The Mini Gets Larger, But Packs More Features Mobile Phones / NTT DoCoMo Posted by ando on Jan 24, 2005 - 10:20 AM |
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NTT DoCoMo has announced their latest in the Premini series, the Premini-2. While a little bigger than it's predecessors, I'll willing to bet that most people would be worried about either swallowing it or washing it accidently, not to mention having too-big fingers for still too-small keys. On January 24th, 2005 NTT DoCoMo announced their Premini-2. Merely 79cc and having a 1.3 mega-pixel digital camera, 1.9 inch QVGA LCD screen, and DoCoMo’s i-apli feature all packed in. The Premini-2 reflects the small size of its predecessor. The base contains the FeliCa [1], IC card which acts as a mobile wallet. The Premini-2 is also known as the SO506i.  The three available body colors are black, silver, and brown. The aluminum body gives it a high-class appearance. The Premini-2’s keypad is the first to feature blue LEDs.  The digital camera is contained in the circle on the back. By using the stereo-headphone jack and memory card slot (memory stick DUO [sold separately]) on the side, the Premini-2 also becomes a portable music player. Music can also be played through the speaker. However, the only format available is Sony’s ATRAC3.  From the left side the sliding lock switch and camera light switch are displayed. Below them are the manner setting and memo buttons, as well as the zoom button. From the right side the macro-zoom switch and microphone connector are visible. Below them is the camera button, which also functions as the play button when playing music.  From left to right are the three generations of Preminis; the original Premini, the Premini-S, and the Premini-2. The size has gradually increased to allow for more functions such as higher megapixel cameras and other features. However, it’s overwhelmingly smaller than DoCoMo’s FOMA handsets.  The circular camera in the back of the handset sticks out a fraction of an inch. In the center is a half mirror. The LED lights flash when incoming calls or mail is received. The lens is on the left side and 2 LED lights act as a flash. It’s hard to see in the picture, but there’s also an infrared port underneath where it says “Digital Zoom.”  The camera in operation - holding it with your right hand, your index finger will be right on the shutter button. The shutter button is on the exact opposite side, being operated by your left hand.  Since the first Preminis debuted, their packaging has always set them apart from other phones. These are no different. They contain the instruction manual, battery holder, and charger. Memory card and earphone mic are sold separately.  One of the changes for the SO506i is the schedule feature. It’s now easier to see a week at a glance. Article inspired by: http://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/articles/0501/24/news040.html [2] |
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This article is from TechJapan http://www.techjapan.com/ The URL for this story is: http://www.techjapan.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=835 Links in this article [1] http://www.nttdocomo.com/corebiz/imode/services/felica.html [2] http://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/articles/0501/24/news040.html |