Unveiling Motorola T190 Specs Pricing & More

Overview

The Motorola T190 was a classic mobile device launched in the early 2000s, capturing attention with its simplistic design and basic features. Released in September 2002, this phone reflected the technological standards of its time, focusing largely on communication simplicity. It was a successful entry in the feature phone segment catering to users who required reliable voice and text communication without the bells and whistles of modern smartphones. Although it has been discontinued, the T190 exemplifies the transition period in mobile technology.

Design and Build

The Motorola T190 carried the traditional candy-bar design, featuring dimensions of 106 x 40 x 16 mm, making it compact and portable. Weighing just 99 grams, it was lightweight and could easily fit into pockets or small handbags. The phone was constructed with durable materials, common for that era, designed to withstand daily use. Its Mini-SIM card slot was standard for the time, aligning with the technology infrastructure of network providers.

Display

The display of the Motorola T190 was monochrome graphic with a resolution of 98 x 64 pixels. The screen supported five lines of text, enabling clear readouts for messages and contact information. Though the display capabilities were modest by today's standards, they provided sufficient clarity for the tasks it was intended for, such as making calls and reading SMS.

Network and Connectivity

This mobile phone supported GSM technology, operational on 900/1800 MHz bands, which were the primary frequencies used in many regions around the world at the time. However, the phone did not support GPRS or EDGE, which means it had no capability for mobile data usage, reflecting its primary focus on voice communication.

Memory and Storage

The Motorola T190 had a functional memory setup, designed to store essential information. It could hold up to 100 contacts in its phonebook, and it logged the last 10 dialed, received, and missed calls. However, it lacked expandable storage, as there was no memory card slot. This absence aligns with its focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Sound and Alerts

The phone featured monophonic ringtones with a composer to allow some customization of notification sounds. It lacked a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, narrowing its function strictly to telephonic alerts and calls. The vibration alert provided an additional form of feedback for incoming messages or calls, a feature appreciated for silent notifications.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable NiMH 550 mAh battery, the Motorola T190 promised a standby time of up to 120 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours. Although these figures are conservative compared to today's smartphones, they were quite reasonable for a feature phone that primarily supported voice calls and SMS. The removable feature of the battery allowed users to replace it easily, extending the device's operational life.

Communication Features

The Motorola T190 supported basic communication features such as SMS for text messaging, and a WAP 1.1 browser for minimal internet browsing, which was revolutionary at the time. While lacking advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth or Infrared, its focus remained thoroughly on fulfilling the core purpose of mobile communication.

Additional Features

Despite its simplicity, the T190 came pre-installed with a few basic games, enhancing user engagement beyond communication tasks. It also supported a variety of languages, making it accessible to diverse demographics. The phone lacked complex features such as an alarm, but it did include essential capabilities like a clock for time management.

Market Impact

At the time of its release, the Motorola T190 was positioned as an affordable, user-friendly option for consumers who desired a straightforward mobile experience. It catered expertly to demographics less concerned with technological innovations, providing a sturdy, reliable connection for essential communication. Though its features seem limited now, it fit the landscape of early 2000s mobile technology perfectly, marking it as a significant stepping stone towards more advanced mobile devices.

Conclusion

Understanding the Motorola T190 requires appreciation for its context—a time when elaborate connectivity was less critical, and mobile communication was in its relatively nascent stages. Its discontinued status now positions it as a piece of mobile technology history, remembered for its clarity in purpose and longevity in the minds of early adopters of mobile technology. As a feature phone, it aligned perfectly with user needs of the time, making calls and sending texts with the reliability Motorola was known for.