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Motorola MicroTAC

9800X · 1989 · flip

Specifications

Cpu: Not publicly documented (analog handset control logic)
Ram: max: Not publicly documented · base: Not publicly documented
Modem: Analog AMPS (800 MHz cellular)
Ports
Camera: none
Battery: NiCad battery pack (removable), approx. 43 minutes talk time / 8.6 hours standby on the launch pack
Display: Monochrome LCD, numeric display for dialed digits and status icons
Storage: base: Numeric memory dialer only (no data storage) · options:
Release Price: $2,995

Variants

Models

MicroTAC 9800XOriginal 1989 launch model, the first commercial flip phone: the mouthpiece flips down to cover the keypad when not in use.

MicroTAC Lite / Elite seriesLater early-1990s revisions shrank the handset further and added digital (D-AMPS/TDMA) variants alongside the original analog design.

Upgrade paths

battery

Replacement NiCad or NiMH slimline pack · Battery pack clips onto the base of the handset; several capacity/thickness options were sold new, and collectors now rebuild original shells with fresh cells.

~$25-40 (vintage/collector market)

EASY

other

Optional slip-on data/fax modem accessory · Motorola sold clip-on accessories adding fax/data capability over the analog line, a rarity for a pocket handset of this era.

~$100-200 (vintage market)

MODERATE