T-Mobile Sidekick iD
Manufacturer: Sharp Part number: CNETTMOBILESIDEKICKID
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The T-Mobile Sidekick iD offers all the great messaging capabilities of the Sidekick 3 at half the price, but the rest of the handheld's feature set is very limited; too bare-bones, in our opinion. That said, young, cash-strapped kids will find the iD to be a good option.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
T-Mobile Sidekick iD price range: $68.75
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Edited by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 04/18/2007
- Released on: 04/25/2007
The good: The T-Mobile Sidekick iD carries an affordable price tag and features interchangeable bumpers for customization. The handheld also comes preloaded with popular instant messaging clients, its own e-mail account, and an HTML Web browser.
The bad: The Sidekick iD strips out too many features, most notably a camera. Surfing the Net on the device is slow without the EDGE speeds.
The bottom line: The T-Mobile Sidekick iD offers all the great messaging capabilities of the Sidekick 3 at half the price, but the rest of the handheld's feature set is very limited; too bare-bones, in our opinion. That said, young, cash-strapped kids will find the iD to be a good option.
The T-Mobile Sidekick 3 has garnered its fair share of fans, and we can understand why. The handheld not only makes all messaging--instant, text, e-mail or otherwise--an absolute breeze, but also the various celebrity and athlete endorsements definitely give it some street cred with young hipsters. And now T-Mobile and Danger are hoping to expand the Sidekick's customer base even more by introducing the budget-friendly T-Mobile Sidekick iD.
Priced at $99 (with a two-year contract and after rebates), the iD is certainly affordable, but you sacrifice a number of features for the price. Unlike the Sidekick 3, you don't get a camera, Bluetooth, or MP3 playback. You also lose EDGE support and expandable media. We understand that certain cuts had to be made to save costs, but we think they went a little overboard. Inevitably, these lapses may limit the device's appeal to the truly cash-strapped and tweeners looking for their first taste of the popular messaging device; but if you can swing it, the Sidekick 3 is definitely the better buy. That said, the Sidekick iD still handles messaging like a champ, and the ability to customize the phone with differently colored bumpers is a bonus (to learn how to further customize your iD, check out our Cell phone accessories page). The T-Mobile Sidekick iD will be available in stores and online starting April 25.
Design
The T-Mobile Sidekick iD looks like a cross between the Sidekick 3 and the Sidekick II. It sports the pearly white/gray coloring of the Sidekick II, but features the new navigation controls found on the Sidekick 3. At 5.1 inches long by 2.4 inches wide by 0.8 inch thick it retains the same shape as its predecessors, but at 6.2 ounces, the iD is slightly lighter than the Sidekick 3. The Sidekick iD also manages to add some flair of its own with its interchangeable bumpers. Available in black, yellow, blue, purple, or a glow-in-the-dark scheme, the bumpers (more designs are planned) add some spice to the drab grey color scheme that you get in the box. Just be aware that these accessories cost $19.95 each, which is pricey. Our review unit came with the bright-as-sunshine yellow bumpers, and swapping out the bumpers was a bit labor-intensive. There's a total of four pieces that you need to take on and off, and there's a fair amount of pulling and snapping to get them on correctly.
The T-Mobile Sidekick iD comes packaged with a travel charger, a carrying case, a wrist strap, a wired headset, and reference material.
Features
In order to make the T-Mobile Sidekick iD more budget-friendly, some features had to be sacrificed, but we think T-Mobile and Danger took it a bit too far. The iD strips out the 1.3-megapixel camera, music player, integrated Bluetooth, expandable media slot, and EDGE support. Axing Bluetooth? Sure, we're in full agreement. The lack of EDGE speeds is questionable, as is the removal of MP3 playback and the expansion slot, but chances are good that most users will have a dedicated MP3 player for their music anyway. No, our biggest gripe is the lack of a camera. Many basic cell phones these days include at least a VGA camera, so we find the omission inexcusable, especially since the Sidekick iD is such a youth-oriented and multimedia-centric device. There is a photo viewer installed on the iD, but obviously without a camera, you'll have to get photos onto the handheld another way (via e-mail, multimedia message, and so on).
Despite the Sidekick iD's shortcomings, we can't deny that it's a solid messaging device. The iD comes preinstalled with AIM, Yahoo, and Windows Live instant messaging clients, and you can have up to 10 simultaneous conversations if you're a social butterfly. To switch between conversations just press the menu and D buttons. And if you happen to lose network connection in the midst of a session, the Sidekick will save the chat until a connection is restored. The Sidekick iD also supports text and multimedia messaging.
The Sidekick iD comes with its own T-Mobile e-mail account with real-time message delivery. Setup is extremely easy, as the device walks you through the whole process when you first turn it on (it's really just a matter of choosing a username and password). The iD also can be configured to access up to three POP3 and IMAP accounts, but e-mail delivery comes in about 15-minute intervals. If you have a Web-based e-mail account like Hotmail, you will need to use the iD's HTML Web browser to check your messages.
As a phone, the Sidekick iD offers a 2,000-contact address book with room in each entry for multiple numbers, an e-mail address, an IM account, a Web URL, a street address, and notes. You can assign contacts to groups, and for caller ID, you can pair an entry with a photo and one of 22 ringtones. You also get speed dial, call forwarding, three-way calling, a call log, a vibrate mode, a speakerphone, and support for T-Mobile's myFaves service. MyFaves gives you unlimited calling to five contacts, regardless of carrier. Plans for myFaves start at $39.99 a month.
Other features on the Sidekick iD include a calendar, a notepad, a task list, one preloaded game, and a download catalog where you can get more ringtones, games, and applications.
Performance
We tested the triband (GSM 850/1800/1900; GPRS) T-Mobile Sidekick iD world phone in San Francisco, and call quality was OK. On our end, voices sounded mostly clear both on regular calls and on speakerphone, though there was a slight crackling noise in the background. Our callers said audio was bad on their end, and asked us to repeat ourselves several times. They also reported a weird echo when we put them on speakerphone.
Web browsing was slow. Without the EDGE speeds, simple sites like Google took about a minute to come up while graphics-intensive sites like CNET.com took 2 minutes or more to fully load. On the upside, sending and receiving e-mail via the Tmail account was instantaneous, and we also had no problems setting up the Sidekick iD to access our SBC Global account.
The Sidekick iD is rated for 5.3 hours of talk time and up to six days of standby time. In our battery tests, we were able to get 8 hours of talk time on a single charge. According to FCC radiation tests, the iD has a digital SAR rating of 0.63 watts per kilogram.
User reviews
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Its a great phone
by famousx27 on May 3, 2007
Pros: Its a great phone, Very Strong
Cons: It has no camera
Summary: I just got my Sidekick iD April 29th 4 days after it came out.. I LOVE IT!!! People ask me why I didnt just pay 100 more dollars and get ...
Summary: I just got my Sidekick iD April 29th 4 days after it came out.. I LOVE IT!!! People ask me why I didnt just pay 100 more dollars and get the sidekick 3 so I could have a camera and MP3 Player.. I dont need either I have a digital camer and an iPod so I could care less I wanted the phone for internet and text messaging. It does suck if you dont have your camera on you and want to take a picture of something but its ok because the phone still has a photo album and you can receive pictures via email and save them on your phone. In the end... ITS A GREAT PHONE!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Practical and Penny Saving
by woodsvl on May 24, 2007
Pros: unlimited internet, aim, text messages, and MyFaves
Cons: no mp3, photo, bluetooth or usb
Summary: The phone I had previously had a decent camera (that I never used) and bluetooth (that I never used).
I did however text a TON so it was starting to ...Summary: The phone I had previously had a decent camera (that I never used) and bluetooth (that I never used).
I did however text a TON so it was starting to cost me a lot of money in texting overages. And my thumb was getting a cramp from the lack of qwerty.
I started looking at phones and first I needed to pick between the SK3 and enV. enV had all the bells and whistes but verizon charges minutes for internet (+ their internet at texting are seperate). the SK3s unlimited internet, aim, and text was winning out. Then the SKiD came out and it was perfect for me.
I have an iPod so I don't need the mp3. the camera on the sk3 isn't even that good. I've never used bluetooth and don't really need it. The not having a usb kinda bummed me out... but you can just email photos to your phone to use as contact entries.
I like the feel of the SKiD better than the sk3. The Sk3 is sleeker and more awkward to hold. I also noticed chipps on the corners of some of my friends sk3s. Yay for rubber bumpers!
The big plus was the myfaves. This month I've used less than 10% of my anytime minutes. Without the myfaves I would have been WELL over a strict minutes plan of the same cost. The myfaves aren't permanent either.
This phone isn't for everyone but it's perfect for me.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Everyone has the same opinion, this is the little things matter
by sportmadness on July 28, 2007
Pros: Flip screen, macros, keyboard, sturdy
Cons: small text, No MMS messaging, bad speaker
Summary: I got the Sidekick on an impulse and like it and dislike it at the same time. I have never texted so fast in my life. (though it is my ...
Summary: I got the Sidekick on an impulse and like it and dislike it at the same time. I have never texted so fast in my life. (though it is my first phone with a keyboard.) There are some little things I would like to add about this phone that are not considered when buying a phone.
Pros are as follows: You can easily see the screen in the bright daylight. (which I could not do with my Motorola E 815, holly with amp'd)It has some very functional macros programmed into it, such as when you want to send a message push 'menu M'. That saves me an unthought about amount of time. You can talk to someone on speaker phone and just flip the screen out and operate the side kick as if you are not talking to anyone. Such as sending a message or check your email.
Some cons: No MMS messaging! Which bugs me. I knew it didnt have a camera so that is not a con, but what phone won't let you receive a picture message? It took about ten seconds in my jeans for the rubber gaurds to change colors. (that dissappeared though)The case is huge for it and makes it look like i have a labtop hooked to my side. Which I only have my case for my truck visor to hang my phone in while driving anyways. The speaker phone seems to fluctuate, sometimes I can hear really well, and sometimes it stinks. Welp this review is long enough, I hope it sends someone over the edge to get one or deters someone who is suspect to it. BTW I had amp'd and they went under, got the sidekick, but cancelled my contrace while I was in the 14 days and went and got an enV from verizon.Updated
You can't call numbers by words such as 1(800)mobiles. I seen that advertisement and had to get another phone to look its keypad.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The T-Mobile Sidekick lacks a lot of features we love
by woopycushion on April 14, 2007
Pros: The price is only $100 and has changable face plates so you can personalize it however you want
Cons: It lacks a camera, music player, bluetooth, and expansion slot
Summary: The phone is okay for people who don't want a lot of features. $99 isn't a very good price for something with no features at all. The price ...
Summary: The phone is okay for people who don't want a lot of features. $99 isn't a very good price for something with no features at all. The price is okay compared to the $299 Sidekick 3. The only thing that you can do with this phone is text. Using the phone is pretty complicated. To type in the number, you have to slide it open. After you type in the number you have to slide it back in. Sliding it back and forth gets realy anoying. Remember that this will only be for T-Mibile and the $99 price tag is with the two year contract. Without the contract, the price would be around $250. It's okay for kids to use but for adults, I suggest them buying the Sidekick 3.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Your getting what you paid for.
by armywife4life on May 23, 2007
Pros: Email, Instant messaging, and phone service, plus also includes tmobiles my favez
Cons: No camera, or bluetooh, plus you need to pay to add alot of applications
Summary: i recently made the swith from sprint to tmobile, since my husband is delpoyed. So we may email eachother where ever we are. I like the phone, and chose the ...
Summary: i recently made the swith from sprint to tmobile, since my husband is delpoyed. So we may email eachother where ever we are. I like the phone, and chose the ID since I don't need any fancy features. I to have a digital camera and a Ipod and don't rely on my phone for those features. If i want pictures I can email them to my phone and attach them to my contacts.The only thing I don't like is the fact that you have to pay for simpile applications like a alarm clock, and am not always able to access as many websites as i thought I would be able to. but at the end of the day, it's a phone, and it works. if you know what you want in a cellphone and the features are not offered then you know it's not the phone for you.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Pretty Good, READ THIS
by patrickfitzgerald on May 22, 2007
Pros: Affordable Price, good features, fun faceplates(bumpers), durable, kid-friendly
Cons: Lacks camera, mp3, bluetooth, and no extendable memory
Summary: I got this phone about a week ago and realized it was pretty good. I had a razr and a chocolate, this phone totally beats them. It's very easy ...
Summary: I got this phone about a week ago and realized it was pretty good. I had a razr and a chocolate, this phone totally beats them. It's very easy to use, almost like a mini version of a sidekick 3. It's keyboard is awesome, very spacious. The feel of it is unlike any other. If you don't mind missing the camera or mp3, get this phone! Otherwise, spend another 100bucks, heh. This phone is great for preteens/teens, or ppl that use texting alot. One bad thing about this phone is that sometimes it can get frustrating because it takes a little bit longer to do everything, with the opening and the confusing scrolling of the trac-ball. Overall, this phone owns, badly.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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its a perfect phone, hands down.
by gkyoo08 on May 4, 2007
Pros: e-mail, web browser, custimization, affordable
Cons: even though, it doesnt have a camera, you can still store photos on the device
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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So far, excellent communication device.
by nicoleiny on April 25, 2007
Pros: Unlimited data inlcuding txt, IM, web, email for $20
Cons: Can't say yet.
Summary: Well, the SKID came out today and I spent a while contemplating on whether to get rid of my SK3 for the SKID. I went ahead and went with the ...
Summary: Well, the SKID came out today and I spent a while contemplating on whether to get rid of my SK3 for the SKID. I went ahead and went with the SKID and am happier with it. Reason for this being the following: I didn't use the horrible camera on the SK3 nor the music player or bluetooth, so I figured the SKID was obviously the phone for me. If, however, you do use these multi media apps, the SKID is NOT the phone for you. I have a 7.0 mega pixel camera, along with an IPOD, so I don't need these sub par features on a phone. That leaves this phone with all the communication and organizer apps (I use every single one of the apps on my SKID now).
Everything is pretty much the same (minus the multi media apps), except that the buttons on the SKID have DEFINITELY improved. Instead of being the cheap, Halloween-themed black and orange color, they're white and blue - a MUCH better look. I purchased a white color kit for my phone and honestly, it's very attractive and professional looking.
I would highly recommend this phone to anyone in any age group out there, not only preteens/teens. If you're always on the go, and need an extreme communication gadget with an appointment app for your clients and to do app, this is the phone for you.
Kindly,
Nicole1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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does the phone sell in Singapore
by arinah13 on March 24, 2009
Pros: its a really good product
Cons: the product is a good product
Summary: does this phone sell in Singapore?
Summary: does this phone sell in Singapore?
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Horrible phone
by xgm541 on March 10, 2009
Pros: Keyboard??
Cons: Everything else
Summary: I can easily say that the sidekick ID was one of the worst phones I have ever had. I bought it for $50 from a friend and it wasnt even ...
Summary: I can easily say that the sidekick ID was one of the worst phones I have ever had. I bought it for $50 from a friend and it wasnt even worth that much in my opinion. The sidekick line is bad, but this is just horrible. Not only does the screen suck, the phone cannot be used for browsing the internet for anything besides text based sites, there is no camera or MP3 player, the list goes on and on. I dont know why anyone would ever even consider to buy this phone.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sharp
- Part number: CNETTMOBILESIDEKICKID
- Description: Make your own scene. Now you can customize the exterior of your T-Mobile Sidekick iD to match your ever-changing style. The Sidekick iD keeps you tuned into the scene with access to e-mail, instant messaging, and text messaging. Stay connected the way you want, when you want - in your own signature style.
General
- Product Type Smartphone
- Service Provider T-Mobile
- Width 2.4 in
- Depth 0.9 in
- Height 5.1 in
- Weight 6.2 oz
Cellular
- Technology GSM
- Band GSM 850/1900 (Dual Band)
- Phone Design Sidekick
- Changeable Covers / Faceplates Yes
- Antenna Internal
- Vibrating Alert Yes
- Polyphonic Ringer Yes
- Call Timer Yes
- Conference Call Capability Yes
- Caller ID Yes
- Additional Features Swivel screen
Communicator Features
- Operating System Danger OS v3.0
- Synchronization With PC Yes
Messaging & Data Services
- Short Messaging Service (SMS) Yes
- Messaging Services Yahoo! Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger Service (AIM), Windows Live Messenger (MSN Messenger)
- Mobile Email Yes
- Supported Email Protocols POP3, SMTP, IMAP4
- GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Yes
- Internet Browser Yes
- Messaging / Data Features Text messages, XHTML browser
Organizer
- Alarm Clock Yes
- Calendar Yes
- Reminder Yes
Display
- Type LCD display
- Technology TFT
- Display Resolution 240 x 160 pixels
- Diagonal Size 2.4 in
- Color Support Color
- Color Depth 16-bit (65000 colors)
- Features Backlit
Security Features
- SIM Card Lock no
- Restrict Access to Phone Book no
- Voice Encryption no
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Headset, Wrist strap, Carrying case
Power
- Type Power adapter
Battery
- Technology - Lithium ion
- Talk Time Up to 300 min
- Standby Time Up to 144 h
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Sharp
Specs: T-Mobile, GSM 1900, Up to 180 min, 6 oz
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Manufacturer: Sharp
Specs: GSM 1900, Up to 210 min, 6.3 oz
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Manufacturer: Motorola
Specs: T-Mobile, GSM 900/1800/1900 (Tri-Band), Up to 270 min, 6.5 oz
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Manufacturer: Sharp
Specs: T-Mobile, GSM 900/1800/1900 (Tri-Band), Up to 270 min, With digital camera, 7 oz
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Manufacturer: Sharp
Specs: T-Mobile, GSM 850/1800/1900, Up to 270 min, With digital camera, 7 oz
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Limited Edition Diane von Furstenberg Sidekick 3
Manufacturer: Sharp
Specs: T-Mobile, GSM 850/1800/1900, Up to 270 min, With digital camera / digital player, 7 oz
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Limited Edition LRG Sidekick 3
Manufacturer: Sharp
Specs: T-Mobile, GSM 850/1800/1900, Up to 270 min, With digital camera / digital player, 7 oz
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Manufacturer: Sharp
Specs: GSM 850/1900 (Dual Band), Up to 300 min, 6.2 oz
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T-Mobile Sidekick 3, D-Wade Edition
Manufacturer: Sharp
Specs: GSM 850/1800/1900 (Tri-Band), Up to 270 min, 7 oz
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Manufacturer: Motorola
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband), Up to 354 min, With digital camera / digital player, 5.3 oz
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T-Mobile Sidekick LX - espresso brown
Manufacturer: Motorola
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband), Up to 330 min, With digital camera / digital player, 5.7 oz
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T-Mobile Sidekick LX - midnight blue
Manufacturer: Motorola
Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband), Up to 408 min, With digital camera / digital player, 5.7 oz
Manufacturer info
- Sharp
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sharp products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sharp-usa.com/SharpHome/
- Address:
Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ - Phone: (201) 529-8200
