Overview of Gigabyte GSmart i (128)

The Gigabyte GSmart i (128) was a smartphone that made its debut in the mid-2000s at a time when the market was still evolving rapidly. Announced in 2005, it featured specifications that were considered advanced for its time, offering users a blend of functionality and usability. Although the device is discontinued, it provides an interesting look back at the evolution of smartphone technology.

Design and Build

The GSmart i (128) was designed to be compact and user-friendly with dimensions of 106.6 x 53.2 x 19.8 mm and a weight of 130 g. Its small size made it portable and easy to carry, compensating for the relatively lower screen-to-body ratio of 31.5%. The phone supported a Mini-SIM format, a common standard during its time.

Display Technology

The device sported a 2.4-inch TFT resistive touchscreen capable of displaying 256K colors, though only 65K were effectively utilized. The resolution stood at 240 x 320 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 167 ppi. While not groundbreaking by today's standards, this was considered sufficient for the average user in 2005.

Hardware Specs

Under the hood, the GSmart i (128) was powered by an Intel PXA272 416 MHz processor. This CPU enabled basic multitasking and operation of the Windows Mobile 5.0 for PocketPC Phone Edition (AKU2) operating system installed on the device. Internal storage included 64MB of RAM and 128MB of ROM, allowing users to manage applications and data with moderate efficiency. The miniSD card slot provided expandable storage options.

Camera Features

Equipped with a 2 MP main camera with LED flash, the GSmart i (128) encouraged users to capture essential moments. While the camera specifications were modest, they offered basic photographic capabilities with video recording available. The absence of a front-facing camera was typical for devices of this era.

Connectivity Options

Supporting GSM technology, the phone operated on 2G bands including GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900. In terms of data, it featured GPRS Class 10 but lacked EDGE. Connectivity extensions were supported via built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 1.2, allowing users to browse the web and transfer data wirelessly. The miniUSB 1.1 port provided wired connection options.

Battery Life

The GSmart i (128) came with a removable Li-Ion battery option of either 920 or 1300 mAh. This flexibility in battery capacity offered standby time of up to 125 hours and talk time up to 3.5 hours. Although limited by today's standards, these figures were adequate for the operational demands of the period.

Audio and Entertainment

Satisfying multimedia needs, the device included a loudspeaker and supported vibration as well as downloadable polyphonic, MP3, WMA, AMR, and MID ringtones. However, it lacked a standard 3.5mm audio jack, a missing element for headphone users. An FM radio presence added value for entertainment on-the-go.

Software and Applications

Running on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, this handset offered a range of productivity applications compatible with the operating system. The browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML for internet browsing, enabling users to access online content within the limits of 2G speeds.

Pricing and Availability

Initially launched at a price of about 270 EUR, the GSmart i (128) appealed to customers looking for a balance of features without reaching the higher price brackets of the market. However, as technology advanced and consumer preferences shifted towards more capable smartphones, the device was eventually discontinued.

Conclusion

The Gigabyte GSmart i (128) serves as a historical snapshot of early smartphone development, encapsulating the technological expectations of its time. While the device might not compare with modern gadgets in terms of performance and features, its contribution to the evolution of portable communication and computing devices is undeniable.