K

Keypad Tones The sounds produced through your phone’s speaker when you press the keys. See “Turning Keypad Tones On and Off” on page 73.

L

landline The telephone system used for conventional office and home phones.

Lithium Ion (LiIon) A battery technology used in personal cellular telephones. Lithium Ion batteries generally provide more energy capacity than Nickel Metal Hydride batteries of the same weight.

lock Use this feature to prevent unauthorized access to your telephone.

lock code A three-digit code used to access your phone once it has been locked. The factory programmed lock code is 123. To view or change your lock code, see “Locking/Unlocking Your Phone” on page 78.

M

memory location A space in the internal Phone Book where you can store a telephone number and a name.

menu feature Any feature that can be accessed through the menu system.

menu system The hierarchical arrangement of your phone’s features that allows for quick, intuitive access.The top-level menu contains: Phone Book, Timers, Tone Control, Lock Secure, Phone Options, and Message Center.

Message Center Key Located on the bottom row of the keypad, the dedicated Message Center Key provides quick access to messages and messaging functions. See “Using the Message Center” on page 104.

N

name directory An alphabetical list of the names and telephone numbers you have stored into your phone’s internal Phone Book.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) A battery technology used in personal cellular telephone batteries.

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Motorola StarTAC specifications 121

StarTAC specifications

The Motorola StarTAC, released in 1996, is widely regarded as the first truly "compact" mobile phone and a significant innovation in mobile telecommunication technology. Its clamshell design set it apart from its predecessors, allowing users to easily carry it in a pocket while protecting the keypad and screen. This design not only enhanced portability but also delivered a unique aesthetic appeal that became iconic.

One of the standout features of the StarTAC was its lightweight construction, weighing approximately 145 grams, which was remarkably light for a mobile phone at the time. The dimensions of the device made it one of the smallest mobile phones available, measuring just 3.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches. The StarTAC’s size and style contributed to its popularity among business professionals and fashion-forward individuals alike.

In terms of technology, the Motorola StarTAC operated on the first-generation (1G) analog network. This was one of the earliest mobile technologies available, offering basic voice call capabilities but lacking data transmission services. It utilized Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) to manage calls, allowing multiple users to share the same frequency without interference. The analog technology provided high-quality voice clarity, which was a significant improvement over radio communication systems.

The device featured a limited but functional monochrome LCD display, which indicated signal strength, battery life, and caller ID. Additionally, the StarTAC was equipped with a customizable ringtone feature, allowing users to choose from a variety of pre-set tones, adding a personal touch to the mobile experience.

Battery life was another highlight, with the capacity to provide up to 100 hours of standby time and around 30 to 60 minutes of talk time, which was sufficient for users of that era. The phone's battery could be swapped, ensuring that users could replace it easily as needed.

User-friendly and intuitive, the Motorola StarTAC also offered features like voice dialing and a caller ID function, which were quite innovative during its time. Its combination of style, portability, and reliable performance made the StarTAC a trendsetter that paved the way for future mobile phone designs and technologies. The StarTAC is not just a phone; it is a historical landmark in the evolution of mobile communication, demonstrating how innovation can reshape user experience and interaction.