Comprehensive Review of the Telit GM 830 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The Telit GM 830, introduced in 1999, is a basic feature phone designed for simple communication needs. It supports GSM technology, particularly on the 900 and 1800 bands, which were standard for mobile phones during this time. However, it does not offer GPRS or EDGE support, meaning it lacks capabilities for mobile internet access. The absence of more advanced network technologies such as 3G or 4G emphasizes its primary function as a voice calling and SMS device.

Design and Build

This device features a body dimension of 117 x 51 x 20 mm and a weight of 105 grams. The design follows the typical aesthetic of late 90s mobile phones with a durable, compact build. The phone is equipped with a removable back cover to access the Mini-SIM slot and battery. Its dimensions and weight make it portable enough for everyday use, fitting comfortably in most pockets or bags. The device was available in four different colors, catering to a range of user preferences.

Display

The display on the Telit GM 830 is a monochrome graphic screen capable of showing four lines of text. This is fairly standard for feature phones of its era, providing enough space to display the phone's menu and SMS messages. The display does not feature color or high resolution, which aligns with the device's focus on basic utility rather than multimedia functions.

Memory and Storage

On the memory front, the Telit GM 830 does not support expandable storage via a card slot. It lacks advanced memory capabilities such as a large phonebook or extensive call record storage. It can store a limited number of call records, specifically 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls. This reinforces the phone's design as a straightforward communication device, centered on voice calls and SMS functionality without multimedia or complex applications.

Battery Life

One of the integral features of the Telit GM 830 is its removable Li-Ion 650 mAh battery. While the capacity might seem minimal by today's standards, it was adequate for the device's demands. The phone offers up to 52 hours of standby time and approximately 4 hours of talk time. This battery life is in line with what one would expect from phones of this time, primarily designed for calls and basic messaging.

Sound and Alerts

The sound features of the Telit GM 830 are basic, including monophonic ringtones and a composer for creating personalized tones. Monophonic tones were typical for phones during this era as polyphonic and MP3 ring tones were not widely available or supported. The phone includes a vibrate function for silent alerts but does not have a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, indicative of its limited audio output capabilities.

Communication and Additional Features

In terms of communication, the phone supports SMS messaging but does not have capabilities for email or web browsing, which aligns with its designation as a feature phone. There are no built-in games or Java support, nor does it have advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth, WLAN, or USB ports. This device does include essential features like an alarm and a clock, supporting everyday utility needs.

Conclusion

The Telit GM 830 represents a time when mobile phones served primarily as tools for voice communication and text messaging. Its lack of advanced features such as mobile internet, camera, and multimedia functions positions it firmly in the category of basic mobile devices. Despite its limitations, the device serves its intended purpose well, offering reliable voice communication and a durable design for users who required minimal functionalities from their mobile phones. As technology progressed, feature phones like the GM 830 paved the way for more sophisticated devices, capturing a significant era in the evolution of mobile phones.