NEC N600i Comprehensive Review of Features Specs and Value

Overview of NEC N600i

The NEC N600i, announced in the third quarter of 2005, represents a class of mobile devices from the mid-2000s era. While it has since been discontinued, this device was packed with features that made it stand out in the rapidly evolving mobile phone market of its time. Crafted with a hybrid approach, the N600i combined practical functionalities with entertainment features, making it an appealing choice for a variety of users.

Design and Build

The NEC N600i was designed to be both compact and robust. Measuring 94.4 x 47.5 x 24.5 mm and weighing approximately 113 grams, it was portable and easy to handle, fitting comfortably in hand or pocket. The phone was equipped with a Mini-SIM slot and featured a silver exterior, which was a popular color choice at that time, adding a sleek and modern aesthetic to its overall design.

Display

The phone came with a 2.0-inch TFT display offering a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. With the ability to display 65K colors, it provided users with a clear and vibrant screen experience, suitable for basic media consumption and navigation. The screen-to-body ratio was approximately 27.6%, making it quite efficient for its size class.

Camera Capabilities

Photography and video were increasingly becoming central to mobile experiences, and the NEC N600i catered to these trends with its 1.3 MP main camera, complemented by an LED flash. Although basic by today's standards, this camera was adequate for capturing quick snapshots and videos. Additionally, a VGA camera was available for video calls, making it one of the early adopters of mobile video communication technology.

Memory and Storage

The NEC N600i had an internal storage of 20MB, which could be expanded via a dedicated microSD card slot. This allowed users to store additional contacts, media files, and applications via Java support. The phonebook could store up to 500 entries and featured photocall functionality, which was a significant feature at the time.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery, the NEC N600i offered a stand-by time of up to 200 hours and a talk time of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. This enabled users to stay connected throughout the day with sporadic charging needs.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM/UMTS networks, the device was configured for various bands: GSM 900/1800/1900 and UMTS 2100. It provided basic 3G connectivity with speeds up to 384 kbps. Connectivity options included Bluetooth 1.1, though it did not support WLAN or a 3.5mm audio jack. A proprietary USB port was available for connectivity with computers and other devices.

Software and Features

The NEC N600i was categorized as a feature phone with DoJa 2.5 Java support, enabling it to run small downloadable applications and games. The i-mode browser provided essential internet browsing capabilities, while messaging options included SMS, EMS, MMS, and Email. A variety of downloadable games and the support for polyphonic ringtones rounded out the entertainment offerings.

Sound and Multimedia

The phone was equipped with a loudspeaker for clear audio output and vibration options for alerts. Although it lacked a 3.5mm jack, the loudspeaker provided ample sound quality for music and calls. The vibratory feedback ensured that users remained alert to calls and messages even in noisier environments.

Usability and User Experience

With intuitive navigation enabled by tactile buttons and a simple software interface, the NEC N600i was easy to use. It catered particularly well to users who wanted straightforward communication functionality with a touch of modern multimedia capabilities. The phone offered a balance of entertainment and practicality, which made it especially popular among busy professionals and tech-savvy teens alike during its time.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the NEC N600i encapsulated many of the emerging technological trends of its time. Its compact form factor, practical features, and multimedia capabilities rendered it a noteworthy device in the mid-2000s mobile landscape. Although it has been discontinued, the NEC N600i remains a testament to the innovation strides made in mobile technology during that era.