The T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 is ready to bring swappable shells and customizable graphics to the entry-level HipTop market - especially for all your creative types looking to change up your Sidekick’s look with the changing of the seasons (or months, or days, depending on how much you want to spend on new shells). With video recording and playback capabilities, and a 2 megapixel camera, T-Mobile’s Sidekick 2008 isn’t going to disappoint on the media-front either. The slenderer T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 has already been reviewed by the folks over at Phone Arena, and they’ve come away pleased with the new Sidekick. The overall dimensions are smaller than with the flagship Sidekick LX, so a smaller 2.6-inch display is expected. But, the display is still easily viewable and automatically adjusts its brightness based on ambient lighting conditions (thanks to an ambient light sensor).
The keyboard is classic Sidekick, and makes for some easy typing. Although, the upper row of keys are apparently a bit over-sensitive and take some getting used to. Likewise, the swivel mechanism is slick and smooth - again, classic Sidekick.Video capture, 2 megapixel camera, and stereo Bluetooth round out the otherwise simple feature-set. The Sidekick 2008 is marketed as a decidedly more down-range HipTop for the youngest of Sidekick users with lesser budgets, so the inclusion of a decent camera and stereo Bluetooth is a nice surprise.
Unfortunately, as a down-range device, the Sidekick 2008 sports cheap-feeling plastic exterior pieces that pick up smudges and scuffs like nothing else. But, seeing as how additional Sidekick shells can be had for $15 from T-Mo, Sidekick 2008 users can replace scuffed-up shells at a whim.
Overall, the Sidekick 2008 is exactly what we’d expect in a low-end Sidekick. In fact, the Sidekick 2008 surprises us with a healthy spec-sheet and decent styling - something you don’t see everyday in the entry-level market.
