The Motorola i730, released in 2003, was a game-changer for Nextel customers worldwide. With features that were ahead of its time, the i730 quickly established itself as one of the most sought-after cell phones of its era. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Motorola i730’s unique capabilities, design, and legacy.

Design and Build

Sporting a sleek clamshell design, the Motorola i730 offered users a compact and sturdy phone that seamlessly fit into their everyday lives. The phone’s weight and dimensions were well-balanced, allowing for comfortable handling while not sacrificing on durability. The external monochrome display showcased essential information such as caller ID and battery level, while the main internal display offered 65k-colors with impressive resolution for its time.

Features and Performance

The i730 was lauded for its remarkable features, including a built-in GPS navigation system – a novelty at that time. This practical addition allowed users to access satellite-driven navigation capabilities right from their handsets.

Nextel’s Direct Connect walkie-talkie service was another key feature—providing quick one-to-one communication at the push of a button without dialing phone numbers. For business users who relied heavily on staying organized throughout the day or anyone who needed instant communication, this feature proved invaluable.

In terms of performance, Motorola i730 delivered reliable voice quality and connectivity – something we’ve come to expect from Motorola devices. The phone’s Java-based platform opened up new possibilities for apps and games.

Although limited by today’s standards, these were groundbreaking advancements in mobile technology back then.
Battery life was also commendable: the device could easily last through a full day’s worth of average use without needing to be charged.

Miscellaneous Features

Notably, the Motorola i730 allowed users to customize their device with personalized ringtones, wallpapers, and voice-activated commands – a level of personalization that was gaining popularity among consumers.

Considering the year of its release, the i730 was equipped with a decent range of productivity features such as calendar management tools, a to-do list, a calculator, text messaging, and an alarm clock. These may have been standard additions in later years but are worth mentioning given the historical context.

Legacy

Although the Motorola i730 has been surpassed by countless smartphone models in terms of capabilities and features since its debut nearly two decades ago, it remains a fond memory for many users who appreciated its groundbreaking technology and user-friendly design.

In conclusion, the Motorola i730 (Nextel) may be a relic of the past, but its innovative combination of advanced features, such as GPS navigation and Direct Connect walkie-talkie service, along with its compact and durable design helped it gain recognition as one of the most practical mobile devices available in 2003. A classic and pioneering device that laid the groundwork for modern communication technologies we use today.