its compact dimensions of 98 x 44 x 18 mm made it easy to fit into pockets or bags. The phone came in three colors - Aero Silver, Orange Spray, and Red Touch - adding a touch of personalization for users.
The most impressive feature of the 759 was its TFT resistive touchscreen, capable of displaying 65K colors. This was no small feat for a feature phone in 2004, as most other phones still relied on physical keypads for navigation. The display may have been small, with a resolution of only 128 x 160 pixels spread across 6 lines, but it was enough to provide a decent user experience.
Connectivity
Given the era it was released in, the Philips 759 had limited connectivity options. It only supported 2G networks and did not have GPRS or EDGE capabilities. However, it did have an infrared port for file sharing, which was a common feature among phones at the time. Unfortunately, it did not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi support, making it difficult to transfer files or connect to the internet.
Other Features
The 759 also had some interesting features that were ahead of its time. It had a 500-entry phone book with fields for photos, making it easier to identify contacts. It also had a voice memo and command feature, along with an organizer for keeping track of important dates and events. Another unique feature was its ability to display images and play sound albums, making it a pioneer in multimedia for feature phones.
The Unfortunate End
Despite its advanced features, the Philips 759 was unfortunately discontinued after a short run. This was largely due to its limited storage capacity and lack of connectivity options, which were becoming essential features for mobile phones at the time. However, it still holds a special place in the hearts of nostalgic phone users who appreciate its uniqueness and innovative design.
The Legacy of Philips 759
Although it may have had a short lifespan, the Philips 759 holds a significant place in the history of mobile phones. It paved the way for future feature phones, which would eventually lead to the development of smartphones. Its sleek design and resistive touchscreen were ahead of its time, making it a beloved device among retro phone enthusiasts.
The Enduring Appeal
Even after all these years, the Philips 759 continues to capture the interest of people who appreciate the charm of vintage devices. Its popularity on online auction sites is a testament to its enduring appeal. With its unique features and powerful legacy, the Philips 759 will always have a special place in the world of mobile phones.
