We got our hands on one of the new Sidekick 2008 (Gekko) devices to check out. Here’s a hands-on video with it:

We’ve already got our hands on the Sidekick 2008 and have been playing with it for awhile now. Here’s some photos from our unboxing of the Sidekick 2008 (aka Sidekick Gekko). We also took some photos of the Sidekick 2008 compared to the Sidekick 3, Sidekick LX, and the iPhone 3G. And just for fun, the large bar of soap we call the Color Sidekick. Click for the full review for this device and the hands-on video.

[Show as slideshow]

12►

It’s not like all of us didn’t see this one coming, but it is nice to finally have an official announcement as well as the ability to actually purchase the Sidekick 2008 (Gekko). It’s been a long wait, fraught with name changes, but it looks like it was worth it for those waiting to upgrade. We’ve got a lot more info for you guys that will be posted shortly, but in the meantime, here’s the official word from T-Mobile on features and specs:

The T-Mobile Sidekick will be available July 30 at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.sidekick.com for $149.99 with a two-year service agreement. Pricing for the shells is $14.99 for two for $9.99 each.

Additional T-Mobile Sidekick Features Include:
· Easily personalized exterior that provides customers the ability to create “shells” on their own terms.
· Record, play and share videos: record videos using the camera; receive video attachments from e-mail, picture messaging, or side load videos to the microSD card; play video using the built-in media player; share videos via e-mail, Bluetooth or picture messaging
· T-Mobile myFaves-enabled
· Horizontal swivel screen and full QWERTY keyboard (manufactured by Sharp)
· WQVGA screen with high-definition LCD technology
· Personalized Web surfing: PC-like, full-size layout or standard Sidekick screen-size layout to scroll and read a page; use Mini Page to zoom out on an overview of an entire Web page; save images from Web pages to the microSD card
· Customized IM experience: create and join group chats, set custom status messages, search for friends in a buddy list and see who is logged into IM to immediately start a conversation
· Easy downloads: install and use downloads without the need to restart the device; set a theme as the device’s default instantly
· Store more information: Up to 25 ringtones, add up to five slides to multimedia messages, and up to 60-second voice messages
· Quick Find to search across all applications
· Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.3” x 0.7”, 5.3 oz.
· 2.6-inch display, 400×240 pixels
· 2.0 megapixel camera
· Quad-band world phone 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
· GSM,GPRS,EDGE
· 512mb microSD memory card
· 1030mAh Lion battery
· Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP supports stereo Bluetooth and Bluetooth file transfer to other Bluetooth devices including Bluetooth photo printers.

UPDATE: The official press release went out

T-MOBILE TAKES CUSTOMIZATION TO A NEW LEVEL WITH THE LATEST T-MOBILE SIDEKICK

The new T-Mobile® Sidekick® lets customers change the look of their device as often as they change their clothes

BELLEVUE, Wash. – July 30, 2008 – A picture from high school graduation, a favorite sports team logo or a vibrant splash of the hottest fall color – whatever you want to express, you can design it on the new T-Mobile® Sidekick®. Available today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. has added the latest edition to the Sidekick family providing customers with the opportunity to create shells for their Sidekick with the images, colors or designs they choose.

The new Sidekick will ship with two shells: black and metallic green. A variety of pre-designed shell patterns and colors also are readily available for customers to purchase at T-Mobile retail stores or online. Of course, for true individualization, customers can design a completely unique shell unlike any other using a dedicated online Sidekick site via SkinIt at www.sidekickshells.com. Doing so is as simple as uploading a personal photo or graphic design, or selecting your own text, shapes, icons or logos. The final design is custom-printed onto the shell, then shipped. Once the design is complete, customers can share their work of art in a public gallery that will be hosted on www.sidekick.com.

“There is perhaps nothing more important than someone’s individual style and personality. The new

T-Mobile Sidekick, with its customizable shells, lets our customers easily express that unique style directly on their phone,” says Sajal Sahay, director, product marketing, T-Mobile USA. “Providing our customers with options to stand out from the crowd and show a true expression of themselves is what makes this Sidekick such an intriguing, fun device.”

In addition to enhanced personalization, the T-Mobile Sidekick is sporting a slightly smaller, thinner and lighter design than previous Sidekicks. It also comes fully loaded with the latest Sidekick features including video capture and playback ability, so customers can record and watch spontaneous and memorable moments, whether at a football game or a music concert.

The new Sidekick also features an integrated Spanish user interface – the first for a Sidekick device. Other features include first-rate messaging with IM, text and e-mail, as well as stereo Bluetooth® for easy photo and file transfers and a 2.0 megapixel camera. The Sidekick also is equipped with customizable Web surfing and more internal memory for storage of ringtones and multimedia messages.

T-Mobile Sidekick Features Include:
· Exterior shells that can be personalized
· Capability to record, play and share videos: record videos using the camera; receive video attachments from e-mail, picture messaging, or side load videos to the microSD card; play video using the built-in media player; share videos via e-mail, Bluetooth or picture messaging
· Horizontal swivel screen and full QWERTY keyboard (manufactured by Sharp)
· WQVGA screen with high-definition LCD technology
· Enhanced Web surfing: PC-like, full-size layout or standard Sidekick screen-size layout to scroll and read a page; use Mini Page to zoom out on an overview of an entire Web page; save images from Web pages to the microSD card
· Customizable IM experience: create and join group chats, set custom status messages, search for friends in a buddy list and see who is logged into IM to immediately start a conversation
· Easy download capability: install and use downloads without the need to restart the device; set a theme as the device’s default instantly
· Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP supports stereo Bluetooth and Bluetooth file transfer to other Bluetooth devices including Bluetooth photo printers
· 2.0 megapixel camera
· Included 512MB microSD memory card
· More storage: Up to 25 ringtones, add up to five slides to multimedia messages, and up to 60-second voice messages
· Quick Find to search across all applications
· T-Mobile myFaves® enabled
· Dimensions: 4.7” x 2.3” x 0.7”, 5.3 oz.
· 2.6-inch display, 400×240 pixels
· Quad-band world phone 850/900/1800/1900 MHz; GSM,GPRS,EDGE
· 1030mAh Lion battery

The new T-Mobile Sidekick is available today at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.t-mobile.com. Please visit www.sidekick.com for T-Mobile Sidekick news and updates.

What did you do tonight? Sat at home, watched some TV, browsed the web, or something pretty ordinary right? Well some lucky people were partying it up in New York at the Sidekick 2008 release party listening to the tunes spun by Treasure Fingers and Sammy Bananas! Unfortunately we couldn’t make it to the party either this time. (We’re totally booking our flights the day we get the invite next time!) Word has it that attendees could create their own Sidekick 2008 shells and pick them up at the party. We’re still waiting on pictures because we’re sure there were a lot of famous faces there. If the Grammy Tour was any indication, T-Mobile knows how to throw a party, and this was one was probably just as much fun.

UPDATE: Looks like the DJs got their very own Sidekick 2008s according to Treasure Fingers’ Twitter

It seems to happen with almost every device. A magazine puts out a short article and includes a new not yet released Sidekick. This time it’s the Sidekick 2008/Gekko in Nylon magazine. The article says: “$149 with two year contract, t-mobile sidekick”. The full spread and a close-up on the text:

via PBD forums (thanks to everyone who sent this in)

The Sidekick 2008 has been a source of rumor upon rumor, but they still aren’t available. Well, other than craigslist and now eBay. A reader let us know that there is now an auction for a Sidekick 2008 on eBay. Yes, that’s right, you can buy a ton of money for an unreleased device and get it early it seems. So far the bidding is up to $295, with a Buy-It-Now price of a dollar short of a grand. It’s actually getting some bids, so we’ll see what some lucky person scores an unreleased device for. The auction text explains that this is a Sidekick 2008 with 4 different shells, and that “You will never see a box like this again on limited edition where made”. (We think he means that it’s a limited edition Sidekick 2008 or something.) Some more pictures from the auction below:

UPDATE: We’re up to $400 with only 17hours to go!

UPDATE 2: Looks like someone dropped the $999 with the Buy-It-Now option. ouch

Some photos of Sidekick 2008 “dummy phones” have been posted over in the Tmonews forums. Dummy phones are just the body of the phone. They are non-working devices generally used just for show at T-Mobile stores. There are some good comparison pictures of these dummy phones with other dummy sidekicks.

[Show as slideshow]

Ok, ok, everyone keeps submitting the BGR article confirming some features and how T-Mobile is going to market it as just “Sidekick” with a model number of 2008. So it looks like you’ll be telling your friends you just got the “Sidekick”. We here at hiptop3.com would like to start a grass-roots effort to actually call this the Sidekick Gekko in common conversation because it’s a cooler name. What do you guys think? Which name would you have liked to see T-Mobile name it?

 Loading ...

If you’re looking for a Sidekick 2008 aka Gekko and you’re rich and you can’t wait for the release date, then you’re in luck. Just make this guy on craigslist a big offer and he might sell it to you. Regardless, looks like we’ve got the first “in the wild” pics of the Sidekick Gekko, err 2008 now.

UPDATE: A couple of eagle eye readers have pointed out the blue keypad on the Gekko as well as the LX, which indicates these are trial devices, aka devices that people are given to test before release. I’m sure this guy doesn’t yet realize that he’s not supposed to be selling these devices, especially the Gekko.

craigslist post:

SideKick Lx + Gekko – $250400 (alameda)
Date: 2008-07-15, 10:53PM PDT

ATTENTION SERIOUS NO JOKE
New Sidekick LX(BLUE)
W/ Video Capibility.(365)
Also Able to Record Own Ringtones!
Condition:9/10
Comes With Charger, Case, etc.
If interested Please Write Back.
AIM;############
510-###-#### Call/TXT
Don’t Be Afraid to ask questions. I will not deny you!
Serious Buyers please

s0 be one of the only people!!
Also Have A Regular Brown Lx. In okay Condition.! Not the Best but still usable.!< ---(250) Third Phone is the " SIDEKICK GEKKO!"n0t f0r sale unless a Big Offer c0mes! (400)
ALL PHONES COME WITH HOME CHARGER USB AND ALL HAVE SCREEN PROTECTORS
Also interested in Electronics: IPODS, PS3, XBOX 360 ETC + $$$$

Looks like Rockstar21 over on the PoweredByDanger forums got ahold of some information that maybe he shouldn’t have. He’s posted some blurry pics of a folder of info on the new Sidekick Gekko/2008/Aspen, slated for release at the end of July. He’s also transcribed the contents of the folder for your information:

Pricing: Get yourself a sidekick at an Affordable price. =)

Catalog: Download more apps, themes and games faster from the catalog

Address book: improved intergration. see what friends are online and immediately start chatting. activity logs. easier dialing for phone calls. improved interface.

Shortcuts: QuickFind, SpellCheck, Shortcut key strokes, and QuickJump(unified inbox and recent applications list)

Headset jack: 3.5 standard audio headphone jack

External memory: 512 mb for videos, pictures and music. can take up to 4 gb card.

Notifications: sounds, vibrations and multi colored trackball.

SMS: yes

MMS: yes

MyFaves: capable

Target Customer: Young fashionable, predominantly female who likes to express themselves and be creative.

Demensions: 120×57.5×18 mm “slightly wider, yet shorter slightly thicker than the sidekick slide”

Weight: 140 g lighter than both slide, and lx

Display: 2.6 diagonal viewing “400×240 pixel WQVGA” Mobile advanced Super V LCD (.4 inches smaller than LX)

Camera: 2.0 Mp still camera and video recorder (should be obviously noticable difference in quality of pictures and video recordings)

Instant Messaging: AIM, MSN, Yahoo. with group chat, stealth mode, and links to profiles.

Media Player: video and music player. 3gp and MPEG 4 with WMA and ACC formats.

Web Browser: yes, with zoom, pan, and scan.

Bluetooth: yes, stereo, phone calls, watching/listening to music and vidoes, sending and recieving media files.

standby time for battery: 10 days
talk time: 5 hours
128 mb ram
64 mb flash rom