The Revolutionary Esc! Phone from Benefon: A Blast from the Past
In 1999, the Finnish brand Benefon shook up the mobile phone industry with the release of their new device, the Esc!. Considered to be a game changer in the world of technology at the time, the Esc! was an innovative device that featured numerous cutting-edge features.
The Beginning of a Phenomenon
The Esc! was introduced to the world in 1999, and it soon became the talk of the town. Released as a feature phone, it was not a smartphone like the ones we have today, but it was unlike any other phone on the market. It caught the attention of many due to its unique design and impressive specifications.
The Ultimate Design
The Esc! was the perfect combination of style and functionality. Weighing only 150 grams and featuring a thickness of 23mm, it was a sleek and slim device that was easy to carry around. The dimensions of 129 x 49 x 23 mm made it a compact phone that could fit into your pocket without any hassle.
The device sported a monochrome graphic display, with a resolution of 100 x 160 pixels and 20 lines. This may seem minimal compared to the high-resolution screens we have today, but at the time, this was considered to be top-of-the-line technology. The display also had electro-luminescent lighting, making it easy to use in low light conditions. The Esc! also had the unique feature of dynamic and user-selectable font size, catering to the comfort and preferences of the user.
The Network and Memory
The Esc! operated on a GSM network, supporting 2G bands of GSM 900/1800. It also had an infrared port, allowing users to transfer data between phones quickly and wirelessly.
The device did not have a card slot for external storage, but its memory was impressive. With the capacity to store 255 phonebook entries and up to 15 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls in the call records, the Esc! was an excellent choice for those looking for a phone with sufficient memory.
Notable Features
The Esc! was known for some of its unique and advanced features that set it apart from other phones on the market. These features included multiple personalised ringing melodies, ascending alerts, and several SMS alert tones and tone levels. The phone also had a built-in clock and alarm system, making it a convenient device for daily use. It also featured three games, providing entertainment for users during their spare time.
Battery Life
The Esc! was equipped with a removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery that provided a standby time of 140 hours and talk time of 6 hours. Although the battery life may seem limited compared to modern smartphones, it was considered to be a decent amount of time back then. The device also had an alternate battery option, a Lithium ion 1200 mAh battery, which extended the standby time to 240 hours and talk time to 10 hours.
A Piece of History
The Benefon Esc! may not be considered a groundbreaking device by today’s standards, but it was undoubtedly an important step in the evolution of mobile phones. With its sleek design, advanced features, and impressive specifications, it revolutionized the industry and continues to hold a special place in many hearts as a true technological pioneer.
In Conclusion
The Esc! may have been discontinued in the early 2000s, but it will always be remembered as a revolutionary device from Benefon. With its distinct design and cutting-edge features, it paved the way for future advancements in the world of mobile technology. The Esc! may have been overshadowed by modern smartphones, but it will always hold a special place among those who experienced its glory days.
