Sidekick

Last year, T-Mobile launched two new Sidekicks: the Slide and the LX. This time around, it’s keeping the name simple: “Sidekick.” The big news is the customizable external shells that you can purchase from the dedicated Sidekick Web site.

The site lets you either upload your own images, or choose from a library of clip art that you can apply to your own shell. Each costs $9.99 but you can get two for $14.99. I have to admit that I had a good time grabbing a picture of a surfer in a breaking wave and applying it to my imaginary shell. Then I took an ink-blot logo and splotched it around the camera hole. I’ll have it in the office soon enough to give you a look, but I think teens will like this feature a lot.

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T-Mobile just announced a Tony Hawk version of its Sidekick LX handset, which we reviewed back in January. The device is supposed to resemble and feel like the top of a skateboard with grip-tape and eight fake screw heads. I just hope it doesn’t feel too much like real grip-tape, since the last thing I’d want on my phone is sandpaper meant for gripping to shoes.

It’s the first Sidekick with video-recording capabilities, as well as the ability to play back and share the video. T-Mobile claims the device also has an enhanced Web-browsing experience, stereo Bluetooth support, and easier downloads.

The device is slate gray with white and sky blue accents. It features a Tony Hawk–themed interface, which includes a video of him performing tricks and will no doubt get old quite quickly, and a Tony Hawk background. Every time you swivel the screen open, it’s supposed to make “skate themed” sounds. It’s unclear if that means the device says “Dude, gnarly ollie,” or the sound of four wheels hitting pavement, or a snapping femur every time you open it.

My only question is, why does Tony Hawk look so unenthused? Read on for more photos. Read the rest of this entry »