So Many Sidekick 4G Hands Ons! A Roundup

Seems like today is National Get Your Hands On a Sidekick 4G Day. A number of hands-on reviews of the new Sidekick are streaming in from CTIA in Orlando. Here’s the ones that have been posted so far:

LaptopMag: T-Mobile Sidekick 4G Video Hands-on: Great Keyboard, Funky UI

  • This iconic messaging device continues the storied Sidekick legacy with a very familiar look and feel but also adds the power of Android to the mix, all for $99.

PCMag: T-Mobile Sidekick 4G: Hands On

  • “The Sidekick looks even better in person than it does in photos.”
  • “The Sidekick is an Android 2.2.1 phone with some pretty heavy customizations, but I think they’re good looking.”
  • “Three customizable colored LEDs along the top of the screen play the role of the old “disco ball,” telling you about new messages.”
  • “The Sidekick felt even zippier than the usual Samsung Galaxy S phone, which was surprising given that they share the same 1GHz Hummingbird processor.”

PCWorld: Hands-On with the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G

  • “The Sidekick 4G’s keyboard rocks.”
  • “The user interface is basically an updated version of the old Sidekick OS’s, but with some Samsung touches here and there.”

MSNBC: T-Mobile Sidekick 4G: The phone your kids will want

  • “The device is solid and felt comfortable in our hands whether we were using the full keyboard or the touchscreen. The phone has a secure sliding mechanism which we actually found ourselves preferring over the swivel mechanism of past Sidekick generations.”
  • “The Sidekick 4G will be available later this year and will be priced at $99.99 (after a $50 rebate and with a 2-year service agreement with an unlimited data plan).”

AndroidCommunity: T-Mobile Sidekick 4G Hands-On – with video and lots of pics

  • “The phone is clearly made for folks who like to text, type, or otherwise message one another, as the entire Sidekick line has always been, and the addition of Android has blasted its insides into outer space in a way that I can only describe as the most ambitious user interface modification ever applied to Android.”
  • “This device even marks its info screen differently than the average Android phone, marking its version of Android as “Firmware version: 2.2.1? and its Build number as FROYO.UVKCB. You could also note the model number if you felt so inclined here, SGH-T839.”
  • “Lots of apps seem to be integrated in like qik for video chat, Media Hub, Visual Voicemail, wifi calling, group text, and the sweetly touted Cloud Texting which will allow you to pretty much chat from whichever device you’ve got to whichever other device you’ve got one it’s released in earnest.”
  • “There’s not too much NEW to say about the hardware as it’s essentially the same model T-Mobile has been Sidekickin’ since back in the day, but with Android running around inside, there’s some magic going on.”

BGR: T-Mobile Sidekick 4G hands-on!

  • “…despite our initial fears that it would be a lackluster device compared to the high-end beauties recently announced, we were pretty pleased with what the Sidekick 4G offers.”
  • “It felt well built and its display hinge felt very sturdy when we popped it open to reveal the keyboard.”
  • “The Sidekick 4G has a 3-megapixel camera but sadly, it lacks a flash. For those up on video-chatting, however, there’s also a front-facing camera.”

cnet reviews: T-Mobile Sidekick 4G gets priced, hands-on treatment

  • “The new Sidekick will cost $99.99 with a two-year contract with unlimited data and after a $50 mail-in rebate. Alternatively, you can purchase the messaging handheld for $149.99 with a two-year service agreement and lower data plan, such as its 200MB data plan.”
  • “Instead, the Sidekick 4G has a slider design with a spring-loaded hinge. Sliding the phone open was generally easy, and the screen securely locks into place at a slight angle, so it’s easier to see when you’re using the keyboard.”
  • “It uses the Samsung TouchWiz user interface but the company has done even more tweaking on top of TouchWiz, including changes to the lock screen, menu shortcuts, and wallpaper.”
  • “The only missing part of the puzzle is the release date, which we’ll hopefully have soon, but so far, we think it will do pretty well with the young’uns.”

Engadget: T-Mobile Sidekick 4G by Samsung priced at $99.99 with a two-year contract, we go hands-on – with video

  • “Much like its Sidekick 3 and iD older brothers, the slightly-curved keys are almost perfectly spaced, and while they aren’t rubbery like those on the Sidekick LX, they do have a nice smooth coating.”
  • “We admit we miss the 180-degree swivel, but the slider actually doesn’t feel half bad.”
  • Know of any hands-on reviews that we missed? Let us know in the comments.

30 Responses to “So Many Sidekick 4G Hands Ons! A Roundup”

  1. Fuck T-Screwyouover Says:

    This phone is a joke

  2. Chadifer Says:

    What can I say about this new device…
    For one, I am still unsure about purchasing the new phone. With this device I don’t have that itch of “I GOTTA HAVE IT” like I had with previous SK devices…now its an “EH..we’ll see”. They also keep saying its like the previous Sidekicks but it clearly isn’t! The only thing it has from the previous ones is the jump key abilities and the style of the keyboard. Everything else is entirely different! The new UI is fully understandable because since most people want phones are running on android OS now days. It does look a lot more customizable than previous ones…those of you that have had a SK3 or higher remembers the websites that made themes for us. However, the non swivel screen and 3.5mp camera with no flash doesn’t really seem, to me, like a good or even worth the upgrade. This new “signature pop” screen is not truly unique; there are other phones that have the pop opening.

  3. ncmacasl Says:

    I see you have been reading my twitter feeds, LOL!! Those are all the good ones – a LOT of crappy copycat articles, tho.

    Still unclear WHERE the LED lights are

    Other un-Answered Questions:

    AutoText like Older SKs?
    Hidden SnowBored game?
    included games?
    phone app in landscape mode?
    Google Voice Integration?
    AIM within gchat?
    FB Chat?
    Adobe Flash?
    Any hope 4 Netflix?
    Copy/Paste?
    create own skins/themes?
    hinge sounds?
    deaf-friendly apps?
    Closed Captions/English Subtitles on videos/TV apps?

  4. antonio Says:

    android 2.2.1 means you should see all the goodies from other 2.2 devices and just a little facelift from samsung so the os looks more “sidekick-like”. You should expect adobe flash on this, most likely install via market. Google voice should also be available, along with fb chat via other apps. Aim is available but there’s no way it will be integrated with gtalk. Netflix is working on there app, but there’s no word on if it will be available for 2.2. There is copy and paste on almost all android devices…however its not as easy to use an the old kicks. Now the one thing I wanna know is……what can we do with themes

  5. quikk312 Says:

    Tmail?

  6. admin Says:

    @antonio: You’re not the only one curious about theme possibilities. http://www.sidekick4gthemes.com is registered and waiting. 🙂

  7. Mulan Says:

    I don’t see how this phone is a joke.

    Do not lie; every single sidekick user ALWAYS complained about how crippled the phone was when it was running Danger OS. Now that you’ve all pretty much got what you asked for, you call it a joke?

    Get the fuck out!

  8. vote die bitch Says:

    Mulan on March 22, 2011 at 3:25 pm said:

    I don’t see how this phone is a joke.

    Do not lie; every single sidekick user ALWAYS complained about how crippled the phone was when it was running Danger OS. Now that you’ve all pretty much got what you asked for, you call it a joke?

    Get the fuck out!

    NO BITCHH, YOU SHUT THE FUCKK UP THIS PHONE IS A JOKE CAUSES IT’S NOT A SIDEKICK. DON’T LIKE WHAT I SAY (KILLYOSELF)

  9. Nikki Says:

    This made me feel better.. I was worried about this new sk.. Or rather the new generation of sks… would never never live up to the prime sks like the 08 or even 03.. These reviews have given me a little more faith.. I look forward to the android os more so now then when I first heard the news and honestly faced with other phones out there.. Id rather have this one.. Its a meh.. Rather than a want .. But I can live with that.

  10. Kara Says:

    3 questions:

    1) What will the upgrade be like (cost, will plans grandfather) and when will it be available?

    2) with a front-facing camera, how long until a video-relay application?

    3) how is the buzzer/vibrator?

    The phone I am comparing it to is the Samsung Epic 4G, which is another Android 2.something phone. Available now ($150 after rebate and a cheep data-only plan), video relay, and a decent buzzer.

  11. ncmacasl Says:

    Kara on March 23, 2011 at 2:37 am said:

    3 questions:

    1) What will the upgrade be like (cost, will plans grandfather) and when will it be available?

    2) with a front-facing camera, how long until a video-relay application?

    3) how is the buzzer/vibrator?

    The phone I am comparing it to is the Samsung Epic 4G, which is another Android 2.something phone. Available now ($150 after rebate and a cheep data-only plan), video relay, and a decent buzzer.

    1) If you are currently on a Sidekick plan. call the number in the Sidekick Letter you should have received (if not, see previous post for a copy). Once there see what options they give you (won’t be much) then ask to be transferred to the Customer Loyalty Department. Many (including myself) have gotten previous sidekick plans grandfathered with unlimited Android Data (but TEXT messaging is NOT included – Unlimited TEXT plans are separate so you will overall be paying more overall unless you decide to drop an additional TXT plan)

    2) Purple VRS already has A Video Relay app for TMobile MyTouch 4G – they will p[robably be the first to release a VRS app for the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G. Sorenson’s nTouch & Sprint Relay are both currently exclusive to Sprint Phones – but that may change in the future.

    3) I would LOVE to know more about how strong the vibe function is, also. Interesting that it looks like it has TWO speakers – 1 in front and 1 in back!!

  12. ncmacasl Says:

    Additional Question:

    Android Central’s recent hands-on video (https://www.androidcentral.com/hands-t-mobile-sidekick-4g) shows an interesting problem with the placement of the HOME button (where old MENU button used to be) & the MENU button (where the X/CANCEL button used to be) that for android folks used to pressing the home button while scrolling, it seems awkwardly placed. Is there a HOME button within the pop-up Menu where you can hit the MENU button then click on a Home icon on the Menu Pop-Up??? — Seems to be only big design flaw.

    Also, is there a true accelerometer or is the orientation forced? (landscape if keyboard is open & portrait if keyboard is closed) Or can this be set?? Or is it App-dependant (phone app, for example, seems to always be Portrait mode even with screen open)?

  13. Sean K Says:

    I dont care how good the phone is, because of sidekick and microsoft/danger, thousands of people lost all their stuff on their sidekick phones. F-them. its not a sidekick…its still a SLIDEkick, POS wanna be

  14. Mulan Says:

    T-Mobile did not call the Sidek!ck a Sidek!ck because of the swivel screen, people. -______________-

  15. Fuck T-Screwyouover Says:

    Mulan on March 23, 2011 at 5:03 pm said:

    T-Mobile did not call the Sidek!ck a Sidek!ck because of the swivel screen, people. -______________-

    Then why did they give it the name sidekick then smartasss.

  16. ncmacasl Says:

    …because it is a constant companion always by your side!!

  17. Sean K Says:

    AND IT DOES THE SWIVEL DUMMY, THATS WHY THEY HAD A SEPARATE SLIDEKICK PHONE THAT CAME OUT CAUSE IT SLIDED UP. F-ING MONKEY

  18. ncmacasl Says:

    the T-Mobile Slide by Motorola was *never* called the “Slidekick”

  19. ncmacasl Says:

    ^Sidekick Slide

  20. Mulan Says:

    They called it the Sidek!ck Slide because it just so happened to be a Sidek!ck that could slide.

    A Sidek!ck is someone who is always on your side and is like your number one friend. That’s what T-Mobie was pushing on consumers; being able to push thousands and thousands of messages and stay connected at all times is what made them call it that.

  21. Fuck T-Screwyouover Says:

    Sean K on March 24, 2011 at 4:12 am said:

    AND IT DOES THE SWIVEL DUMMY, THATS WHY THEY HAD A SEPARATE SLIDEKICK PHONE THAT CAME OUT CAUSE IT SLIDED UP. F-ING MONKEY

    Eat sh*t and die, you stupid f*cking little dick bastard.

  22. Fuck T-Screwyouover Says:

    Sean K on March 24, 2011 at 4:12 am said:

    AND IT DOES THE SWIVEL DUMMY, THATS WHY THEY HAD A SEPARATE SLIDEKICK PHONE THAT CAME OUT CAUSE IT SLIDED UP. F-ING MONKEY

    Eat sh*t and die, you stupid f*cking little d*ck b*stard.

  23. quikk312 Says:

    ncmacasl on March 23, 2011 at 7:17 pm said:

    …because it is a constant companion always by your side!!

    No the sidekick was called a sidekick because of the swivel, stupid. Trust me, I bought it when it first launched in 2002 and they was promoting the heck out of the fact that the screen swivel up. Don’t be such a kissass!

  24. Chadifer Says:

    WOAH GUYS….this is a page is to leave comments about the subject matter…no need to get hasty!!! If you guys wanna continue your fight please exchange emails or something!

  25. quikk312 Says:

    Tmo needs to get that Epic 4G phone. I’d rather have that than this Slidekick 4G

  26. Mulan Says:

    quikk312 on March 24, 2011 at 10:22 am said:

    ncmacasl on March 23, 2011 at 7:17 pm said:

    …because it is a constant companion always by your side!!

    No the sidekick was called a sidekick because of the swivel, stupid. Trust me, I bought it when it first launched in 2002 and they was promoting the heck out of the fact that the screen swivel up. Don’t be such a kissass!

    You were a consumer to T-Mobile at that time while I was an employee for T-Mobile at the time.

    They did market the hell out of the swivel screen in 2002, but never did they say that was the reason for the Sidek!ck’s name. Sorry, but you’re wrong.

  27. Anonymous Says:

    Fuck T-Screwyouover on March 23, 2011 at 6:42 pm said:

    Mulan on March 23, 2011 at 5:03 pm said:

    T-Mobile did not call the Sidek!ck a Sidek!ck because of the swivel screen, people. -______________-

    Then why did they give it the name sidekick then smartasss.

    T-mobile owns the name Sidekick, not Microsoft/Danger, they nver did, if t-mobile wanted, they could’ve named a Turd, The sidekick, so calm down fanboii, its not that serious, i sadly had to move on to the G2, but u dnt see me flamming people for their opinions…

  28. kevin Says:

    being a sk owner back when we had danger and now a motorola cliq 2 owner depending on how well the sk feels will determine wether i want to save up money and get it. im gonna need alot of hands on time with it. motoblur isnt everything i thought it would be so if the device feels sturdy it may find a home with me. and heres to hoping it comes with a pouch lol

  29. pantlesspenguin Says:

    Is it wrong that I think it’s hilarious that those w/ the incorrect statements get the most nasty??? Lmao! I can’t believe there are people who think the Sidekick was named after the swivel screen. All the other carriers called it a hiptop, hence the name of this website. Mulan is absolutely right. The sidekick was named such because it was a device to always be by your side, be there for you, keep you connected, etc. Do you seriously not understand the concept of a sidekick? Go read some Batman and Robin comics, get your manties out of a wad, and own up to your mistakes.

  30. Jay Says:

    Mulan on March 23, 2011 at 5:03 pm said:

    T-Mobile did not call the Sidek!ck a Sidek!ck because of the swivel screen, people. -______________-

    I completely agree. It’s just a name. The way the screen opened didn’t have nothing to do with the name of the phone. If it was the other way around people would be complaining “WHY DOESN’T IT HAVE THE POP UP/TILT SCREEN?!! ITS NOT A REAL SIDEKICK YADADA”. It’s still a Sidekick, it’s the ONLY phone out here that has a keyboard like that. They didn’t put the swivel screen on it because the patent for the swivel screen is owned by Sharp, not Samsung. All of Sharp made SK’s ahd thw swivel screen. Motorola had a slider screen. Samsung can’t buy out a patent for something they didn’t invent. So chill out that “OH IT DOESN’T HAVE A SWIVEL SCREEN SO ITS NOT A REAL SIDEKICK!”, that’s bullshit. Either you like it or you don’t. A true SK fan will look at the SK4G as a new beginning for Sidekicks. Damn.



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