Price and specifications of NEC e808 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Introduction to the NEC e808 Mobile Device

The NEC e808 was a mobile phone released in the early 2000s, a time when mobile technology was rapidly evolving. It was considered a feature phone, focusing on providing basic functionalities with some advanced features for that era. The phone garnered attention due to its full QWERTY keyboard and 3G capabilities, making it a notable choice for business professionals and tech enthusiasts.

Design and Build Quality

The NEC e808 had a unique design characterized by its clamshell form and a full QWERTY keyboard. It measured 105 x 80 x 23 mm and weighed about 200 grams, which was considered quite heavy for a mobile device. The build offered a robust feel despite its weight, and the design was meant to reflect the phone's business-oriented functionality.

Available in two colors, Gold and Black, the phone's aesthetics were simplistic yet conveyed a sense of professionalism. The phone comprised a Mini-SIM slot and a proprietary port for USB connectivity.

Display

The device featured a TFT screen capable of displaying 65K colors. However, the screen size details are not documented, which aligns with the era's focus primarily on functionality over visual appeal. The resolution stood at 162 x 132 pixels, capable of displaying 8 lines of text, which was adequate for the intended use of email and SMS messaging.

Camera

The NEC e808 was equipped with a single CIF camera that supported video capabilities. Given its 0.1MP configuration, the camera was not designed for high-quality photography but rather for basic video calls and capturing images in a business environment. The presence of a secondary camera was an added advantage, catering to the growing demand for video conferencing on mobile devices at the time.

Performance and Internals

Internally, the phone was equipped with 64MB of storage, without an expandable card slot, which could seem limited by today’s standards but was sufficient for storing contacts, messages, and essential applications. The phone could store up to 500 x 8 entries in its phonebook, including photo calls.

Details regarding the processor and RAM are not explicitly mentioned, which suggests that the focus was not on heavy application use but rather on reliable performance for communication and organizational tasks.

The NEC e808 operated on the 3G UMTS 2100 band network, an advanced feature back then, providing speeds up to 384 kbps — a significant enhancement over the 2G network.

Battery Life

The device housed a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery. For its time, the battery offered a standby time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, ensuring enough power for a full day of business communications without frequent recharging.

Connectivity and Communication

Designed primarily for communication, the NEC e808 supported SMS and MMS messaging and included a basic WAP browser for internet browsing. Notably, the phone lacked modern connectivity features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, and radio. It used a proprietary USB connection for software updates and data transfer, underlining its business focus rather than media consumption.

Entertainment and Additional Features

Despite its business orientation, the phone did not entirely neglect entertainment. It supported Java-based games and allowed users to download polyphonic ringtones. The phone did not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm jack, limiting media playback options.

Other utilities included a clock, alarm, and organizer functions. The phone's alert system could vibrate and accommodate downloadable ringtones, situating it well within the expectations of a business tool rather than a personal entertainment device.

Network Capabilities

The NEC e808 was launched in the first quarter of 2003, supporting GSM 900/1800 bands, making it well-suited for international usage. Being one of the early adopters of the 3G network technology, it enabled faster data speeds for better email and messaging services, although it primarily focused on text-based communication given the limited browser capabilities.

With its technological framework, the NEC e808 provided a glimpse into the future of mobile communication, emphasizing connectivity and functionality over multimedia applications.

Conclusion

The NEC e808, despite its discontinuation, stands as a testament to the early days of mobile innovation, balancing business utility with emerging technology. It served as a practical device for professionals requiring reliable communication and organizational features without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Ultimately, the NEC e808's legacy highlights the importance of communication-focused features in mobile devices, serving as a precursor to the modern smartphone era dominated by seamless connectivity and multifunctionality.