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Sidekick's size defies versatility
12/12/2002
The T-Mobile Sidekick is one do-it-all device that really does it all
well.
This wallet-size gizmo hit the market this fall after creating a huge
buzz in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where its
design took top awards.
T-Mobile's branded product is based on the unique, stylish and
functional Hiptop design from Danger Inc. Pushed to market with the
guidance of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, the Sidekick beautifully
blends functions of a cellphone, instant messaging unit, camera,
personal digital assistant, e-mail client, Web browser and game platform.
All it needs to attain perfection is a color screen.
If you've ever attempted to surf the Internet on a cellphone, you'll
find the Sidekick a remarkable advancement. First, to provide the best
input on such a small device, the unit features a hidden QWERTY
keyboard. The 2 ½-by-1 ½-inch monochrome screen swivels smartly from its
closed position to reveal the keyboard. With the keyboard exposed, you
can thumb-type URLs, e-mail and phone numbers.
But the device also operates in a closed position, allowing access to
all the functions with a simple jog dial and three exterior buttons.
This configuration allows users to make quick checks for e-mail without
fumbling with the keyboard. In essence, the Sidekick becomes a laptop
computer that operates like a pager.
Because you're continuously connected to the GPRS network, you are
notified whenever e-mail arrives. You can set up the T-Mobile Sidekick
to collect messages automatically from up to three POP3 external e-mail
accounts. And viewing attachments is no problem. The unit will display
images, Microsoft Word documents and PDF files.
Sidekick is also a full-featured phone. You can hold it to your ear like
a traditional cellular unit or use a headset.
If that's not enough, a small camera lens can be snapped into the
Sidekick to take color pictures with 120 X 90 resolution. Up to 36
snapshots can be stored or attached to outbound e-mail.
About the only drawback to the Sidekick is the monochrome screen.
Although it is much larger than most cellphone displays, text often
appears in tiny fonts during Web browsing. And, with the camera
function, it is unfortunate that the screen can't display color.
But if you ever wanted all these functions rolled into one great mobile
package, the Sidekick is, quite simply, the best invention yet.
The T-Mobile Sidekick retails for $199 after a $50 rebate, but some
retailers are offering rebates that reduce the device's price to $99.
T-Mobile currently offers two service plans. For $39.99 monthly, you get
unlimited data usage (e-mail, Web browsing, Internet messaging, etc.),
200 anytime phone minutes and 1,000 weekend minutes. For $59.99, you get
unlimited data usage, 500 anytime minutes, and unlimited night and
weekend minutes.
See www.t-mobile.com
or call 1-800-937-8997.
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