Price and specifications of Eten P300B advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of the Eten P300B

The Eten P300B, announced in the second quarter of 2004, was a notable device in the landscape of early PDAs running on Microsoft platforms. Although now discontinued, the device represented an intriguing combination of features during its time, designed for tech enthusiasts and professional users who needed mobile computing capabilities on the go.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 117 x 67 x 23 mm (4.61 x 2.64 x 0.91 in) and weighing approximately 165 grams, the Eten P300B had a bulky and robust design characteristic of early PDA devices. Its design centered around practicality with a resistive touchscreen supporting 4096 colors, which was rather standard for the period. It featured a mini-SIM capability, making it a versatile communication tool that was easy to handle despite its solid build.

Display

The Eten P300B featured a 2.8-inch STN resistive touchscreen display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Although the 4:3 aspect ratio display with a pixel density of approximately 143 ppi might seem modest by today’s standards, it was quite typical for its era. The screen was designed to offer simple interaction for the user, especially considering the limitations in mobile technology at the time.

Performance and Software

Operating on Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 PocketPC, the Eten P300B was powered by a Samsung 2410 processor clocked at 200 MHz. While the processing power may appear limited today, it was adequate for running basic applications and performing standard PDA tasks such as managing contacts, calendar events, and emails. The device came with 64MB of RAM and 64MB of internal storage, which could be expanded via the SD/SDIO card slot, providing users with flexibility for additional data storage.

Connectivity and Network

The Eten P300B was built on the GSM technology platform, supporting 2G bands GSM 900, 1800, and 1900. With GPRS Class 10 support, internet browsing and data usage were possible, though limited by the speeds typical of the era. Bluetooth 1.1 was also available, allowing for basic wireless connectivity among devices, but the lack of WLAN meant users had to rely on SIM-based data communication for internet access.

Battery Life

The device was equipped with a removable Li-Po 1300 mAh battery, offering substantial usage times, considering the power requirements of the hardware and software at the time. This ensured that users could operate their device for extended periods, making it a practical tool for professionals who needed mobile computing capabilities throughout the day.

Audio and Sound

Audio capabilities on the Eten P300B included a loudspeaker and support for downloadable polyphonic ringtones, common in mobile devices from the early 2000s. However, there was no 3.5mm audio jack, a feature typically necessary for private listening was absent, possibly due to the device’s intended use as a PDA rather than a multimedia gadget.

Additional Features

Several features such as sensors and more extensive multimedia capabilities were absent, reflecting its primary focus on productivity rather than entertainment. The proprietary USB connection catered to syncing data with computers rather than modern plug-and-play accessories.

The Legacy of Eten P300B

Despite its discontinuation, the Eten P300B remains an interesting point of reference when examining the evolution of personal digital assistants and mobile computing. It reflects a period when PDAs started integrating communication features, paving the way for more advanced smartphones and pocket computers. The Eten P300B serves as a testament to the rapid technological advancements that have since redefined mobile devices and their capabilities.