Exploring Innostream INNO 79 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview

The Innostream INNO 79 is a notable feature phone that was announced in the first quarter of 2004. Positioned in a time when feature phones were prevalent, this device offers a glimpse into mobile technology in the early 2000s. Despite being discontinued, the INNO 79 holds an important place in the history of mobile communication devices for its distinctive features.

Design and Build

The INNO 79 has a compact design with dimensions measuring 84 x 43 x 23 mm, making it easily portable yet robust in build quality. Weighing a mere 85 grams, the phone is lightweight and easy to handle, especially considering the portable technology standards at the time. The device supports a Mini-SIM, aligning with the prevalent SIM card standard during that era.

Display

Featuring a TFT display with 256K colors, the INNO 79 was quite advanced for its time. Its screen resolution of 128 x 160 pixels allowed users to enjoy a moderate quality display with clear text and decent graphics. The display was able to show up to 11 lines, accommodating a reasonable amount of information on the screen, which was typical for feature phones of its kind.

Camera

The camera of the INNO 79, although basic by today’s standards, was a significant feature in 2004. It sports a VGA sensor capable of capturing photographs, with a resolution of 0.3 MP. The ability to record video was also included, something that was not a given in all phones of that period. This feature was appealing to users who were starting to embrace multimedia capabilities on their mobile devices.

Network and Connectivity

The INNO 79 operates on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands on GSM 900/1800 frequencies. It includes GPRS capability for data transmission, although it does not support EDGE. This permitted users to connect to the internet in its basic form via WAP browser, which was a common feature for data browsing on mobile phones at the time.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the INNO 79 does not support external card slots, which means storage expansion is not possible. However, it includes enough storage for a phonebook that can accommodate 250 entries, with photo-call capabilities. Call record storage is limited to 20 entries each for received, dialed, and missed calls, which fits the typical user needs of that era.

Audio and Alerts

Sound capabilities of the INNO 79 include downloadable polyphonic ringtones and vibration alerts. However, it lacks a loudspeaker and traditional 3.5mm jack, which some users might find limiting. Despite this, the presence of downloadable ringtones was a popular feature, allowing users to personalize their phones beyond the factory defaults.

Battery

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 650mAh. With the less demanding hardware and software requirements of feature phones, this battery was sufficient to provide reasonable standby and talk time, in line with user expectations at the time.

Messaging and Additional Features

On the software front, the INNO 79 supports SMS and MMS messaging, which were the cornerstone of mobile communication in 2004. Java support (MIDP 2.0) allowed basic app usage and gaming, enhancing the user experience. The WAP browser, included on the device, provided minimalistic internet access, a novelty that was increasingly being adopted by mobile users.

Legacy and Impact

The Innostream INNO 79, while just one of many feature phones available in the early 2000s, contributed to the era's mobile communication trends. Its feature set, including a colorful display, camera, and basic internet capability, showcased the progression from simple communication devices to more versatile personal tools. Though no longer in production, it remains a device of interest for collectors and technology historians alike, representing a step in the journey toward the advanced smartphones we use today.