Price and specifications of Pantech Slate advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Pantech Slate

The Pantech Slate, released in October 2008, was a unique offering in the feature phone market during its time. Despite being discontinued, the device still holds a place in mobile history as one of the thinnest messaging phones of its era. With a lightweight design, full QWERTY keyboard, and basic multimedia capabilities, the Slate catered to users looking for essential communication features without the complexities of modern smartphones.

Design and Build

Measuring 107 x 64 x 10 mm and weighing just 91 grams, the Pantech Slate was remarkably slim and easy to carry. The device featured a QWERTY keyboard, which was quite innovative for its time, allowing users to type messages and emails with ease. The compact and lightweight build made it an ideal choice for users who preferred portable devices. The Slate was available in a classic black color, lending it a professional and simple aesthetic.

Display

The Pantech Slate sported a 2.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 220 x 176 pixels. Although modest by today's standards, the screen provided a decent viewing experience for its time, displaying 256K colors. This made the device suitable for basic tasks such as viewing messages, browsing basic web content, and navigating through contacts. The screen's screen-to-body ratio was around 22.2%, which was typical for devices without touch capabilities.

Camera

The device was equipped with a single 1.3 MP camera capable of capturing basic photos and videos. While the camera was not a standout feature, it sufficed for casual photography. Users could take photos and share them via MMS or save them onto the phone's internal storage of 20MB, as there was no card slot for expanded memory. The lack of a front-facing camera was common in feature phones at that time.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting quad-band GSM networks (850/900/1800/1900), the Pantech Slate ensured reliable connectivity for calls and text messaging. It also supported GPRS and EDGE technologies, allowing users to perform light browsing and use web-based applications where available. The lack of Wi-Fi meant that the phone relied significantly on mobile data networks. Bluetooth 1.2 with A2DP support allowed for wireless connectivity with accessories, such as headsets.

Battery Life

The Pantech Slate featured a removable Li-Ion 950 mAh battery. Despite the device's limited multimedia features, the battery offered modest usage times, with standby up to 240 hours and talk time up to 3 hours. This was adequate for light users who primarily relied on the phone for calls and text messaging.

Software and Features

Running as a feature phone, the Pantech Slate delivered basic software functions to its users. The device supported SMS, MMS, Email, which were essential communication tools for many. A simple WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML browser enabled basic web access. It also included a few built-in games for entertainment purposes and supported Java MIDP 2.0 for additional app downloads.

Memory and Storage

The internal memory of the device was limited to 20MB, and there was no card slot for additional storage. This constraint required users to be mindful of managing media files, contacts, and messages. The phonebook could store up to 1000 contacts, with the option for photo call, and it retained records for up to 30 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Positioning and GPS

An unexpected feature for a feature phone of this era was the inclusion of GPS positioning. This allowed users to utilize basic location-based services. However, without the internet capabilities of modern smartphones, the feature's utility was more limited.

Price and Market Position

At launch, the retail price for Pantech Slate was about 100 EUR. This pricing positioned it as an affordable option in the market, capturing the interest of budget-conscious consumers who desired messaging functionality and a compact design.

Conclusion

The Pantech Slate offered a glimpse into the transitional phase from basic phones to the multi-functional smartphones we know today. While its features are indeed basic compared to current standards, the device's slim design and QWERTY keyboard were standout elements in the late 2000s. It served its intended market well, providing practical communication tools in a user-friendly design. Although it is no longer available in the mobile market, the Slate remains a testament to Pantech's approach to innovation within the constraints of its time.