of mobile phones are of concern because of the short distance between the phone's antenna—the primary source of the RF— and the person's head. The exposure to RF from mobile phones in which the antenna is located at greater distances from the user (on the outside of a car, for example) is drastically lower than that from hand-held phones, because a person's RF exposure decreases rapidly with distance from the source. The safety of so-called “cordless phones,” which have a base unit connected to the telephone wiring in a house and which operate at far lower power levels and frequencies, has not been questioned.

How much evidence is there that hand-held mobile phones might be harmful?

Briefly, there is not enough evidence to know for sure, either way; however, research efforts are on-going. The existing scientific evidence is conflicting and many of the studies that have been done to date have suffered from flaws in their research methods. Animal experiments investigating the effects of RF exposures characteristic of mobile phones have yielded conflicting results. A few animal studies, however, have suggested that low levels of RF could accelerate the development of cancer in laboratory animals. In one study, mice genetically altered to be predisposed to developing one type of cancer developed more than twice as many such cancers when they were exposed to RF energy compared to controls. There is much uncertainty among scientists about whether results obtained from animal studies apply to the use of mobile phones. First, it is uncertain how to apply the results obtained in rats and mice to humans. Second, many of the studies that showed increased tumor development used animals that had already been treated with cancer-causing chemicals, and other studies exposed the animals to the RF virtually continuously—up to 22 hours per day.

For the past five years in the United States, the mobile phone industry has supported research into the safety of mobile phones. This research has resulted in two findings in particular that merit additional study:

aIn a hospital-based, case-control study, researchers looked for an association between mobile phone use and either glioma (a type of brain cancer) or acoustic neuroma (a benign

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2001 Portable Cell Phone specifications

The Motorola 2001 Portable Cell Phone, released as part of the early wave of mobile communication technology, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of portable telephony. This device encapsulated the innovation of its time, combining functionality with a compact design aimed at enhancing user mobility.

One of the standout features of the Motorola 2001 was its remarkable portability. Weighing in at just under a pound and featuring a slim, ergonomic design, it was user-friendly and could easily fit into a handbag or a larger coat pocket. The phone was equipped with a robust battery capable of providing several hours of talk time, an essential characteristic during an era when battery life was a significant concern for mobile users.

Technologically, the Motorola 2001 utilized analog communication standards, primarily the AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) option that dominated the market during the early 2000s. This system, known for its reliability, allowed clear audio quality and effective call connections. The phone featured a basic monochrome LCD display, which showcased essential information such as signal strength, battery status, and incoming call notifications.

In addition to its calling functionality, the Motorola 2001 introduced some user-friendly features that were somewhat advanced for its time. It was designed with a tactile keypad, providing the responsiveness necessary for dialing numbers efficiently. Users could store contacts, a novel feature that signaled the shift towards more personalized communication devices.

Another characteristic that set this device apart was its durability. The Motorola 2001 was constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring that it could withstand the rigors of everyday use. Additionally, its straightforward design made it accessible to a wide array of users, from business professionals to everyday consumers.

As mobile phones evolved, the Motorola 2001 represented a foundational step in the journey towards the sophisticated smartphones we use today. This device’s commitment to portability, user-friendly features, and solid technology laid the groundwork for future developments in mobile communication. Motorola's early exploration into cell phone technology helped pave the way for the incredibly powerful devices that now dominate the market. Looking back, the Motorola 2001 is not just a phone; it was a game-changer in the way people communicated, setting the stage for the mobile tech revolution that followed.
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