Reference

In the absence of conclusive information about any possible risk, what can concerned individuals do?

If there is a risk from these products--and at this point we do not know that there is--it is probably very small. But if people are concerned about avoiding even potential risks, there are simple steps they can take to do so. For example, time is a key factor in how much exposure a person receives. Those persons who spend long periods of time on their hand-held mobile phones could consider holding lengthy conversations on con- ventional phones and reserving the hand-held models for shorter conversations or for situations when other types of phones are not available.

People who must conduct extended conversations in their cars every day could switch to a type of mobile phone that places more distance between their bodies and the source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For example, they could switch to

•a mobile phone in which the antenna is located outside the vehicle,

•a hand-held phone with a built-in antenna connected to a different antenna mounted on the outside of the car or built into a separate package, or

•a headset with a remote antenna to a mobile phone carried at the waist.

Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that mobile phones are harmful. But if people are concerned about the radiofrequency energy from these products, taking the simple precautions outlined above can reduce any possible risk.

Where can I find additional information?

For additional information, see the following websites:

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program (select "Information on Human Exposure to RF Fields from Cellular and PCS Radio Transmitters"): http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety

World Health Organization (WHO) International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (select Qs & As):

http://www.who.int/emf

United Kingdom, National Radiological Protection Board:

http://www.nrpb.org.uk

Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA):

http://www.wow-com.com

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/

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Motorola MicroTAC owner manual Where can I find additional information?
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MicroTAC specifications

The Motorola MicroTAC, introduced in 1989, is an iconic mobile phone that set the stage for the evolution of modern cellular technology. Known for its innovative design, the MicroTAC was one of the first truly portable mobile phones, demonstrating how far telecommunications had come since the bulky models of earlier decades.

One of the standout features of the MicroTAC was its flip design, which allowed the phone to be compact when closed and easy to carry. When opened, the phone revealed a numeric keypad and a small monochrome display, which provided essential functions and caller ID information. This flip mechanism not only contributed to its portability but also protected the keypad and screen from damage when not in use.

The MicroTAC was notable for its lightweight plastic casing, which made it significantly lighter than its contemporaries. Weighing just under 250 grams, it was a remarkable feat of engineering at the time. The phone had a unique “antenna-in-handle” design, which contributed to its sleek appearance while also optimizing signal reception. This innovation was part of Motorola’s effort to make mobile communication accessible and convenient.

In terms of battery life, the MicroTAC featured a rechargeable NiCd battery that provided several hours of talk time. While modern smartphones boast days of battery life, the MicroTAC was considered admirable for its time, allowing users the freedom to communicate on the go without frequent recharges.

The Motorola MicroTAC operated on analog networks, specifically using the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS). This technology allowed for a clearer voice transmission and was crucial in the early days of mobile communication, enabling users to connect in various environments where fixed lines were impractical.

Additionally, the MicroTAC boasted features like call waiting, auto redial, and a phone book capable of storing multiple contacts—a considerable leap forward from earlier mobile devices.

Despite its simplicity compared to modern smartphones, the Motorola MicroTAC laid the groundwork for future mobile technologies and design principles. Its combination of portability, innovative engineering, and user-friendly features solidified Motorola's reputation as a leader in telecommunications. The MicroTAC remains a nostalgic symbol of the early mobile telephony era and a testament to the foundational technologies that paved the way for today's devices.
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