Samsung
A300

The Samsung SGH-A300 clamshell phone was launched in 2001 and was available in three colours; Champagne Gold, Metallic Silver (shown) and Rich Black. The main 128 x 128 pixel resolution monochrome display revealed when the phone was opened, supported a dynamic font size allowing users to change the font size. The smaller external display which was used when the phone was closed had a 80 x 48 pixel resolution. With the active flip function enabled, calls could be answered and terminated simply by opening and closing the phone. The phone book could store up to 99 telephone numbers and names in the phone's memory with additional storage on the SIM card. Single press speed dialling could be configured using keypad keys 2 to 9 and specific ring tones and graphic symbols could be assigned to groups of numbers which would be played and displayed when receiving a call from the number. Call registers recorded the last 10 dialled, missed and received calls and call timers recorded the duration of the last call together with the cumulative total of received and dialled calls. Text messaging support included T9 predictive text and the ability to configure up to five commonly used preset messages. In addition, the A300 included a clock with an alarm, a calculator, a calendar with a to-do list function, a voice memo application and an infra-red port for external connectivity. It also included 50 pre-loaded ringtones and a composer application which allowed you to create your own melodies. Basic Internet services were supported via a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) 1.1 browser that gave access to WAP-compatible websites and services. Some information courtesy of Nigel Linge & Andy Sutton, the authors of 30 Years of Mobile Phones in the UK (Paid Link)