LG GM730 Eigen Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of the LG GM730 Eigen

The LG GM730 Eigen, launched in 2009, is a smartphone that was introduced as part of LG's efforts to expand its lineup of Windows Mobile devices. Featuring a reasonably equipped package for its time, this device was aimed at professionals who sought a balance between functionality and user-friendly design. Although it has been discontinued, the GM730 Eigen remains an interesting piece of the smartphone evolution story, especially for technology enthusiasts interested in the growth of Windows Phone platforms.

Network Capabilities

The LG GM730 Eigen supports GSM and HSPA technology networks, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of mobile operators globally at the time of its release. The 2G network supports GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands, whereas the 3G network supports HSDPA 900, 1900, and 2100 bands. It offers data speeds of HSPA 7.2/2 Mbps, which was quite competitive at the time, allowing users to browse the internet, download files, and stream media at relatively swift speeds.

Design and Build

The GM730 Eigen is designed with practical dimensions, measuring 109.8 x 56.5 x 11.9 mm. Its sleek and compact form factor made it comfortable to hold and use, fitting easily into a pocket or purse. Despite its feature set, it wasn't excessively heavy, which contributed to its portability. The device uses a Mini-SIM card form, which was the standard during its time, further showcasing its purpose as a professional mobile tool.

Display

Featuring a 3.0-inch TFT resistive touchscreen, the LG GM730 Eigen provided users a vibrant interface to interact with. With a screen resolution of 240 x 400 pixels and a 5:3 ratio, the display was capable of showing 65K colors. The resistive technology required users to apply pressure for touch recognition, which was common before the advent of capacitive touchscreens. The display covered about 41.3% of the front body, providing adequate real estate for running the phone's applications.

Platform and Performance

Operating on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, the GM730 Eigen was powered by a Qualcomm MSM7201A chipset. It featured a 528 MHz ARM 11 CPU and an Adreno 130 GPU, which were considered adequate for a mid-range smartphone during this era. This combination allowed the phone to handle basic productivity applications, multi-tasking, and media playback tasks effectively, albeit not at the speeds modern users have become accustomed to.

Camera Capabilities

The LG GM730 Eigen was equipped with a 5 MP single rear camera featuring Schneider-Kreuznach optics, which was a significant selling point for the device. The autofocus feature allowed users to capture reasonably detailed images, although the capabilities of the camera were limited compared to modern standards. It also supported video recording, adding to its versatility as a mobile device for capturing moments on the go.

Audio and Sound

For audio functionality, the GM730 Eigen was equipped with a loudspeaker but did not come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a standard seen in most devices now. This required users to use Bluetooth or USB-connected accessories for private listening sessions. The absence of a standard headphone jack meant that users had to carry an adapter for audio if needed.

Communication and Connectivity

Connectivity options on the LG GM730 Eigen included Wi-Fi 802.11b/g for wireless internet access. It also featured Bluetooth for wireless data transfer between devices and GPS with A-GPS support for navigation purposes. The presence of an FM radio offered traditional entertainment, while the microUSB port facilitated aspects like charging and data transfer. These features made it versatile enough for professional and personal use.

Storage and Memory

Storage limitations were a common characteristic of smartphones during 2009, and the LG GM730 Eigen was no exception. It came with an expandable memory option through a microSDHC slot, allowing users to increase storage capacity based on their requirements. This support for expandable storage was crucial as it provided flexibility for additional media and applications that couldn’t be accommodated in the limited internal memory.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, which was removable. This capacity supported moderate usage patterns typical of a 2009 smartphone. Given the power requirements of its hardware and the efficiency of Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, the battery could last a full day with general use, although extensive internet browsing or media consumption would require more frequent charging.

Market Debut and Pricing

First announced in February 2009 and then released in August of the same year, the LG GM730 Eigen was priced at approximately 110 Euros. This positioned it as an affordable option within the smartphone market, appealing particularly to users and professionals who required the functionalities of a smartphone without the premium cost associated with flagship models.

Conclusion

The LG GM730 Eigen represents a fascinating period in smartphone development, combining a Windows Mobile operating system with solid hardware capabilities. While it may not compete with the advanced technology seen in contemporary smartphones, the GM730 Eigen paved the way for some of the design choices and user interface experiences we see today. For its time, it offered substantial value and indicated LG’s direction in mobile innovation.