The Ultimate Guide to the DB500 by NEC
The DB500 by NEC was released in 1999 and quickly became a popular feature phone among users. It may not have all the fancy features of modern smartphones, but its simplicity and reliability made it a fan favorite. In this article, we will take a closer look at this iconic device and all its features.
Release and Discontinuation
The DB500 was announced by NEC in 1999 and was available for purchase shortly after. However, due to its popularity, it was discontinued in later years. Despite being discontinued, the DB500 is still remembered fondly by its users and remains a classic device in the world of mobile phones.
Dimensions and Design
The DB500 has a sleek and simple design, with dimensions of 134 x 48 x 26 mm and weighing just 135g. It was popularly known for its interchangeable front covers, allowing users to personalize their device. The phone also had a mini-SIM slot, which was a common feature during that time period.
Display and Memory
The DB500 has an alphanumeric display and fixed icons on the screen. Its resolution was 4 x 12 chars, making it easy to read and navigate. This feature phone did not have a card slot for external storage, but it did have a small phone book and could store up to 5 dialed, 5 received, and 5 missed calls in its call records.
No Camera or Loudspeaker
Unlike modern smartphones, the DB500 did not have a camera or a loudspeaker. However, it did have vibration and monophonic ringtones as alert types, which were enough for many users at the time.
No Connectivity Options
The DB500 did not have any connectivity options such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or positioning. It also did not have a radio feature. However, it did have an option for SMS messaging, which was the standard mode of communication during that time.
Battery and Power
The DB500 was powered by a removable NiMH battery and had a standby time of 130-150 hours and a talk time of 120-400 minutes. This allowed users to stay connected for extended periods without having to constantly charge their device.
Other Features
In addition to its basic features, the DB500 also had a clock, alarm, and organizer. It did not have any pre-installed games; however, it did offer 17 language options. Unfortunately, the phone did not have Java support.
Final Thoughts
The DB500 by NEC may seem like a simple and outdated device compared to modern smartphones. However, it paved t
