Motorola SlimLite was a feature phone announced in 1997, known largely for its compact design and basic communication functions, which were quite popular in the pre-smartphone era. This phone symbolizes the era where mobile communication was just beginning to become widespread, and devices were designed with simplicity and durability in mind.
The Motorola SlimLite has dimensions of 143 x 57 x 16 mm and weighs 141 grams. The body of the phone is constructed to be robust yet relatively lightweight compared to other mobile devices of its time. It features a Mini-SIM slot, which was standard in phones during the late 1990s. The design focus was on making the device as slim as possible, providing a sleek look that is also practical for daily use.
The phone features a monochrome graphic display that can show 4 x 16 characters. While this may seem minimal by today's standards, it was quite effective for displaying essential text such as phone numbers and messages. The monochrome screen also contributed to longer battery life since it required less power compared to color displays.
The Motorola SlimLite operates on GSM technology, specifically supporting the GSM 900 band. There is no support for GPRS or EDGE, reflecting the early state of mobile internet during this period. The device lacks any advanced connectivity features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or Radio, indicating its core function as a communication device rather than a multimedia tool.
Storage on the Motorola SlimLite is limited, with no card slot available for memory expansion. However, it offers a phonebook capacity of 100 entries, which was considered adequate for maintaining personal contacts at the time. For call records, the phone could store 10 dialed numbers, 5 received, and 5 missed calls.
The device does not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, but it does support monophonic ringtones and vibration for alerts. This aligns with the basic nature of feature phones focused on fundamental call and messaging functions without additional multimedia capabilities.
Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 900 mAh battery, the Motorola SlimLite boasts a standby time of 52 hours and a talk time of 160 minutes. The removable aspect of the battery allowed users to carry spare batteries if needed, which was a common practice in the era of feature phones.
Messaging on the SlimLite is limited to SMS, a standard feature for basic communication devices during its era. The phone does not have capabilities such as a browser, games, or Java support, reflecting its purpose as a straightforward communication tool. Additionally, the phone does not include extras such as an alarm or clock function, again reinforcing the bare essentials design focus.
As a feature phone, the Motorola SlimLite was primarily used for voice calls and basic text messaging. Users appreciated its simplicity and durability, which made it a reliable choice for communication. The lack of complexity in the user interface facilitated ease of use, particularly for individuals who valued functionality over advanced features.
The Motorola SlimLite represents an era of mobile technology evolution where manufacturers prioritized mobility and user-friendly design over advanced features. Its introduction during the late 1990s reflects the rapid transition society experienced in mobile communication. Despite being discontinued, its design and usability have left a lasting impact as a significant stepping stone leading towards modern mobile phones.
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