NEC N900iG The Comprehensive Review – Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of the NEC N900iG

The NEC N900iG was released in the fourth quarter of 2004 and quickly garnered attention for its innovative features and unique design tailored for early 3G networks. This device was produced during a transformative time in the mobile phone industry, when manufacturers were beginning to implement enhanced connectivity capabilities and multimedia functionalities. As it stands discontinued now, its legacy remains significant for enthusiasts and historians of mobile technology.

Design and Build

The NEC N900iG exhibits a compact and robust design with dimensions of 103 x 50 x 28 mm and a weight of 132 grams. Its compact size made it portable and easy to handle, fitting comfortably in the hand or pocket. Constructed with a durable plastic body, the phone was available in an elegant Ocean Blue color. The device used a Mini-SIM card, which was standard for mobile phones during that era.

Display Features

Featuring a TFT display with 65K colors, the screen of the N900iG offered a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels in a 4:3 aspect ratio. This setup provided vivid and colorful visuals, making it suitable for both text and basic graphical content. Although the specific size of the display is unspecified, the resolution indicates an emphasis on delivering clear and sharp images, which was a significant advancement from some older monochromatic or lower-resolution displays of its time.

Network and Connectivity

The NEC N900iG supported both 2G and 3G networks, offering GSM capabilities on bands 900, 1800, and 1900, as well as UMTS on the 2100 band. This dual-band capability enabled international roaming, which was a significant advantage for global travelers. The phone could achieve data speeds up to 384 kbps, leveraging the 3G technology for faster internet access compared to traditional 2G speeds.

Camera Capabilities

The device featured a modest 1.3 MP main camera, which was relatively standard at the time. Despite its low resolution compared to today's standards, the camera was capable of capturing still images and recording video. The lack of a front-facing camera limited its functionality in terms of selfies, which were not a popular trend during that era.

Memory and Storage

The NEC N900iG was equipped with a miniSD card slot for expandable storage, although the specific internal memory and RAM specifications are not detailed. The phonebook could store up to 700 entries and supported photo call, while call records could keep track of up to 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls, catering to the organizational needs of its users.

Battery and Power Management

Powered by a removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 530 mAh, the N900iG could last up to 150 hours on standby and provided approximately 2 hours of talk time. Given the features and capabilities of the device, these battery specifications were sufficient for basic daily usage.

Software and Features

Running on a feature phone operating system, the N900iG supported SMS, MMS, and Email messaging services. Its browser was capable of handling WAP 2.0/xHTML and iMode, providing a basic web browsing experience. The device was Java-enabled, allowing the download and installation of Java applications and games, enhancing its usability for entertainment purposes.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone did not feature a loudspeaker or a 3.5 mm audio jack, which limited its use as a media player. However, users could enjoy downloadable polyphonic ringtones and benefit from vibration alerts. The absence of a radio feature suggests limited use as an audio entertainment device.

Communication and Navigation

Featuring neither WLAN nor Bluetooth, the N900iG relied on infrared for data transfer capabilities, demonstrating the technological limitations of the period. The proprietary USB connection provided a way for data syncing and charging, though these methods were quite rudimentary compared to modern wireless solutions.

Market Impact and Historical Context

At the time of its release, the NEC N900iG represented a significant step towards the evolution of mobile phones into multifaceted, connected devices. It highlighted the transition from basic calling and messaging tools to multifunctional gadgets capable of handling multimedia, albeit at an early stage. The inclusion of features like a camera and basic internet connectivity paved the way for more advanced mobile phones in the years that followed.

Legacy and Conclusion

While the NEC N900iG may appear rudimentary by today’s standards, it served as a precursor to the advanced smartphones we use today. By integrating early technologies such as 3G connectivity and a built-in camera, devices like this laid the groundwork for future innovations. Retrospectively, the N900iG remains a notable device for its contributions to the mobile phone landscape and offers valuable insights into the developmental journey of mobile technology.