Bird S299: A Feature Phone That Pioneered Simplicity
Released in the second quarter of 2005, the Bird S299 quickly became a crowd favorite for its simple yet functional design. Manufactured by the popular brand Bird, this device paved the way for feature phones with its compact size and minimalistic features.
Sleek Design and Dimensions
Weighing only 70g and 14mm thick, the S299 was one of the lightest and thinnest phones of its time. Its dimensions were 104 x 44 x 14 mm, making it easy to hold and operate with just one hand. The mini-SIM slot was also a notable feature, providing convenience for users who didn't want the hassle of dealing with micro-SIM cards.
CSTN Display and Monochromatic Screen
The S299 came with a CSTN display and a monochromatic screen that measured 112 x 80 pixels. Although it may seem outdated now, it was considered top-notch technology back then. This simple display gave users access to important information, such as notifications and battery life, without any distractions.
Limited Memory and No Card Slot
As a feature phone, the S299 did not have a lot of storage options. It did not have a card slot, meaning users had to rely on the phone's limited internal storage. Despite this, the phone could store up to 200 entries in the phonebook and keep track of 20 dialed, 20 received, and 20 missed calls in the call records.
No Camera Needed
The early 2000s marked the beginning of camera phones, but the S299 stayed true to its simplistic nature with no camera feature. Instead, it focused on other important features such as messaging, games, and a surprising addition – an MP3 player.
Basic Features That Matter
The S299 may have lacked modern features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but it did not compromise on essentials. With its traditional FM radio, WAP browser, and SMS messaging, users had access to communication and entertainment on-the-go. The ability to change front and back covers also added a touch of personalization to the device.
Battery Life Worth Mentioning
The removable Li-Ion battery of the S299 gave it a stand-by time of up to 200 hours and talk time of up to 3 hours. This was impressive for a compact phone with limited resources, making it reliable for long-lasting use.
In conclusion, the Bird S299 may have been technologically behind compared to today's smartphones, but it was ahead of its time in terms of simplicity and function. Its compact size, basic yet essential features, and long-lasting battery life still make it a cherished device by many, even though it has been discontinued. The S299 will always be remembered as a pioneer of feature phones that prioritized simplicity over excess.
Bird S299 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 , GSM 850 / 1900 - US version
GPRS
Yes
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2005, Q2
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
104 x 44 x 14 mm (4.09 x 1.73 x 0.55 in)
Weight
70 g (2.47 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
CSTN, Mono
Size
Resolution
112 x 80 pixels
Memory
Card slot
No
Phonebook
200 entries
Call records
20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls
Camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
No
Alert types
Vibration; Polyphonic(16) ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
No
Bluetooth
No
Positioning
No
Radio
FM radio
USB
Features
Sensors
Messaging
SMS
Browser
WAP
Games
Yes
Java
No
Other
MP3 player
Changeable front and back covers
iTap
Voice memo
Organizer