Ericsson T68 The Classic Phones Specs Features and Flaws Unwrapped

Overview of the Ericsson T68

The Ericsson T68 was a notable device in the mobile phone market when it was announced in the fourth quarter of 2001. Seen as a breakthrough in design and functionality, the T68 stood out in its class, marking an evolution in mobile communication with features that were ahead of its time.

Design and Build

The Ericsson T68 had a compact design with dimensions of 101 x 48 x 19.5 mm and weighed just 84 grams, making it quite portable and easy to carry. The phone featured a Mini-SIM slot, in keeping with the standard of the time. Its color options, Zirconia Gold and Lunar Grey, provided a touch of elegance, appealing to users who valued aesthetics and functionality.

Display

The T68 was equipped with a CSTN display capable of showing 256 colors, a rarity for feature phones of its era. With a resolution of 101 x 80 pixels, the screen was considered advanced, allowing users to experience more vibrant and dynamic visuals on a mobile device. Despite the small screen size, the display offered clarity and was one of the phone’s more celebrated features.

Network and Connectivity

The Ericsson T68 supported GSM networks at 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands, making it versatile for international use, especially for frequent travelers. One of the significant advancements in connectivity was its support for GPRS, providing a foundation for data services. Although it lacked EDGE, the presence of GPRS allowed basic internet activities, crucial for business users. Additionally, it was one of the first phones to include Bluetooth 1.0b, supporting wireless communication with compatible devices. An Infrared port was also included, enabling data transfer without cables.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the T68 supported a phonebook capacity of 500 contacts across 8 fields, catering well to personal and business needs. The phone also recorded the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls, aiding efficient call management. However, it lacked an external memory card slot, which might limit storage for advanced users, though typical for its time.

Sound and Alerts

The device did not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm audio jack, but it offered vibration alerts and support for downloadable monophonic ringtones, which could also be composed. This customization in alerts was an attractive feature, allowing users to personalize their call and message notifications.

Battery Life

The Ericsson T68 boasted a removable Lithium-Ion battery (BST-14), offering an impressive standby time of up to 300 hours and a talk time of up to 11 hours under standard use. With a high-capacity variant, the standby time could reach 29 days and talk time up to 25 hours, quite commendable at the time, giving it a major advantage for users needing reliability on the go.

User Features

In the realm of messaging, the T68 supported SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email, making it a versatile choice for communication beyond voice calls. The inclusion of a WAP 1.2.1 browser paved the way for mobile internet, although still basic by modern standards. For entertainment, the phone included six built-in games: Erix, Ripple, Tetris, Game, Q, and Solitaire, offering a range of leisure activities.

Market Impact and Legacy

The Ericsson T68 was discontinued after its initial success, but its impact remained. It represented a shift towards more sophisticated mobile devices, integrating emerging technologies like color displays and Bluetooth. The phone’s design and features set a benchmark for future mobile devices, making it a cherished product for enthusiasts and a significant milestone in Ericsson’s history.

Conclusion

Overall, the Ericsson T68 combined a sleek design with cutting-edge technology for its time, offering a glimpse into the future of mobile phones. By paving the way for color displays and wireless connectivity, it demonstrated impressive innovation and remains a significant part of mobile phone evolution.