The Sidekick iD - How it's different

Before getting into how the new Sidekick iD differs from its predecessors, I will quickly cover the similarities. Like all products in the Sidekick family, the iD features the unique shape that looks like a handheld video game console, with a rotating screen that flips out to reveal a full keyboard. This makes the Sidekick ideal for sending text messages, IMs and emails, and browsing the Internet. With the Sidekick-specific data plans offered by T-mobile, all of your mobile Internet needs are easy to use and fairly inexpensive. All Sidekicks also have their data processed by special servers to make sure that all of your pages show up optimized for their screen.

Additionally, the iD is compatible with MyFaves, meaning you can select any 5 numbers to call for free all the time. Like the other Sidekicks, you also get 64 MB of onboard memory, a speakerphone, and compatibility with both of T-mobile's operating frequencies.

Although the basic Sidekick features are still available in the Sidekick iD, there are quite a few changes for this model. A new battery offers longer talk and standby times from previous models (6 days standby and 5 hours talk time versus 3 days and 4.5 hours), while cutting down the weight (6.2 ounces instead of 7). The overall dimensions are actually slightly wider (2.5 inches versus 2.3), in order to accomodate the other major addition to the iD: customizable faceplates. Now you can choose what color your Sidekick appears, rather than being forced into the black and gray of the Sidekick 3, or the faux leather and white of the D-Wade edition. Among the colors currently available are gray, red, blue, black, and yellow, as well as various prints.

Despite all of these additions, several features have been removed from the Sidekick iD. Most notably are the camera and bluetooth. You can still share your media with your friends, you just can't take a picture on your device. Also, you can't use a Bluetooth headset for wireless connections, or transfer files to your computer without a cord. For some people, this is a dealbreaker; however, for those of you looking for a less expensive Sidekick model, this is definitely the way to go. The other feature missing from the iD is 1800MHz compatibility. This will not affect you on T-mobile's network, but may provide problems if you try to roam internationally. The Sidekick was never meant to be a true international phone, though, so most people should not miss this.

The T-mobile Sidekick iD is now available through T-mobile.com, retail stores, and other T-mobile resellers. With a service contract, the iD will only cost you $99.99, which is a great deal compared to the $199.99 of the Sidekick 3, and $299.99 you would have to pay for the Sidekick D-Wade Edition. If you want to buy the phone without the service plan, the retail price of the iD is $299.99, which is still cheaper than the $399.99 for the Sidekick 3 or $449.99 for the D-Wade model.

Despite the lack of a camera or Bluetooth, the Sidekick iD fits nicely into the Sidekick lineup. It is a great option for those looking for an easy-to-use communications device, but without the higher prices of the other options available.