The Classic Siemens M30: A Feature Phone Ahead of its Time
In the world of smartphones and advanced technology, it's easy to overlook the simple but effective devices that paved the way for our modern devices. One such device is the Siemens M30, a feature phone that was released in the year 2000 by the well-known brand Siemens. Let's take a look at what made this device stand out during its time.
Design and Dimensions
The Siemens M30 had a simple and sleek design with a thickness of 24mm, making it easy to hold and carry around. Its weight of only 110g also added to its portability. The body dimensions were 124 x 44 x 24 mm, with a total volume of 99 cc. This device used a Mini-SIM, which was the standard at the time.
Display and Memory
The M30 had an alphanumeric display with a resolution of 2 x 12 characters. A unique feature of this device was the red backlight, which made it easier to use in low light settings. It also had fixed icons and soft keys for navigation. However, what set the M30 apart from other phones at the time was its lack of a card slot for external storage. This meant that users had to rely on the phone's limited internal memory and could not expand it.
In terms of memory, the M30 could store up to 10 dialed, 10 received, and 10 missed calls in its call records. However, it did not have a dedicated phonebook like the phones we are familiar with today.
Network and Features
The M30 was a GSM phone, supporting 2G bands for both GSM 900 and 1800 frequencies. However, it did not have support for GPRS or EDGE, which are standard features in modern phones. The device also lacked WLAN, Bluetooth, and positioning capabilities. It did not even have a radio or USB connectivity.
The only features available on the M30 were SMS messaging, a clock, and built-in games. It did not have a browser or the ability to download any additional apps like we can today.
Battery Life
The M30 had a removable NiMH battery that boasted impressive standby and talk time for its time. Users could expect up to 180 hours of standby time and 6 hours of talk time before needing to recharge their device.
Discontinued but Memorable
Despite its many limitations, the Siemens M30 was a popular device during its release. Its sleek design, simple features, and impressive battery life made it a reliable choice for users. It was discontinued after its release year, but it remains a memorable device in the history of mobile phones.
Although smartphones have taken over the market, let us appreciate the classic devices like the Siemens M30 that paved the way for the technology we have today.
