PhoneTalk

The latest Sidekick 4G for T-Mobile may look a lot like previous Sidekick models, however, this version has some noteworthy differences. The cell phone works on T-Mobile's 4G network and instead of the Danger OS, the new Sidekick sports the Google Android 2.2 OS. Get a closer look at the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G and see what comes in the box in the video below:

Earlier this year, we learned about some new Android products that were heading to T-Mobile. There was the G2x, a powerful Android 2.2 smartphone with a 1GHz dual-core processor and NVIDIA Tegra 2 mobile processor. Just those few specs tells me that this is going to be a powerful phone. Then there's the latest evolution of the Sidekick. The cell phone is from Samsung and runs Android 2.2 - so no more Sidekick Danger OS. Finally, the G-Slate, a 4G tablet running the Honeycomb Android OS that sports a 8.9-inch, 3D-capable multi-touch display. You can learn more about the G-Slate by clicking this link.

Both the T-Mobile G2x and new Sidekick will require a data plan. The company just announced an unlimited talk, text, and web plan for $79.99 that works with these phones. A plan like this typically means no bill shock at the end of the month.

There are quite a few changes in the latest rendition of the T-Mobile Sidekick. In fact, about the only thing that's the same is its trademark design. The latest model, the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G by Samsung, will be running the Google Android 2.2 OS and come in two colors: black or pearl magenta. It will also be the first Sidekick to sport a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, 4G connectivity, and a 1GHz processor.

The Sidekick is still all about keeping up with friends and sending messages. The smartphone will come preloaded with Facebook, Twitter, Sidekick Group Text and Cloud Text. Group Text lets you manage a text based conversation with friends. Cloud Text lets you take it a step further by allowing users to send texts from a PC or Sidekick 4G. With the included T-Mobile Video Chat powered by QIK users will also be able to have video chats using the front facing VGA camera.

There will also be an entertainment hub focused on music, TV, and movies with the inclusion of apps like YouTube, T-Mobile TV, Slacker Radio, and Samsung Media Hub. Anything you purchase at the Samsung Media Hub on the Sidekick 4G you'll have the option to pay for on your monthly T-Mobile service bill. The cell phone is expected to be available this Spring.

We’ve seen quite a few 4G cell phones from T-Mobile arrive lately, the latest in the group is the Samsung Galaxy S 4G. But what is the deal with T-Mobile’s 4G network? In short, the company’s HSPA+ network is an extension of its HSPA network, thus the HSPA+. The network offers 4G download speeds of up to 21Mbps with average download speeds between 5Mbps and 8Mbps, which is about three times faster than 3G speeds. T-Mobile plans to double the speed of its 4G network this year, which should improve the web surfing experience on a cell phone in terms of speed and latency. The service is currently available in over 100 major metropolitan areas with more markets becoming available this year. Click this link to find out if T-Mobile’s 4G service is available where you use your phone most.

Here are a few more things you might want to know about T-Mobile’s 4G service. If you have more questions, leave a comment and we'll do our best to answer them. 

Can I use any 4G product with the service?

If you want to access T-Mobile’s 4G speeds, you’ll need a HSPA+ capable product. Depending on the product, battery life may be affected. The company offers seven 4G-capabile products to date: 

• Dell Streak 7 
• T-Mobile myTouch 4G 
• T-Mobile G2 
• Dell Inspiron Mini 10 4G 
• webConnect Rocket modem 
• webConnect Rocket 2.0 modem 
• Samsung Galaxy S 4G

There will be more 4G products available this year including the T-Mobile G-Slate with Google from LG and a 4G-capable Sidekick. We should also note that one of the benefits of the company’s 4G network is that you can place calls and surf the web on a 4G cell phone simultaneously. 

What if I have a 4G product and I’m not in a 4G market?

You will still be able to use your product since T-Mobil (Read more)

If you have a Sidekick LX '09 and always wanted the ability to get email on your device in real time as well as the ability to view attachments, you'll be happy to learn that feature is now available via Sidekick Sync. The new service can be downloaded directly to the Sidekick by finding it and selecting it from Download Catalog. It will cost you $4.99 a month to add this feature, but you can also use it to sync contacts from a corporate directory and sync with calendars hosted on Exchange. Sounds to me like the latest Sidekick just got a little smarter.

T-Mobile announced a new Sidekick - the Sidekick LX looks a lot like the previous Sidekick, but this model has a world of enhancements; most notably: 3G support so watching videos (record and share functionality, as well) and surfing the web on the cell phone should be a good experience. Here are a few other key features:

• 3.2-megapixel camera with flash
• Built-in GPS
• Streaming audio functionality with the MP3 player
• Stereo Bluetooth with file transfer
  
• It will come with a 1GB MicroSD card
• After launch it will support Exchange Active Sync

And the music just keeps on coming! Now it's T-Mobile, well the T-Mobile Sidekick, that's bringing customers the latest tunes. Earlier this month, T-Mobile offered customers a chance to cover the GRAMMY's. Now, the company has teamed up with The Recording Academy to present a five-city 2009 GRAMMY Celebration Concert Tour. The tour will kick off on April 9th at the Hollywood Palladium in L.A. Other tour stops include San Francisco, Boston, Miami, and finally end in New York on May 28th, with a performance by two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J will conclude the tour.

Just visit the Sidekick web site for exclusive concert event information, photos and activities, and a chance to enter to win a VIP concert package.

Last year, T-Mobile offered Sidekick users an opportunity to attend the GRAMMY awards and this year the company is back with more opportunities. Besides the winners who will be attending the 51st GRAMMY awards next month, T-Mobile is offering an opportunity to be the official T-Mobile Sidekick Reporter at the annual Pre-GRAMMY Gala on February 7. The winner will get a chance to be a reporter with an entertainment news show at the exclusive red carpet event, interviewing and mingling with the music industry’s elite. Think you've got the chops for this gig? Bring your Sidekick and music knowledge to Sidekick Reporter auditions that will take place on Jan. 31 at participating Los Angeles T-Mobile stores.

Ever dream of going to the GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles? If you've got a Sidekick, you could be one step closer to attending. T-Mobile and the GRAMMYs just kicked off the "Party with a Friend at the GRAMMYs sweepstakes." Five winners will enjoy an all-expense paid trip for two to attend the 51st GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles on February 8th, 2009.

Here's how it works: T-Mobile Sidekick customers will receive a sweepstakes SMS, allowing them to either enter via their Sidekick or by visiting this Sidekick site. Visit the site to enter. You have until 8:59 AM PST on January 16, 2009 before the contest closes.

We know finding the perfect gift is no easy accomplishment. In our next installment of holiday gifts, we have picks for the kids. You can see a complete list of holiday picks in our Holiday Gift Guide.

What to get for MySpace Teens: Have a teenager in your life who just can’t stop checking out their MySpace page? Consider getting them a Sidekick 2008, which comes with easy access to their own and all their friends MySpace pages. Just be sure to get an unlimited data plan with it, downloading multiple MySpace sites can eat up data quickly.

A Little Something Extra: Couple the Sidekick with a YouGetItBack security tag, which gives you 3 years of peace of mind for just $10. It’s like a virtual lost and found system that’s a cinch to use.

A cell phone for Texting Tweens and the right plan for you: The kids love to text, so why not help them out with a AT&T QuickFire cell phone. It sports a hidden full keyboard and better yet, all that’s needed to get kids texting and checking e-mail is a messaging plan.

A Little Something Extra: Another cool thing about the QuickFire is that it plays music too. Give them something to listen to with a $25 eMusic gift card.

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about personalizing the latest Sidekick at sidekickshells.com. This isn't just some sticker you can put on the Sidekick to set it apart, you actually get a whole new shell. Not being particularly artistic, I asked my friend who does stencils if he had anything that might be a good fit and sure enough he did. I used one of his stencil images to create the shell shown below. If you like the image you can see it here. About a week later I got the new shell in the mail. Besides the fun I had creating it and the anticipation of finally receiving it, I submitted the design to the Sidekick shell community for others to vote on it. If you've got the new Sidekick, you gotta give this a try.