Is this the T-Mobile Sidekick III / Hiptop 3?

Are these leaked images of the Sidekick III? Or of a prototype—old or new—of Danger's design? Or merely a hoax? Whatever it is, assuming they're not complete fakes, it does indeed wear a T-Mobile badge, which usually accounts for something in terms of the production cycle (unless they were just trying it on for size, we suppose). Any way you want to peg this one, we're definitely not going to go on record as stating this is or is not Danger's rumored Sidekick III (though we're honestly kind of hoping it's not).

[Thanks, dolo]

[nsolo1717 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

yeah, i hope that's not the real part 3....i have part 2 and that looks just the same except for the colors on the outside

[Da Greasy Guide @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

hopefully it plays video and supports some kind of storage system.

[Da Greasy Guide @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

it's probably another custom design. Maybe it's the Lil Jon Sidekick II cause the design really doesnt' look that different.

[TZK @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

It looks like the photo is being taken with another CSKIII (or whatever it is).

The "thumb stick" seems like a good idea.

[tallfella @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Why did the logo get switched around when closed? FAKE!!!!!

[WillemG @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

"...it does indeed wear a T-Mobile badge..."
Yeah, on two different sides in both pictures... I say faker.

[one straw @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

On a Sidekick, the screen swivels around to get out of the way of the keyboard.

[Joshua Shapiro @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

""...it does indeed wear a T-Mobile badge..."
Yeah, on two different sides in both pictures... I say faker."

umm..Ever seen a sidekick? The screen swivels open. The logo is exactly where it should be.

[o0adam0o @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Intersting how it was flipped, only thing it could be is that the screen can open either up or down.

Either way, i dont like Sidekicks for many reasons.They need bluetooth, SD storage slot, movie playback,games, and made in more than one color. The new one also shouls be slimmer.
Most of all, if this was a Symbian s60 platform.....id be all over this thing! But of course its not.

[Ryan Block @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

WillemG, so quick to call it a fake, aren't we? The Sidekick screen doesn't slide though, it rotates.

[g0nk @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

the logo is on diffrent sides because of the way the screen rotates, 180 degrees.

Personaly, I had a SK1, and loved it for about a month till I realized you just really couldnt do too much with it.. it's a glorified email/IM gadget.. that's about it.. I would love for them to put a higher resolution screen, better built in camera Wi-Fi and WinMo5 in it.. but that's just me.. :)

[Timmay @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

umm... number 4 and 5... have you ever seen a sidekick? They screen rotates around a pivot on the top/middle of the screen so the T-Mobile logo is correct in both photos...

dumb ass

[Jon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

The SK3 better have better software, or well, at least more accessable software. I own a SK2 and although I love the thing, I can't do anything on my own to it. I can't add ringtones (have to be purchased through T-Mobile), can't theme it, can't add third party software (again all software must be purchased through T-Mobile, although there are 3rd party applications out there). I think in order for the SK3 to be a great piece of hardware T-Mobile has to lighten up a little bit. However, in their defense, they are releasing an update anytime now that will add much more functionality to the SK2 apparently. The website says by January everyone will have the update.....so I guess I'm just gonna wait and see....

[morgan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I've been using a SK2 for many months now. It's a great device if you can live with the limitations (no expandable storage, media playback, limited customizability). The interface is extremely intuitive, both hardware and software. Everything just makes sense on it and seems to be where you'd think it should be. I really like the auto-sync with the t-mobile web site. Take a pic on the phone, it appears on the site. Calendar, notes, all just sync automatically. It's a very durable phone, i've dropped mine many times. OTOH, you get a good IM client, pop email, a decent web browser (the newest update gives javascript finally). I'm excited about the HTC stuff coming out, but I'm pretty happy with the SD2 thus far.

[er1c @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Looks kinda cool. Maybe this is the 'executive' version? Looking closely, I definately do NOT like the hard plastic buttons on the keyboard! The current model has nice soft easy to grip buttons. This is either a prototype for the SKII or it could be the new SKIII everybody is wanting so badly.

[Dan Dickinson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I'm calling bullshit, not because of the logo, but because of the missing buttons on the corners, which are key to practically all Sidekick apps.

Maybe it's a different device entirely from Danger, as the form factor is certainly SK-ish, but I have strong doubts this is the next SK.

[jacob @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I kind of doubt that this is a sidekick just because there dont seem to be any of the 4 corner buttons on the outside which are essential to using the device.. also the roller on the right looks like it and the send/end buttons have been replaced with a nub??

[er1c @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

If you look closely, there are in fact 4 buttons. They are still in their respective corners, but located inwards in the black area only. The (somewhat) higher resolution pictures make it a bit easier to see.

[Anonymous @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I believe this is an older version of a South Korean phone. I don't know the model number. That and I think somebody did a Photoshop job on this.

[Aaron @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Well, personally, I don't doubt that it may be the next sidekick. Danger does have the patent on the swivel screen, so it is a Danger made phone. If you look closely, the 4 face buttons may be in the black part.
Also, anyone ever thought the buttons may be painted metal, a la razr? Metal keys would be far more durable than the peeling rubber keyboard.
And yes, the t-mo logo is in the right spot. When flipped open the display flips as well-the screen is a swivel, not a slide.
And the nub could replace the scroll wheel, maybe as a pointer device, like a laptop or the psp.

[kornelt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

ok look. i think if you look closely the black areas on the sides appear to be butons. like one of thoose camuflogued ones. and the "nub" looks more like a scroll whell in the apple mighty mouse, or like a trackball.
would be good for the browser...

[David @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

"but because of the missing buttons on the corners, which are key to practically all Sidekick apps."

actually, the buttons will light up, i talked with someone who supposedly knew alot about this, and the buttons will indeed light up and are gel like, also, in the pics you can see the hands of someone taking the picture, so it is not photoshopped

[nanase @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Aaron is correct. The four buttons are indeed on the device. You just have to look very, very closely black area to either side of the device.

[Moe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Well it has to be something big, because I am the person who originally posted the pic on hiptop.com and within 30 minutes my post was deleted. Also a thread was started trying to find out why my thread was deleted and within 15 minutes of that thread being started, myself and two others who actually commented heavily about the deletion were banned. So I put some weight that this is in fact a device that DANGER and TMOBILE are upset that pic got out. Even with the many sk3 wanna be pic still on hiptop and the admins and mods stating that they are in fact fakes, mine were deleted and I was banned.

[mark pena @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

to those bitching that its glorified IM/email and "doesn't do much for you" get a treo.

[rjlawrencejr @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

While I think it very well might be the SKIII, the fact that it was yanked from hiptop.com does not prove it really is the next version. TMo and Danger could be concerned because they don't want people BELIEVING this really is the next model when it might be just one of many protoypes I am sure Danger has made.

The coming days/weeks will certain tell us what is true.

[wil @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

treo? imo, id get symbian in a heartbeat

[TJ @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

The keypad is like a clear gel keypad. It looks nice. But also its looks heavier than the SK2. I seen a pic where it show 4 white circles, maybe they are trying to show the buttons on it. I wonder what Danger and T-Mobile are going to do, since its already in circulation. On the Hiptop.com forum, the mods are quickly deleting threads about it. Usually they lock it.

[TJ @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

To #24, wow they banned you? This is getting serious, now. They are probably having a Danger meeting now, and in talks with T-Mobile about it, if its indeed true.

[Nellyson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Just because they ban you doesn't mean its real. I posted a Photoshoped version on hiptop.com and got banned as well!

[hall @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

we need higher resolution pics

[jungsoo kim @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

my friend met the t-mobile marketing folks and has alleged that the sidekick 3 will be coming out in April...not December (christmas) time frame that everyone has said it may

[Dimi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I wonder if anyone from danger looks at these sites and or does research for feedcback about their product. I agree with hoping that the above is NOT the SK3, but personally, I would love to see bluetooth, storage and MSN messenger added.

And could anyone at T-mobile catch a clue and STOP with the proprietary software issue. Must buy only from them what they offer! Wouldn't it be fun to stage a huge nationwise protest where every SK user called and cancelled service on the same day. Wonder if they would listen then. Sigh.

[Diesel Hamasaki @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Do you suppose this is maybe the rumored 'Sidekick Mini'? It does look notably smaller, and would also explain the disappearance of the Switchhook buttons above and below the Thumbwheel/thumbstick.

[John Molina @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Why are all you guys hating on the Sidekick III? Most of you probably don't even realize that this is business and if T-Mo and Danger want to get anywhere with the SK3, they're going to put a better cam, bluetooth and iTunes. Not to mention these things have already been rumored for the SK3, hence the release date being pushed back from next month to February (supposedly to integrate iTunes) ...

It sounds like a lot of you aren't even familiar with the subject matter (like you T-Mo logo dupes up there), so why the hell are you posting bullshit?

[Jordan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

i dont understand why its so hard to believe that this is the sk3...?

who goes through all the trouble of physically making their own device complete with logos and all just for some E-fame???

[Meredith @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

#39: Lots of people. See http://www.worth1000.com/ for more on Photoshopping for e-fame.

[Hey hey @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

maybe this is an old concept for the sidekick 2. It sure looks like the sidekick 2.

[divinity @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

The true story can be found at http://www.hiptop3.com

[BIG J @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

O.k. Check this, I don't care what any one of ya'll say, that thing is sickning. I really do hope that, that is the SK3. The only thing it needs now is video recorder, online game capadably, become a Mp3 player, and you would have to be able to make your own ring tones and add them on to the phone like the nextel i95. And still have everything that the SK2 has. And it should be sold for $350 or less. That would be the perfect phone, no other phone company could top that, period.

[Stoney @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I can confirm without question that this is the Sidekick 3. (don't ask me i can't tell you) However there are several beta units with different plastics, this one is a newer one. It has J2ME built already on board, MP3 with external memory slot, removable battery (finally) and 1.3 Megpixel Camera. Per Unit Cost is around $315- which means T-Mobile will sell it around $349- less a 50 MIR. It is slated for a Q2 2006 launch- they are usuing the SK II - limited edition to extend the SK II and fill the gap until 3 launches- around April. shhhhhh be vewwwy quiet i'm hunting wabbits:)

[Stoney @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I can confirm without question that this is the Sidekick 3. (don't ask me i can't tell you) However there are several beta units with different plastics, this one is a newer one. It has J2ME built already on board, MP3 with external memory slot, removable battery (finally) and 1.3 Megpixel Camera. Per Unit Cost is around $315- which means T-Mobile will sell it around $349- less a 50 MIR. It is slated for a Q2 2006 launch- they are usuing the SK II - limited edition to extend the SK II and fill the gap until 3 launches- around April. shhhhhh be vewwwy quiet i'm hunting wabbits:)

[g23un1t @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

If u really like sidekicks u should not be tripping if it is or not the sk3. Either way I'm getting it. Sidekick use to be cool when not much people had it but now everyone had it. Even the poor people. So if u want to be better then the others then just wait and cop that shit.

[jake @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Ok so now that's the actual sidekick/hiptop 3, but when does it come out?

[Dawn @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I hope not, too. Not enough useful buttons on the outside, for one thing. Whatever the Hiptop III is, I sure hope it has a decent camera. While I love the product otherwise, the camera in the Sidekick II is total crap.

[jake @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

ok, it is the actuall sidekick 3, there are the right amount of buttons on the front, you are just too blind to see, there is a keyboard it has everything a sidekick should have, now when does this thing come out, i need to no!!

[jay @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

i think this might be the sk3, but it wont be out anytime soon. the logo switched because the screen swiveled, if the screen swivels (like the sk2 does) then it has to be a danger product because danger has the patent on the swiveling screen. act like you know people.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

Their will be a limited editon sidekick 3 coming out after the Thanksgiving weekend. So look out for it.

[Bryan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

The buttons are there. If you look closely at the bottom of the open sk photo, youll see the menu button ( The 7 small circles and 1 big ) Also the send/end call buttons could be the shinny thing surrounding the grey thing! This may just be the sidekick 3. I hope it comes in diffrent colores though. I like the fact about having the chrome around the buttons it looks cool. I hope hiptop has been reading all the posts people have put on ( MP3 player, 1.5 MP camera with zoom, Java (not javascript) and more customizable ( faceplates )and more memory for games, ringtones, and photos , i cant believe a device that every celeb has has barely any important features.

[Brooks @ Dec 19th 2005 12:55AM]

I wouldn't doubt if this was the SKIII. It looks totally revamped, except for the qwerty keyboard which is fine because it is already perfect. It looks to be a little bit more longer in width. Hopefully a little skinnier, but you can't tell in the picures.

I've seen and heard about all the mis-haps about the SKII, keypad pealing, scroll wheel breaking, the screen's spring breaking. Seems like all of this has been fixed. Plastic keys, that white nudge button, and what I've read, an improved spring.

If you look closely in the second picture the camera that the guy is taking the picture with is in fact a SKII. The flash glares off and you can see the silver "rectangle" on the back of the device that has the camera lens, mirror, and flash. The guy who took the picture new what is was. Comparing them both side by side. What a lucky dog!!

Anyways, be prepared to see either this device or something similar to it sometime next year!