T-Mobile today announced the availability of the Sidekick 3, making its official public debut tonight among Hollywood's elite. Walking the red carpet at The Hollywood Palladium tonight, T-Mobile fans and celebrities alike will celebrate the arrival of the newest version of the Sidekick product line.
The T-Mobile Sidekick 3 has a sleek design that is 20 percent smaller than its predecessor, and features a new trackball for easy one-handed navigation and integrated Bluetooth technology for wireless headset use. The device is also enhanced with a new MP3 player, removable battery, and Mini-SD card slot for expandable memory.
In addition to the phone capabilities, the device provides text messaging, e-mail and built-in support for the three major instant messenger (IM) clients (AIM, Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger) to help customers stay on track with their personal lives (separate charges apply).
Other additional Sidekick 3 capabilities include integrated support for EDGE, which provides for faster download speeds and a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera for capturing spontaneous moments.
Key new features of T-Mobile Sidekick 3 include:
- Built-in support for all three major IM clients (AIM, Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger)
- Full HTML browser with enhancements for faster downloading and optimized viewing
- Automatic connection to the EDGE radio technology network for improved communication through faster downloading and improved coverage
- Sleeker design that is 20 percent smaller for a more natural feeling in your hand and pocket
- Trackball for one-handed navigation to easily access more functions
- Built-in Bluetooth support for wireless headset use and vCard exchange
- Integrated 1.3-megapixel camera with supplemental LED flash for close-range illumination and a convex mirror for self-portraits
- MP3 player with support for a stereo headset
- Mini-SD card slot for expandable memory available for storing photos, music and more
- Speedier ARM9 processor
- Replaceable battery pack with added capacity
Existing T-Mobile customers will be the first to be able to purchase the Sidekick 3. For an initial 12-day period beginning on Wednesday, June 28, limited quantities of the in-demand all-in-one communications device will be available exclusively to current T-Mobile USA post-paid customers - through the company's online handset upgrade program accessible through www.sidekick.com, and in person at two designated T-Mobile retail stores.
T-Mobile Sidekick 3 will be available to the general public at T-Mobile retail stores and online beginning on Monday, July 10.
I don't know what the big deal about the Sidekick is. The thing is HUGE, ugly, and ridiculous when in use. The only reason it started selling well was because Paris Hilton lost hers and all her contacts got harassed.
2. Posted by Cadd
Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:58 pm
anyone know the price?
3. Posted by Allen
Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:59 pm
$400 prepaid, $350 with a one year contract, $300 with a 2 year contract.
4. Posted by stargrl357
Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:00 pm
$400 prepaid, $350 with a one year contract, $300 with a 2 year contract.
if it weren't so expensive i'd think about getting one...
5. Posted by booboy
Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:02 pm
yeah it's a bit expensive, but the sidekick is the best messaging device hands down. knock it if you will, but i know a bunch of people who swear by it.
6. Posted by GSMDude
Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:03 pm
The Sidekick 3 is virtually the same thing as the 2. Just in a smaller case!
7. Posted by D-Ice
Tue Jun 20, 2006 5:38 pm
Who the hell in there right mind would buy this?!? Its 350/400 and it does not even have video, sure its the best for txting... but the LG VX9800 (Verizon "V") is does a much better job in the entertinmen department....
8. Posted by GSMDude
Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:49 pm
Agreed. $400 for a camera without video recording sounds a bit absurd.
9. Posted by stargrl357
Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:18 pm
Personally I don't care about the camera, it's the email and instant messaging. Most of my friends only use it to chat online. imho there's no better device for it.
10. Posted by HoLLaKiD619
Thu Jun 22, 2006 5:36 pm
Actually the SK2 wasnt too much different than the SK1 and by reading about the SK3 it isnt gonna be too much different from the SK2. How many NORMAL prople actually own a sidekick? Its not touch screen... it doesnt even have a video cam... I wouldnt pay $99.99 for it . Im sticking w/ my SE P910a
11. Posted by mgoblue
Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:28 am
The Sidekick 3 looks to be a great phone. I heard that current T-Mobile customers will be able to get a $100 discount by trading in their old Sidekick 2. This may be rumors though.
I agree with everyone else. $300 is too much... especially when you factor in the extra $50 or so a month for the data plans.
12. Posted by QStorm
Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:13 pm
the PlayStation 3 is also viewed by many to be over priced at $600 but you're kidding yourself if you don't think the SK3 and the PS3 will sell like hot cakes. I too agree that they could and should have done alot more with this new sidekick but it is what it is.
13. Posted by Germanopher
Mon Jun 26, 2006 2:53 pm
When you purchase a SK3, I heard the rumors that in the end of the year, you'll get a system update (upgrade) that allows you play videos (maybe recorder too?).
14. Posted by Allen
Tue Jun 27, 2006 12:02 pm
From an anonymous tipster:
The release date is July 10, 2006 for non-T-Mobile Customers and June 28, 2006 for T-Mobile Customers via Upgrade.
15. Posted by steve0092
Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:26 pm
yea i would get this phone if i had some more money it looks great and it sounds heck better then other phones.
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