Sidekick raises bar for entry-level cellphones
— -- The entry-level Sidekick from T-Mobile, out today, duplicates many of the features of the flagship LX model and adds some fun touches for creative customers.
Believe it or not, there are those among the phone-buying public who do not crave an iPhone. T-Mobile's young-skewing Sidekick line has been the middle ground for those who want something more text- and IM-friendly than Apple's grope-craving gadget and aren't ready to subside into corporate BlackBerry gathering. The latest entry-level edition — simply called the Sidekick — advances the cause with a svelte new design and one nearly irresistible addition.
It's not 3G — yet. T-Mobile hints a 3G phone is on the horizon, but the new phone ($149.99 with a two-year T-Mobile service contract) is still percolating along on the GSM/EDGE network. Instead, the newest Sidekick offers the option to personalize the phone's exterior with shells, swappable hard-plastic cases that users can custom-order in nearly any way they like. (Think jewelry for your phone, at $15 a bauble.)
Longtime fans may have tried the adhesive, disposable "skins" popularized by third-party outfits such as Skin-It. T-Mobile, apparently realizing that their in-house expertise doesn't much extend to aesthetics, is partnering with Skin-It to offer customization online (sidekickshells.com). Though this may remind some observers of the now-discontinued Sidekick iD (also a low-end version with swappable shells), I'm pleased to report that this time T-Mobile got interchangeability right. The reusable shells feel sturdy and look great. I did struggle a bit to swap shells on and off the body without bumping the actual On/Off button. Once on, they stayed on despite bumps and drops. The controls have been changed slightly so the shells don't impede the user actions such as clicking or scrolling.
We tried the online customization tool and managed to whip up a variety of pretty little confections — some incorporating our own uploaded photos and text — before settling on a version we liked. The artistically challenged can choose from dozens of good-looking pre-designed shells, or look through an online gallery (sidekick.com/gallery) of shells created by other users, though those are only viewable for inspiration, not purchase.
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