Sharp TM100 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Sharp TM100 Features

The Sharp TM100, announced in the first quarter of 2004, was a compact and stylish feature phone that catered to users looking for basic mobile functionalities along with a few advanced features of that era. Despite being discontinued, the TM100 is still remembered for its colorful display and decent camera capabilities, considering the technological standards of the early 2000s. While it does not compete with smartphones today, it served its purpose well during its time.

Design and Build

The Sharp TM100 was designed to be sleek and handy, with dimensions of 100 x 49 x 19 mm and a lightweight build of 95 grams. It was easy to carry and fit comfortably in the hand, encapsulating the essence of mobile portability of its time. The device accommodated a Mini-SIM card and was made available primarily in a classic silver finish that appealed to a broad user base interested in an elegant, understated look.

Display

The TM100 featured a CGS display capable of rendering 256K colors, which was impressive for a phone in its category back then. It had a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels arranged in a 4:3 aspect ratio. This made the visual experience on a relatively small screen quite vivid and pleasing, ideal for viewing images captured by its VGA camera or browsing through the phone’s menu interface. Despite its small size, the display was one of the highlights of the device.

Camera Features

Equipped with a VGA camera, the Sharp TM100 allowed users to capture images and record videos, something that was gaining traction in feature phones at that time. Although the camera was just 0.3 megapixels, it provided acceptable quality for snapping pictures to be shared via MMS or saved as wallpaper. The camera and video functionalities made the TM100 stand out among typical feature phones.

Media and Entertainment

For media enthusiasts, the TM100 included polyphonic ringtones that could be downloaded, offering users a chance to personalize their audio notifications. It featured a loudspeaker for playing music and tones, although it lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which limited private listening options without proprietary accessories. Nevertheless, it included games and supported Java applications (MIDP 1.0), providing additional entertainment to users.

Connectivity

Being a feature phone, the TM100 was equipped with essential connectivity features. It operated on 2G GSM networks (900/1800/1900 bands) and facilitated GPRS class 10 services for basic internet access. However, it did not offer modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS positioning. Infrared capability was included, allowing data to be transferred wirelessly between compatible devices without a cable, which was a useful feature before the widespread adoption of Bluetooth.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable Li-Ion 780 mAh battery which catered to the phone’s operational needs efficiently. It offered up to 200 hours of standby time and around 3 hours of talk time, which was relatively decent for feature phones during that period. The user-friendly removable battery feature allowed users to replace it easily, extending the device's usability over a longer period.

Memory and Storage

Sharp TM100 came with limited memory options. It could store up to 500 phonebook entries, supporting photo calls, which was a modern feature for its time. However, it did not support expandable memory through a card slot, meaning users had to manage within the built-in storage for music, pictures, and other data. The simplicity of its memory storage was in keeping with other feature phones of that period.

Messaging and Applications

The TM100 was capable of handling a variety of messaging formats, including SMS, EMS 5.0, MMS, and email, which provided users with several ways to communicate. It also included a basic WAP 2.0/xHTML browser, facilitating access to stripped-down web pages which sufficed for quick information checks or news updates. In addition, the support for Java applications allowed users to download and install additional apps or games, enhancing the phone’s limited default apps.

Market Positioning and Price

At the time of its release, the Sharp TM100 was priced at approximately 330 EUR, positioning it in the mid-range market segment. It appealed primarily to users seeking a blend of design elegance and functionality without the premium price tag of high-end phones. Its feature set made it suitable for both personal and business use, despite not having advanced smartphone capabilities.

Legacy and Impact

While the TM100 may not have been revolutionary, it embodied the transitional phase of mobile technology between simple cell phones and the advanced smartphones of today. Its contribution to mobile technology history is notable as it captured the spirit of early 2000s innovation—where color displays, basic internet browsing, and cameras started to become standard fare. Today, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of how far mobile technology has advanced.