Introducing the OT 511: A Classic Feature Phone by Alcatel Released in 2001
The Beginning of the Feature Phone Era
In the year 2001, Alcatel released the OT 511, a sleek and compact feature phone in their lineup. This device marked the beginning of a new era in the world of mobile phones - the era of feature phones.
With its lightweight design of only 75g and a thickness of 20mm, the OT 511 quickly became a popular choice among mobile phone users. It was easy to handle and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Its dimensions measured 97 x 42 x 20 mm, making it small enough to carry in your pocket without any inconvenience.
No Card Slot, No Problem
One noteworthy feature of the OT 511 was its storage - or rather, its lack of it. This device did not have a card slot for external storage, which meant that users had a limited amount of space for storing contacts and messages. However, this was not much of an issue back in 2001 when people primarily used phones for calling and texting.
Stay Connected with GSM Technology
The OT 511 utilized GSM technology, allowing it to connect to the 2G bands of GSM 900 and 1800. This made it possible for users to make calls and send text messages all over the globe. The phone also had a GPRS speed of 9600 bps, which may seem slow by today's standards, but back then, it was considered quite fast.
Old School Display and Customization Options
The OT 511 featured a monochrome graphic display with a resolution of 96 x 64 pixels. It allowed users to view up to 6 lines of 20 characters each, providing clear and easy to read text. The phone also offered downloadable options for animations and melodies, giving users the ability to personalize their device.
Saving Your Important Information
While the OT 511 did not have a card slot, it did come with features to help you manage your contacts and call records. The phone could store up to 10 received, dialed, and missed calls in its call records. It also had a phonebook function, but the exact number of contacts it could save is unknown. Along with this, the phone came with five SMS templates, making typing and sending messages more convenient.
Basic Sound and Connectivity Features
As a feature phone, the OT 511 did not come with extravagant sound or connectivity options. It lacked a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm jack, making it possible for only the user to hear incoming calls and messages. The phone did offer vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic and monophonic ringtones. However, these features were limited to the built-in composer, meaning that users couldn't add customized ringtones.
This phone also did not have any advanced connectivity features such as WLAN, Bluetooth, positioning, or radio. The only form of connection available was through a USB port, which was used for charging the phone.
Useful Features for Everyday Tasks
The OT 511 may not have been equipped with multiple sensors or the ability to run Java apps, but it did offer some useful features for everyday tasks. You could set alarms, access a clock, and send SMS messages using the WAP 1.1 browser. The phone also had predictive text input and the ability to record voice memos and dial numbers using voice commands.
A Long-Lasting Device
The OT 511 ran on a removable Li-Ion 600 mAh battery, providing up to 280 hours of standby time and 6 hours of talk time. These impressive battery life stats made the device reliable for long periods of use without needing a recharge.
In Conclusion
Although the OT 511 was discontinued after its release, it remains an iconic device in the history of mobile phones. It ushered in the era of feature phones and satisfied people's basic needs for communication at the time. This compact and functional device continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember using it.
