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Nokia 2110
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 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2009) |
 | |
| Manufacturer | Nokia |
|---|---|
| Availability by region | January 1994 |
| Predecessor | Nokia 1011 |
| Successor | Nokia 6110 (2110/2110i) Nokia 6120 (2120) Nokia 6120i (2120 Plus) Nokia 6160 (2160) Nokia 6180 (2180) Nokia 6190 (2190) Nokia 8110 (2140) Nokia 8110i (2140i) Nokia 8146 (2146) Nokia 8148 (2148) Nokia 8148i (2148i) Nokia 9000 Communicator (2170) |
| Compatible networks | GSM 900/1800/1900 (2110/2140/2190) |
| Rear camera | No |
The Nokia 2110 is a cellular phone made by the Finnish telecommunications firm Nokia, first announced and released in January 1994.[1][2] It is the first Nokia phone with the famous Nokia tune ringtone.[3] The phone can send and receive SMS messages; and lists ten outgoing calls, ten incoming calls and ten missed calls. At the time of the phone's release, it was smaller than others of its price and had a bigger display, so it became very popular. It also features a "revolutionary" new user interface featuring with two dynamic softkeys, which would later lead to the development of the Navi-key on its successor, the Nokia 6110, as well as the Series 20 interface.[4][5]
A later version, the Nokia 2110i, released in 1996, comes with more memory and a protruding antenna knob.
A variant model, the Nokia 2140 (more popularly called the Nokia Orange), is the launch handset on the Orange network (now EE). It differed in that it was designed to work on the 1800 MHz frequency then utilised by Orange, and had a slightly less bulbous design.[6]
A North American model, the Nokia 2190, was also available. It is one of the earlier phones available on the Pacific Bell Mobile Services and Powertel's newly launched GSM 1900 network in 1995. A version for Digital AMPS was produced as the Nokia 2120.
Another variant, the Nokia C6, was introduced in 1997 for Germany's analogue C-Netz.[7]
See also
[edit]- HP OmniGo 700LX, a palmtop PC with built-in Nokia 2110
References
[edit]- ^ "Nokia Cables and Machinery" (PDF). aalto.fi. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ^ "Nokia - 2110". Mobile Phone Museum. 26 February 1996. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ^ "Nokia's signature sound". Nokia.com. Archived from the original on 1 April 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2009.
- ^ "Chapter 3: The Navi-key Story | Mobile Usability: How Nokia Changed the Face of the Mobile Phone".
- ^ Harri Kiljander (2004). Evolution and Usability of Mobile Phone Interaction Styles (PhD thesis). Helsinki University of Technology.
- ^ "Nokia 2140 (Nokia Orange)". Mobile Phone History – Celebrating mobile life. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
- ^ "Nokia C6 C-Tel C-Netz NHG-2 Handy Mobiltelefon".
External links
[edit]
Media related to Nokia 2110 at Wikimedia Commons
- "Nokia 2110". gsmarena.com. – full phone specifications
- "Overview and Specification". www.phonegyaan.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018.
- A Nokia 2110 User Manual
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Nokia 2110
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Development
Announcement and release
The Nokia 2110 was announced by Nokia in January 1994 as a high-end business-oriented mobile phone targeting the emerging GSM market.[6] It marked Nokia's second-generation GSM handset, designed specifically for digital networks rather than adapting prior analog models.[4] Some sources note an initial release as early as the same month, with broader availability throughout 1994.[1] The phone launched primarily in Europe, optimized for GSM 900 networks, positioning it as Nokia's key entry into second-generation digital mobile communications.[2] It served as an upgrade from earlier analog devices operating on first-generation NMT systems, and helped bridge the transition to more advanced GSM models such as the Nokia 6110 released in 1997.[4] At launch, the Nokia 2110 retailed for approximately £700 in the UK, equivalent to around $1,070 USD based on 1994 exchange rates, reflecting its premium status.[7] In Finland, pricing was reported around 5,250 Finnish marks, underscoring its accessibility within Nokia's home market despite the high cost relative to average incomes.[8] A notable innovation in the Nokia 2110 was its inclusion of the iconic Nokia tune as the default ringtone, the first time this melody appeared on a Nokia device; it is a shortened adaptation of Francisco Tárrega's "Gran Vals" composed in 1902.[9] This feature, initially labeled as "Type 7," became synonymous with the brand and contributed to the phone's cultural impact during its market entry.[10]Design process
The Nokia 2110 was developed in the early 1990s by Nokia's Mobile Phones division in Salo, Finland, as a direct response to the rapid adoption of GSM standards across Europe following the first commercial GSM call in 1991 and the launch of Nokia's inaugural GSM handset, the 1011, in late 1992.[11][12][13] Under the internal codename NHE-1XN, the project emphasized a fully digital architecture based on Nokia's DCT1 platform, marking a complete shift from analog systems and enabling more efficient GSM operations with the Hitachi H8/536 chipset.[4][6] Prototyping innovations included the introduction of a dynamic menu system with two softkeys, which adapted functions based on the current screen context to streamline navigation for users.[1] The design team, led by chief designer Frank Nuovo alongside system designer Timo Ali-Vehmas, project manager Mika Niemi, and product manager Juha Pinomaa, prioritized business-user requirements, resulting in a more compact form factor—measuring 148 x 56 x 25 mm and weighing 239 g—compared to the bulkier Nokia 1011 at 192 x 60 x 45 mm and 475 g.[14][15][1] Key engineering challenges focused on battery efficiency and user alerts, addressed through a specialized NiMH battery module rated at 550 mAh that supported up to 2 hours 40 minutes of talk time and 30 hours of standby.[16] This module also integrated an optional vibration alert, one of the first implementations in a mobile phone, though it required purchasing a dedicated vibrating battery variant for activation.[10] These decisions positioned the 2110 as a high-end business device, balancing portability with practical enhancements for professional use.[6]Design
Physical build
The Nokia 2110 measured 148 x 56 x 25 mm and weighed 233 grams when equipped with its standard battery, dimensions that positioned it as one of the more compact full-featured GSM handsets upon its 1994 release.[17][10] This portability was a key selling point for business users seeking a balance between functionality and ease of carry in an era when mobile phones were often bulkier "brick" designs. The device utilized a sturdy plastic chassis for its main body, contributing to a robust yet lightweight construction suitable for daily professional use.[18] It featured an external antenna with a rubberized cover for improved grip, though this design element was noted for its fragility and tendency to snap under stress.[1] The overall build emphasized ergonomics, with the fixed keypad and antenna placement aiding one-handed operation. Power was supplied by a removable NiMH battery rated at 550 mAh, which delivered up to 160 minutes of talk time and 30 hours of standby time under optimal conditions.[19] This battery could be swapped easily via a rear compartment, and larger optional capacities—such as 1100 mAh or 1500 mAh—extended standby to 60 hours or more for extended use.[17] Durability was enhanced by an operating temperature range of -20°C to +55°C, allowing reliable performance in varied environmental conditions typical for mobile business applications.[17] Color variants were limited to black and blue, both accented to convey a sleek, professional aesthetic that aligned with the phone's target market.[17]Display and controls
The Nokia 2110 was equipped with a monochrome LCD display that supported 4 lines of 13 characters, offering an approximate resolution of 84 × 48 pixels. This configuration allowed for clear visibility of text, signal strength indicators, battery status bars, and guiding prompts for the softkeys at the bottom of the screen. Compared to the single-line alphanumeric displays prevalent in rival devices from the mid-1990s, such as early Ericsson and Motorola models, the 2110's larger screen marked a significant advancement in user readability and information presentation.[16][20][21] The control layout featured two dynamic softkeys directly below the display, enabling context-sensitive operations like accessing the "Menu" or "Names" (phonebook) functions depending on the current screen. Navigation was facilitated by dedicated scroll keys positioned between the softkeys and the numeric keypad, serving as a precursor to the four-way d-pad in later Nokia models by allowing efficient up-and-down movement through menu lists and options. These elements combined to create a more intuitive interaction model than the rigid button assignments in contemporary competitors.[1][22][23] The keypad adopted a standard 12-key numeric layout with multi-tap input for entering alphanumeric text, supplemented by dedicated buttons for power (on the side), send (green call key), and end (red hang-up key). All keys were backlit with adjustable illumination that activated for 15 seconds upon use or could be set to off via Menu 4-01, improving usability in low-light environments. This design prioritized durability and ease of dialing while supporting one-touch access to speed dial locations 2 through 9.[16][23][24] In terms of user interface, the 2110 pioneered graphical icons for status indicators and a hierarchical menu-driven system navigable via numeric shortcuts (e.g., Menu 1-2 for call log), which streamlined access to features without overwhelming the user. This approach, including help texts for most functions, established the core of Nokia's Series 20 design language and influenced subsequent mobile UI paradigms. The Nokia Tune ringer complemented these visual cues as an audible alert mechanism.[1][25] Accessibility was enhanced through basic vibration feedback, selectable in ringing modes like "Ring and Vibrate" or standalone "Vibrate" via Menu 12, providing discreet notifications tied to incoming calls and messages. The display and keypad lights further supported visibility adjustments for varied lighting conditions.[26]Features
Network capabilities
The Nokia 2110 was designed primarily for the GSM 900 MHz band, operating in the 890–915 MHz transmit and 935–960 MHz receive frequencies, establishing it as an early single-band digital phone tailored for European markets.[17][16] The Nokia 2110 and its variants, such as the 2110i, were limited to the GSM 900 MHz band for voice and basic connectivity without analog fallback.[6][16] This focus on digital GSM positioned the device as a pioneer in second-generation mobile networks, emphasizing reliable urban coverage over multi-band versatility.[1] Data services on the Nokia 2110 were confined to circuit-switched data (CSD) at speeds up to 9.6 kbit/s asynchronous, enabling basic file transfer and fax capabilities when connected to a PC via an optional PCMCIA data card, but lacking packet-switched options like GPRS or any form of internet access.[17][16] The phone integrated a Mini-SIM slot for subscriber identity module cards, supporting essential security features such as PIN locking and SIM lock to prevent unauthorized use, in line with GSM Phase 1 standards.[6][16] Roaming compatibility was centered on European GSM networks, with the device facilitating international calls through operator agreements in supported countries, such as those with D2 in Germany and Omnitel in Italy, though coverage depended on bilateral partnerships rather than global tri-band support.[17] The phone featured a removable external antenna, which was prone to fragility and breakage in the original model.[1]Messaging and call management
The Nokia 2110 supported Short Message Service (SMS) for sending and receiving text messages up to 160 characters in length, adhering to GSM standards.[27] This made it one of the earliest Nokia devices with native SMS capabilities, initially focused on receiving messages and later updated via software to enable sending.[1] Users could access SMS functions through the menu to view, edit, write, and send messages, with the device storing up to five full-length messages.[27] The phone's call management included a recent calls register that stored up to 10 dialed numbers, 10 received calls, and 10 missed calls, accessible via the menu for quick review and erasure.[16] These logs were displayed on the four-line LCD screen, providing users with a basic overview of communication history without advanced search features.[27] Contact management was handled through a phonebook supporting up to 125 entries in the device's memory plus additional storage on the SIM card, where each entry could include a name (up to 20 characters) and associated phone number.[16] Speed dialing allowed one-touch access to up to eight frequently used numbers stored in locations 2 through 9 by holding the corresponding key.[27] Alert options for incoming calls and messages included customizable ringing tones, with the default being the iconic Nokia tune—the first instance of this melody on a Nokia phone.[1] Users could select from ring only, vibrate only, ring and vibrate, or silent modes via the settings menu, and adjust ringing volume with sample tones for preview.[27]Variants
European and global models
The Nokia 2110 served as the foundational design for several European and international variants, adapting its core architecture to regional networks and user needs while maintaining the original's block form factor and monochrome LCD display. These models were primarily targeted at GSM and analog markets in Europe, with enhancements focused on connectivity and usability to meet diverse operator requirements. The Nokia 2110i, released in 1995, featured upgrades including an external pull-out antenna for improved signal reception and internal memory supporting up to 125 phonebook entries in device storage, alongside space for five SMS messages of 160 characters each. This version, designated as NHE-4NX (model II), expanded on the original's capabilities to handle longer messaging threads and better contact management, making it suitable for business users in GSM 900 networks across Europe.[28] In 1994, the Nokia 2140 was launched exclusively for the UK's Orange network, supporting GSM 1800 MHz for higher capacity in dense urban areas and featuring a slimmer profile measuring 148 x 58 x 25 mm and weighing 238 grams. This variant retained the 2110's menu-driven interface and soft keys but optimized for the DCS 1800 standard, enabling faster data rates and integration with emerging digital services.[29] The Nokia C6, introduced on December 15, 1997, was adapted for Germany's analog C-Netz (450 MHz hybrid system), inheriting the 2110's design with dimensions of 188 x 57 x 27 mm and a weight of approximately 265 grams. It supported a maximum transmit power of 0.75 W and used a compact C-Netz SIM card, with talk time up to 150 minutes and standby up to 18 hours on its standard NiMH battery, tailored for urban coverage in the declining analog infrastructure.[30] By 1996, the 2110 series, including these variants, contributed to Nokia's presence in over 120 countries worldwide through its mobile phones division, with the model line achieving total sales exceeding 20 million units before phasing out in the late 1990s.[31][1]North American and specialized versions
The Nokia 2190, released in 1995, served as the primary GSM variant of the 2110 for the North American market, supporting the 1900 MHz band allocated for Personal Communications Services (PCS).[32] This adaptation maintained the core hardware and software features of the original model while optimizing for the higher frequency range, which required modifications such as tuned antennas to accommodate regional spectrum allocations and reduce potential interference from adjacent bands. The device obtained FCC certification to ensure compliance with U.S. regulatory standards for radio frequency emissions and operation. Another key adaptation was the Nokia 2120, introduced in April 1994 as a version compatible with U.S. TDMA networks under the IS-54 Digital AMPS standard.[33] Designed specifically for American digital cellular infrastructure, it supported dual-mode operation with analog AMPS for broader compatibility in areas with mixed network coverage, addressing the need for reliable service in diverse terrains including rural regions.[34] U.S. operators frequently customized Nokia 2110-based models to align with their services, including carrier-specific firmware for seamless integration and pre-loaded directory assistance contacts. These modifications facilitated easier user onboarding in PCS environments but were constrained by the nascent state of digital networks. Deployment in North America faced challenges, including antenna recalibrations for the 1900 MHz PCS spectrum to mitigate interference with existing analog services, and overall limited uptake due to GSM's delayed commercialization compared to the dominant TDMA and emerging CDMA standards.[35] By 1997, as CDMA infrastructure expanded rapidly across the region, these 2110 variants were largely discontinued in favor of newer models supporting the prevailing technologies.[4] The North American versions shared essential user interface elements, like menu navigation, with their European counterparts for consistency.[33]Reception
Market performance
The Nokia 2110 achieved remarkable commercial success following its 1994 launch, ultimately selling over 20 million units worldwide by the end of its production run in 1997, far surpassing the company's initial target of 400,000 units.[1][4] In its debut year, it moved 618,000 units, marking a pivotal shift for Nokia from a regional player to a global force in mobile telephony.[36] This performance was particularly strong in Europe, where the phone helped Nokia secure a leading position in the expanding GSM market, contributing to the company's overall dominance in digital handsets during the mid-1990s.[37] The phone received several accolades reflecting its market impact, including Business Week's Product of the Year in 1995 and the GSM World Conference's Outstanding Phone of the Year in 1996.[1] It also won What Cellphone's Business Phone Award for two consecutive years and the iF Design Award for its industrial design.[4][38] Priced at a premium £700 (approximately $1,050 USD) upon release, the 2110 targeted business users and high-end consumers, reflecting its advanced features for the era.[4] As GSM networks proliferated and manufacturing efficiencies improved, prices declined significantly by 1995, enhancing accessibility and driving broader adoption among professionals and early adopters. The phone outperformed competitors like the Motorola MicroTAC in compactness and digital capabilities, as the first GSM handset to fit comfortably in a shirt pocket while offering superior battery life and user interface innovations.[39] This edge propelled Nokia past rivals such as Ericsson to become the top GSM vendor by the mid-1990s.[37] Market challenges limited the 2110's reach in North America, where analog systems like AMPS dominated and GSM adoption lagged until later in the decade, confining Nokia's early U.S. success to niche segments.[40] Its triumphs were thus closely linked to GSM's rapid rollout in Europe and emerging Asian markets. The model was eventually phased out and replaced by the Nokia 6110 in 1998, which inherited key design elements and achieved strong sales of several million units, further solidifying Nokia's market leadership.[41]Innovations and influence
The Nokia 2110 introduced a revolutionary user interface with two dynamic softkeys, allowing context-sensitive menu navigation that marked a significant advancement in mobile phone usability. This design directly influenced the development of Nokia's Navi-Key system, first implemented in the Nokia 3110 and later refined in models like the 3310, by building on the softkey foundation to create more intuitive one-handed operation.[42][43] The softkey paradigm also contributed to broader UI evolution, establishing scalable navigation patterns that echoed in modern smartphones' contextual buttons and gesture-based controls.[44] A key innovation was the debut of the Nokia Tune as the default ringtone, derived from a snippet of Francisco Tárrega's 1902 guitar composition "Gran Vals," representing the first use of a composed melody as a standard alert in a mass-market mobile phone. This tonal buzzer replaced simpler beeps, enhancing user experience with a distinctive, memorable sound that became synonymous with the Nokia brand. The tune has since been featured in over one billion Nokia devices worldwide, underscoring its enduring cultural resonance.[45] In terms of design, the 2110's compact candy bar form factor—measuring 148 x 56 x 25 mm and weighing 236 grams—set benchmarks for professional-grade handsets, prioritizing portability and durability for business users while establishing the ergonomic template for subsequent slab-style phones. Additionally, its optional vibrating battery pack provided silent haptic alerts for incoming calls, an early adoption of vibration technology in GSM devices that helped popularize tactile feedback as a discreet notification method in mobile communication.[44][6][46] The 2110 gained notable cultural footing in 1990s popular media, appearing in advertisements and as a symbol of emerging digital connectivity in films and TV depicting urban professionals. Today, it holds collector appeal among vintage tech enthusiasts, with well-preserved units commanding prices up to $100 on secondary markets due to its historical significance.[1][47] On a broader scale, the 2110 exemplified Nokia's pivot toward digital mobile leadership in the mid-1990s, integrating SMS, call logs, and data connectivity features that propelled the company's expansion in the GSM era and contributed to its achievement of over 40% global market share in mobile phones by 2000.[21][48]References
- https://lpcwiki.miraheze.org/wiki/Nokia_2110