Motorola
5000X

The 5000X series of handsets, introduced in 1988, were used in a variety of different sales combinations. The handsets were primarily designed to be used as a permanent installation in vehicles, in common with the less expensive 4800X handset. The main difference between the two was that the 4800X used an LED-based display while the 5000X used an orange LCD display. Both handsets could be used with Motorola’s transportable option which allowed the transceiver to be removed and placed into a frame that included a battery, an antenna and a cigar lighter plus charging lead that allowed the whole package to be conveniently carried around, and also charged in a vehicle. The 5000X handset was introduced in response to market feedback that indicated that LED displays were seen as old-fashioned and LCD was a more modern alternative. This idea was originally rejected by Motorola’s senior management as it was felt LED displays were regarded as a hallmark of Motorola products up until that time and they also offered better outdoor visibility. However, pressure from the product marketing team, primarily in Europe, resulted in the 5000X updates eventually being approved. The transportable option of the 5000X was available in all markets including Europe, the USA and also Japan. The option was upgraded in 1988 to incorporate the Joan II transceiver which was a size and cost reduced version of the transceiver used in vehicles. A higher tier 6000X handset was also available using a two-line vacuum fluorescent display with additional features.