StarTAC
A digital (left) and an analog (right) StarTAC | |
| Manufacturer | Motorola |
|---|---|
| First released | January 3, 1996 |
| Predecessor | MicroTAC |
| Successor | Motorola V3620/V3688 Motorola V60 |
| Compatible networks | AMPS, cdmaOne, TDMA, GSM |
| Dimensions | 93 mm × 52 mm × 20 mm (analog/CDMA) 98 mm × 57 mm × 23 mm (StarTAC GSM) 94 mm × 55 mm × 19 mm (StarTAC 130) |
| Weight | 88 g (3.1 oz) or more |
| Display | Digital models: LCD Analog models: Segment LED, Alphanumeric LED |
The StarTAC is a series of clamshell-style cellular mobile phones developed and marketed by Motorola beginning in 1996. The first notable flip phone, the original StarTAC model was uniquely at the time the size of a pager and weighed 3.1 ounces (88 g), making it the smallest and lightest cell phone up to that point. Officially, Motorola marketed the StarTACs as "wearable".
The StarTAC's groundbreaking design was a development from Motorola's MicroTAC, a semi-clamshell design first launched in 1989. Whereas the MicroTAC's flip folded down from below the keypad, the StarTAC folded up from above the display. While often cited as the world's first clamshell/flip cell phone, NEC of Japan had already developed and released such a cell phone as early as 1991. Nevertheless, the StarTAC is considered the first example of a luxurious or fashionable cell phone.
The earliest StarTAC models were made for analog AMPS networks while later digital GSM models were made for various markets, and the first CdmaOne and TDMA models were released in 1999. The StarTAC was followed by the Motorola 'Vader' V series which reduced the size further, and later succeeded by the Motorola V60 as the company's flagship offering. Beginning in 2000, new StarTACs were sold rebadged under the Timeport and Talkabout names and with minor cosmetic differences.