Alcatel HC 800 Unveiling Specs Prices & Insights

Overview of the Alcatel HC 800

The Alcatel HC 800, announced in 1997, was part of the wave of early mobile phones that emerged in the late 20th century. During a time when mobile technology was in its nascent stages, the Alcatel HC 800 represented a blend of functionality and durability. It was designed to meet the basic communication needs of its users and was known for its straightforward design and ease of use.

Network Capabilities

The Alcatel HC 800 operated on GSM technology, specifically the GSM 900 band. This was one of the predominant mobile communication standards of the time. However, it did not support GPRS or EDGE, which meant that while it was capable of voice calls, data functionalities such as internet browsing or multimedia messaging were not available.

Launch and Availability

Alcatel officially announced the HC 800 in 1997 and it was eventually discontinued as mobile technology rapidly advanced. Despite its eventual discontinuation, the HC 800 is remembered by some as a reliable and sturdy phone of its era.

Design and Build

Measuring 143 x 60 x 23 mm and weighing 172 grams, the Alcatel HC 800 was relatively large by today's standards but was fairly typical of mobile phones at the time. It used a Mini-SIM and featured a compact and solid design that emphasized functionality over flair. Its robust build quality meant it could withstand the daily wear and tear of regular use.

Display

The display of the Alcatel HC 800 featured an alphanumeric screen with a resolution capable of showing 4 lines of 16 characters each. While this might seem primitive today, in the late 90s, this was quite an adequate display for navigating menus and reading text messages.

Memory and Storage

The phone memory included a phonebook capable of storing up to 100 contacts, which was a significant feature at the time. However, it did not support expandable storage via card slots, which was a common limitation of phones from that era.

Camera

The Alcatel HC 800 did not come with a camera. During the late 1990s, cameras were not yet a standard feature on mobile phones, and they wouldn't become common until the early 2000s.

Sound and Alerts

It featured monophonic ringtones and did not include a loudspeaker or a standard 3.5mm audio jack, which are considered essential in modern mobile devices. The alert system was straightforward, designed primarily for call notifications.

Communication Features

This device did not include advanced communication features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, positioning systems, or radio. Its primary communication functions were limited to voice calls and SMS text messaging.

Utilities and Features

The phone included basic utility features such as a clock and alarm, which were essential for personal organization. However, it lacked a web browser, games, or any kind of advanced application, reflecting the primary purpose of phones at the time—to make calls and send text messages.

Battery and Power

The Alcatel HC 800 used a removable Li-Ion battery. Removable batteries were a standard in early mobile phones, allowing users to replace them easily. This kind of battery ensured the phone could be used for extended periods between charges.

Miscellaneous Features

The Alcatel HC 800 was available in a classic black color, offering a professional and understated look. Its design and color choice made it a popular choice among business professionals in its time.

Conclusion

The Alcatel HC 800 was a quintessential mobile device of the late 1990s, embodying the essential traits of simplicity, durability, and reliability. While it lacks the modern features that today's smartphones boast, it was pivotal in paving the way for future innovations in mobile technology. The HC 800 represents an important period in mobile history where the focus was on basic communication and build quality.