NEC LAUNCHES BEAUTIFULLY SIMPLE, ULTRA COMPACT DB4000 MOBILE PHONE

Aimed at the higher end of the market, this new dual band mobile phone operates on GSM 900/1800 with a talk time of up to 6 hours* and standby of up to 8 days*, being powered by a slim lithium ion battery.

The ultra compact design incorporates an active flip which automatically answers and end calls and protects the key pad when not in use. This can be deactivated if preferred. It has an overall size of 120x42x22mm, a volume of just 89cc and a weight of 99 grams. This makes the DB4000 one of the smallest and lightest mobile phones available.

Special features of the DB4000 include new refinements to the SMS (short message service) facility, the provision of a dedicated voicemail key, easier access and storage within the phone book and call lists, plus a higher contrast display with more dynamic graphics. There is also a mode key for selecting suitable functions for normal, meeting, pocket or headset use.

The new SMS system gives the user the option of viewing and then deleting the message immediately. A part written message will be saved if an incoming call is received. There is also an Qtxt facility to store frequently used words or phrases and input these into a longer SMS message as required. In addition countdown of remaining character spaces is included for any messages by-passing the normal menu procedure.

The DB4000 has a keypad and SIM lock, and a discreet vibrate alert. It is fully data compatible and also provides special features including fixed dialling numbers (100 supported), service dialling numbers (100 supported) and advice of charge. NEC has also developed a "listen who’s calling ä " facility. This enables the 14different ring tones to be allocated to any single or group of numbers held in the phonebook. Other valuable services include call forwarding, waiting, hold, barring and line identification.

The high contrast LCD display can be in any of 18 languages and includes clock, date, alarm and voicemail waiting. Any key can be used to answer calls and there are 14 different ring tones as well as auto answering and fast access to call lists.

The memory has easy number storage with retrieval and deletion for 255 addresses and phone numbers. There is a four character phonebook search, auto redial and scratchpad memory. Other phonebook features are the ability to delete several entries at the same time and a memory swap. This allows the user to rearrange stored numbers within the memory fore more convenient fast dialling of up to 99 numbers and one touch dialling for nine numbers.

A rapid plug in charger and simple hands free headset are supplied, while accessories include a fast cigar lighter adapter, Mobile Data Card by Digicom, Mobile Modem by TDK, replacement battery, simple in car phone holder and echo cancelling hands free car kit.

 * Battery life, standby and talk times are network dependent and variations may occur. In particular, the location within the network , type of SIM, reception of area messages, use of full rate or enhanced full rate speech and other factors can all affect performance.