Exploring Benefon Track Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the Benefon Track

The Benefon Track was one of the pioneering devices in the early 2000s, offering users a unique combination of basic mobile phone functionalities with GPS positioning capabilities. Released in the year 2000, it stood out for its time by integrating navigational features which were rare in mobile phones at that period.

Network Capabilities

The Benefon Track supported GSM technology, operating on the 900 and 1800 MHz bands. It was a device built before the prevalence of data services like GPRS and EDGE, thus focusing primarily on voice communications. The absence of these data services meant that the Benefon Track was purely focused on providing essential telephony and GPS functionalities without the distraction of internet browsing or data-driven applications.

Design and Build

This device was compact by the standards of the time, measuring 129 x 49 x 23 mm and weighing approximately 149 g. Its design was characterized by a robust form factor, utilizing Mini-SIM cards which were the standard before the transition to micro and nano SIMs. Though it was not designed as a sleek device, its durability made it suitable for outdoor use, aligning with its focus on GPS tracking.

Display Features

The Benefon Track featured a monochrome graphic display which supported a resolution of 100 x 48 pixels and could display up to 5 lines of text. While basic by today’s standards, this was typical of phones at the time, where the primary function of the display was to facilitate messaging and menu navigation.

Memory and Storage

Storage capabilities of the Benefon Track were minimal, lacking a card slot for memory expansion. It was equipped to store up to 255 contacts in its phonebook and kept call records of 15 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. This focus on essential communication records was adequate for users who relied on the phone primarily for calls and basic SMS messaging.

Sound and Alert Features

Audio capabilities in the Benefon Track were limited, without a loudspeaker or 3.5mm audio jack. Alerts were available through vibration and downloadable monophonic ringtones, which was a novel feature at that time as it allowed some degree of personalization in ringtones.

Communication and Connectivity

Connectivity options in the Benefon Track were basic. It did not support WLAN or Bluetooth, but interestingly, included GPS for positioning, making it one of the first phones to incorporate this feature. It also had an infrared port for short-range communication and data exchange, which was an early precursor to wireless connectivity solutions.

Additional Features

The phone included standard features like SMS messaging capabilities, an alarm clock, and a few basic games. It lacked a browser and Java support, signposting its focus away from internet connectivity and app interactivity.

Battery Performance

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery, the Benefon Track promised up to 140 hours of standby time and 7 hours of talk time. An upgraded lithium-ion 1200 mAh battery option was available, extending standby time to 240 hours and talk time to 10 hours, ensuring the device could support extended periods of use in the field.

Conclusion

The Benefon Track was a landmark device in its integration of GPS technology with mobile telephony. Although its functionality was limited by today’s standards, its focus on outdoor activities and navigation set a precedent for future mobile devices incorporating location and navigational technologies. Despite its eventual discontinuation, the Benefon Track remains a significant example of innovation during the early days of mobile telecommunications.