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REVIEW: T-Mobile introduces “Sidekick 2008”
By Deaf411 | August 27, 2008
The T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 is an upgraded version of the Sidekick LX, based on consumer feedback, to include a high resolution screen and camera, strengthened Instant Messaging (“IM”) interface, with three IM client options and group chat capabilities.
Its 2 mega pixel camera has the highest resolution ever on Sidekick with a 400 x 240 WQVGA display. The high quality pictures allow you to enlarge or print higher quality photos. Video capability allows for recording and playback of brief video segments, supporting 3GP and MP4 video attachment formats.
These video upgrades now make it possible to shoot a short ASL video at any event and send it to family or friends! Rather than using a digital camera to plug into your PC to upload and send emails with video attachments, now it’s conveniently done all in one place with Sidekick 2008.
Users have the option of choosing from three IM clients: AIM, Windows and Yahoo Messengers. You can now create or join group chats with up to 10 people at the same time. These create new options for a group conference call or even a family group chat.
Applications on the T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 are more user-friendly. E-mail settings now look like regular e-mail settings with an Inbox, Sent Items folder, Trash, and files. “Push” e-mail accounts send and receive emails in real-time. All text, SMS, picture e-mails and IM are organized efficiently. There is a viewer for Word documents, PDF files and JPEG pictures.
Other features include real web viewing with mini-view of entire Website to help you find what you are looking for without scrolling through entire page, vibrating alarm clock, adjustable font sizes, pre-installed Wireless IP Relay application, QuickFind and Spell Check.
Bluetooth technology is also built-in the Sidekick 2008, offering more flexibility in the wireless transfer of photos and videos and connecting to other Bluetooth peripherals such as printers.
An improved and full QWERTY keyboard with keys widely spaced out, allows you to type with comfort – ideal for the heavy typing among users in the deaf community! Folks are going to like the improved keyboard on the Sidekick 2008.
Its Address Book can hold up to 2,000 friends/businesses associates with their phone number, e-mail address, IM account, Web URL, street address and notes. Neat!
You can “dress up” your T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 with shell bumpers. Included with the Sidekick 2008 purchase are two standard colors – black and lime green bumpers. You can customize and add to your collection by going to a website where you can choose from pre-existing designs in their shell gallery, or create your own design with your own personal photos or graphics, school logos, or anything in digital form. You have more control of your own designs, making it all completely unique and your own! To get ideas, visit the shell design gallery at http://sidekickshells.skinit.com.
As we review this wireless device and its comprehensive features, Sidekick 2008 is a serious contender. The price for a Sidekick 2008 is about $100 cheaper than the LX, making it a potentially-super “all-in-one communication” device that can be used with T-Mobile’s $29.99/month unlimited data plan (email, web browsing, text, IM and picture messaging).
Some rebate offers are currently available to help you purchase Sidekick 2008 at very little cost, or even get all your money back after sending in a rebate (FREE!).
Sidekick 2008: New Features benefit Deaf Users
More info:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/Cell-Phone-Detail.aspx?cell-phone=T-Mobile-Sidekick
Live demo:
http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/t-mobile-sidekick/4505-6452_7-33184317.html
To purchase:
www.fusewireless.com
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