T-Mobile Sidekick 3 gets official

No shocker here: T-Mobile and Danger are officially unveiling the new Sidekick 3 today. (Note that it's not called the "Sidekick III". T-Mob has requested that it only be written as "Sidekick 3".) The specs are no surprise, either, since they've been rumbling around for weeks now, but we'll run down the official details for ya:

• Size: 130 x 59 x 21.8mm
• Weight: 6.7 ounces
• 240 x 160 pixel, 65,000 color display
• Trackball (!)
• Tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE
• Bluetooth 1.2 (limited to Hands-Free profile and vCard exchange)
• 1.3 megapixel digital camera w/LED flash
• miniSD memory card slot (supports up to 2GB cards)
• 64MB of SDRAM/64MB Flash memory
• Music player software

Word has it that T-Mobile will be opening up pre-orders to current Sidekick owners first, with the rest of us getting a crack at it sometime around July 10th.

Stay tuned for a slew of hands-on pics.

[Justin @ Jun 20th 2006 12:07AM]

Let me at it!

[Chris Clark @ Jun 20th 2006 12:09AM]

Any word on the price with and without a new contract? My g/f really wants one of these.

[bboyredcel @ Jun 20th 2006 12:13AM]

what a waste of time and money... sidekicks are not very sidekick -like... sidekicks are dependable and do whatever you (the real hero) need... these sideicks are paralyzed epileptic monkeys on who had one too many acid-laced bananas. They do nothing, and restrict the user to over-priced ringtones, over-priced games, lack of open development for software, and a complete lack of synchronization capabilities, BT networking, hi-speed internet, a capable web browser (w3c compliant) and a slew of other things now standard in similar devices that cost less money (if not a few well spent $ more)... what a complete disgrace.

[Dominic @ Jun 20th 2006 12:13AM]

Wow that looks so awesome, I may even switch from Verizon to get it, but this was a shock to me:

Bluetooth 1.2 (limited to Hands-Fre profile and vCard exchange)

..I have never, never seen any GSM provider limit the use of bluetooth profiles on a phone, if it is just what the sidekick can handle, and not T-mobile's doing, I can understand, but I thought that there might be more possibilities to the sidekick 3, like bluetooth gaming or something, or to exchange photos...etc. Oh well, better add T-Mobile to my list of providers who screw bluetooth for their own profit (I still love the phone though) :)

[7916 @ Jun 20th 2006 12:14AM]

these specs are really great. i still have one question though: for those of us in africa will we also have to order it from the net lyk u guys? and will it work with our networks or is it locked on T-Mobile?

[Adam J @ Jun 20th 2006 12:17AM]

Guess who is giving a $100 discount on the Sidekick II?

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/Phones/Detail.aspx?device=154e9bca-a74c-4299-99eb-48a1159c922b&WT.mc_n=SidekickII&WT.mc_t=OnsiteAd

Guess T-Mobile wants to try and get rid of old stock before the new Sidekick is released.

[Dominic @ Jun 20th 2006 12:22AM]

@7916:Yeah, it currently is locked to T-Mobile (until you see someone unlock it , when everyone has one). I am sure this will turn up on ebay by next month, but make sure that you don't live in Nigeria, otherwise, your going to have a really hard time trying to get one off ebay. ;)

[Alex @ Jun 20th 2006 12:28AM]

Boy the Sidekick III looks very cool. Can't wait to get my hands on one of those Sidekick III's.

[Dominic @ Jun 20th 2006 12:31AM]

Well what do you know, ebay is now accepting tons of pre-orders of the Sidekick 3, for interesting prices (that is if you sign up for a plan or not)

http://tinyurl.com/z7he9

[Dario @ Jun 20th 2006 12:55AM]

it looks good.... but i get that and more with my current phone... the LG LX550 (the FUSIC)

[wellsdone @ Jun 20th 2006 12:59AM]

Does it have a voice recorder-memo-notes thingy. I am 100% there if it does. Im a lil ADHD and need to be able to recorded my million random thoughts. (I forget them by the time i have whip it out,to scroll to the notes app an d then start typing esp. in the car) I need to be able to click the button and record. since it has the music player and mini SD Im hoping (fingers crossed)that it will....engadget crew enlighten me PLEASE!!!!!!!!

[Jeff J @ Jun 20th 2006 1:36AM]

I work for t-mobile, it's funny I find out about devices usualy here before I get to work but I can tell you this, you will not be able to unlock a sidekick 3. It has something to do with the danger software and how it is hard coded to connect to t-mobile servers. Basically sidekick devices can't be unlocked (or not fully so t-mobile won't give out the codes) I know this becuase I'm the guy who gives out the codes.

[nbitiki @ Aug 30th 2007 4:57AM]

Hi
I just bought a Sidekick 3 from ebay, the buyer told me it was unlocked and that I could use it in Belgium (where I live) but there is a problem while entering my sim code ... The phone is asking me a "special code"
Can you help me by providing me the special code to unlock the phone, please please please?

[Jack @ Jun 20th 2006 1:55AM]

Sidekick 2.5

[Bradly @ Jun 20th 2006 3:42AM]

Ok, is it me or does the engadget mobile site take for ever to load and scrolling is near impossible?

On topic: sidekicks are cool but the screen needs some serious love.

[Anthony Mesias @ Jun 20th 2006 4:05AM]

You can unlock the sidkeick but only use it for sms and a phone. you cannot use it for data because the data runs specially through dangers servers.

[chrissy @ Jun 20th 2006 4:13AM]

Pricing runs $299 with a 2-year contract, $349 with a 1-year and $399 for pre-paid.

[R @ Jun 20th 2006 4:52AM]

To the Bluetooth whinger... that's down to Danger design. All the premium (i.e. paid for content) sits on Danger servers (called the Danger Premium Download Manager). Danger manage the download and recharging to customers via the operators (i.e. T-Mobile's) pay per event system. Danger revenue share the content. Due to the tied nature of the service, Danger's revenue share terms will be far more favourable than any generic content provider; so is inclined to limit fileshare capabilities via BT. Obviously, Nokia or SE don't have a similar arrangement. Here's a question for you: if it was T-Mob who were blocking BT use, why do they allow open access on all their other handsets?

To everyone else wanting to buy one of these off eBay... be careful. Only voice and SMS will work with non T-Mob networks. Also, don't expect an eBay bought SK3 to just work out of the box no T-Mob either. You'll need the Danger service provisioned. Whether you can do this or not will vary by T-Mob region. Fine in the UK, maybe a bit iffy in the US or Germany.

Other than that, in my view this is still a pretty restricted device. It's cheap though (relative to proper smatrphones), and the trackball actually works rather well.

[S @ Jun 20th 2006 6:25AM]

To R.. I work at Danger so I'm limited in what I can say, but you're basically correct about the business model. I do have one thing to add.

To the "Bluetooth whinger", there is more Bluetooth stuff to come in future releases of the software (sorry, can't give specifics). We all worked very hard to test the profiles that are shipping with SK3 and although R is correct that T-Mobile is probably never going to allow you to share apps with your friends over Bluetooth, the reason we don't support more BT profiles is largely due to all of our efforts being focused on getting Handsfree and vCard support to the level of quality that customers demand, and not the cost of licensing the profiles, as he seems to imply.

"Bluetooth gaming" is kind of ambiguous, but we certainly intend for third party developers in the future to be able to write, for example, head-to-head action games that communicate over Bluetooth rather than the GSM network, so you would be able to have for example head-to-head racing or "Bob" or whatever instead of being limited to turn-based games like we are now due to GSM latencies.

[Goodman @ Jun 20th 2006 10:57AM]

The Sidekick already has the best QWERTY keyboard on any phone, always-on push email, a great web browser, terrific multi-tasking, a really simple interface and unlimited internet data for $20 a month. Now adding bluetooth, an MP3 player and EDGE, and you have an outstanding phone, for an affordable price. I'm upgrading as soon as I can.

[CBG @ Jun 20th 2006 11:29AM]

A trackball? WTF?

[porovaara @ Jun 20th 2006 11:36AM]

I'm sorry but if this is the best Danger can come up with after all this time they aren't too much longer for the world. Here's how you can tell, their bluetooth implementation is weak at best and pathetic at worst, it's a token effort that can not be used to anywhere near bluetooth's full potential because they have to create "lock-in" to keep the few customers they do have.

A fair bit of astroturfing already in these comments, but then again that's something Danger has been known for.

[electro^plankton @ Jun 20th 2006 11:51AM]

I can get over the fact of no wi-fi but a CRIPPLED BLUETOOTH? Not only crippled but outdated too!

I should be able to send anything to anyone else or computer over bluetooth. I don't want to do it thru some third party or even first party service.

[Kevin @ Jun 20th 2006 11:55AM]

Wellsdone: The SKIII DOES indeed have a voice record feature. You can see all the features on the website featuring the manual: http://help.sidekick.dngr.com/en-us/manual/m2/R3.0/Desktop/

[electro^plankton @ Jun 20th 2006 11:56AM]

And another thing. I thought Sharp was manufacturing this for Danger and T-Mo. Why didn't they use Sharp's TFT VGA screens they have in all their Japanese phones? This screen looks horribly washed out.

[Goodman @ Jun 20th 2006 11:56AM]

>A trackball? WTF?

"The new trackball control that replaces the older up/down roller wheel ... has really impressed me. [...] It makes moving quickly through the UI and lists of messages and such fast and painless, and I love how the trackball itself can glow various colors. The speed/sensitivity of the trackball can also be adjusted, so that it should work out well for most people."

- http://mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=2471&source=HOMETOP

>A fair bit of astroturfing already in these comments

Yeah, right. All us Sidekick fans are secretly on T-Mobile's payroll. Because only Apple products inspire devotion among their users.

[PPC @ Jun 20th 2006 12:25PM]

ha ha ha ha. another sidekick? why? get a real device, get something with an operating system. *cough* ppc-6700

[wellsdone @ Jun 20th 2006 2:38PM]

"Wellsdone: The SKIII DOES indeed have a voice record feature. You can see all the features on the website featuring the manual: http://help.sidekick.dngr.com/en-us/manual/m2/R3.0/Desktop/"

Thanks for the link Kevin!

Now my next questions is: Will it be crippled by TMOB? The HIPTOP2 had it as well but TMOB took it away when they released the SKII.

Any of u lucky ones with the sk3 able to let me know? much appreciated

[Jickup @ Jun 20th 2006 2:46PM]

I'm disappointed, but not surprised, that I won't be able to use an SK3 to hook my laptop up with the net whilst on the road. Either Danger needs to divorce TMob so that these devices can be made available through other providers, or TMob needs to offer the device with some options (like unrestricted BT).

The trackball could be a great boon for games and could allow the system to become more of a general-purpose tool (here's hoping).

Does anybody know how the memory card is treated? Can I have 2GB of text notes now if I want, or does the memory card only work with photos and music (i.e., applications that expressly recognize the device)? Can I pre-load my browser via the card so I can read the newspaper on it while on the subway (one of AvantGo's original key features, after all)? Can I save my addressbook to the card and then read it on a PC?

[Jickup @ Jun 20th 2006 2:48PM]

Oh, by the way, I think it's cool that the pointing device is once again the source of color flashes. There's something about a crystal ball...

[Goodman @ Jun 20th 2006 3:42PM]

From the manual it looks like the memory card only works with photos and music. (Well, you can put other stuff on it, but it won't be recognized by the device).

>ha ha ha ha. another sidekick? why? get a real device, get something with an operating system. *cough* ppc-6700

REAL operating system? But... um... the ppc-6700 has Windows Mobile.

"The Sidekick's greatest strength is Danger's fabulous user interface, which is pretty much unchanged from previous models. Think about it: This is the only e-mail handheld easy enough for Paris Hilton to use. It's the "iPod interface" of phones in terms of beauty and ease."

- http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1977972,00.asp

[dotJoe @ Jun 20th 2006 4:03PM]

S, you say you work at Danger, do you have any idea when the kind of firmware upgrades that will allow file transfer etc through bluetooth will appear? It's incredible to me that a mid to high end device can appear in mid 06 and have restricted bluetooth really :/.

[rjb @ Jun 20th 2006 5:10PM]

I want Bluetooth for two things: sharing the EDGE connection with a laptop and being able to load whatever media (MP3s, graphics, etc) I feel like and use them as ringtones or wallpaper without having to pay an exorbitant toll each time. This is really lame.

I was rather excited about the SK3 too. :( Oh well, I guess I'm staying with Cingular.

[Johnny Vodka @ Jun 20th 2006 6:08PM]

Will this work in gsm networks (as in norway?)

Thanks.

[PPC @ Jun 20th 2006 7:26PM]

"The Sidekick's greatest strength is Danger's fabulous user interface, which is pretty much unchanged from previous models. Think about it: This is the only e-mail handheld easy enough for Paris Hilton to use. It's the "iPod interface" of phones in terms of beauty and ease."

in other words its outdated! easy enough for paris hilton? why would you judge a device based on what celebrity has it?

[S @ Jun 20th 2006 7:34PM]

dotJoe: Sorry, I can't comment on anything as a Danger employee. I'm under NDA and really shouldn't have written anything at all last night. The example I mentioned about Bluetooth gaming is something I personally think would be cool and does not IN ANY WAY reflect any official plans, commitments, etc.

We all want SK3 to be the best it can be, but unfortunately we're not allowed to talk to the public about our plans. Please keep commenting though, and know that Danger does read your comments and takes them into consideration, but we just can't comment back.

[chris @ Jun 20th 2006 9:52PM]

yea, this thing is garbage.. why dont you take the money you would have wasted on this thing, and get a good phone...

[Rynth @ Jun 21st 2006 8:26AM]

To be fair, id rather have a Benq-seimens EF81, though it does looks pretty cool, id imagine it to be a bit large wieghty and cumbersome for in-you-pocket-on-a-bike sorta use..

[matt @ Jun 21st 2006 10:26AM]

I actually have had the pleasure of already seeing this, you have to love the black market... but I will be sticking with my MDA now.

[bboyredcel @ Jun 21st 2006 11:15AM]

waste of money.

i love having to pay for ringtones and software that i already own on my computer, paying for things twice RULES!!

i also enjoy being told what ringtones i can or cannot have on my device cuz I LISTEN TO MAINSTREAM POP MUSIC!!

when i cancel my service with a company I also want ALL OF MY CONTACTS TO MAGICALLY DISAPPEAR! thats awesome, everyone i know wants their cellphone numbers displayed on the internet too... this phone is great!

[Ken @ Jun 21st 2006 12:24PM]

Computer mice went away from using balls for accuracy and because they require cleaning. Trackballs are worse, since you get all the perspiration and detritis from your hands. Danger got the bright idea to put a trackball on a phone?? So not only will the trackball "skip and jump" as the kids bring their SK3 into TGIF and get their trackballs greasy, it'll also require frequent "de-spooging"?

Crippled Bluetooth, use of a trackball, and slavish dedication to T-Mobile's whims all keep me from coming back. I had the original bwsk and csk, but I left the sidekick and T-Mobile for greener pastures. Nothing I've seen so far has me coming back.

[Dom @ Jun 21st 2006 2:25PM]

I switched to T-Mobile from Cingular because of constantly dropping calls and ridiculous bills of $70 plus on a $39 plan. I got the SK2 because I use IM clients and e-mail and text messaging alot. So for $59 I can have unlimited amount of the three things stated above and all the minutes I need and no shocks when I open my bill. Not to mention the ease of usage. I will be upgrading because I like the idea of having a phone that people are wowed by, sure it may not have all of the business functions of a Treo 700 but who cares, it is not aimed at that demographic. As far as ringtones and the like who cares honestly I never listen to my ringer for more than 2 seconds and when I had mp3 ringtones on my old phone I got burnt out on them in a week. The upside to this phone far outweighs features that I could care less for. Crippled bluetooth? Get a personal media player if you want one. People are hell-bent on convergence in this world nowadays, give it time it will happen. Until then though I will be loving my Sidekick 3.

[Sherryl @ Jun 23rd 2006 6:16PM]

Hey people.. check this out... it's crazy, sexy, cool.. lol! damn can't wait to cop this on Wednesday JUne 28th... I'm glad I live n L.A. .. lol! http://news.com.com/1606-2_3-6085836.html

[ryan @ Jun 25th 2006 10:14PM]

when do the side kick come out and how much will it be

[ryan @ Jun 25th 2006 10:19PM]

when does it come out and how much will it be

[Sherryl @ Jun 26th 2006 1:21PM]

For current T-mo users the SK3 will be available on June 28 and for everyone else it will be available July 10th... To upgrade for 1 year contract it will be $349.99 for 2 yrs. it will be $300.00 and to purchase it will be $400.00 ... THe SK3 will only be available on June 28 in NYC and Los Angeles. =)Good luck!

[Magneto @ Jun 27th 2006 12:53AM]

Warning! The hinge in the swivel display lid is assisted by a very strong magnet. Be careful to keep the device away from magnetically-sensitive items, such as credit cards, tickets with magnetic strips, and magnetic hotel room keys.

[starr @ Jun 27th 2006 8:42PM]

I got the kick cause it was cool, but it also is handy (full keyboard is faster than triple tapping) when writing messages. also constant IM access, ( hey mite have an emergency and u can't get anyone on the phone, send an IM)but y o y did they have to get rid of the wolf howl, ring tone!!! I am a supernatural sci-fi fanatic and the wolf howl was well worth its $$$ also lil o'l coyote. but noooooooooooo danger screwed it up and got rid of them, they suck!! :-{

[Amanda @ Jun 28th 2006 12:13AM]

I just ordered my sk3 on the tmobile website. Log in and go to upgrade phone option.

[jamie @ Jun 28th 2006 5:14AM]

The bluetooth is limited but this isn't something that Tmobile wanted them to do. It was the manufacturers choice. Blackberry's do that same thing with not being able to trans files through bluetooth for SECURITY reason so people can not Hack into the phones through bluetooth. Stupid people automatically get mad and complain about that. get over it. do you want people putting a virus into your 400 dollar phone?? i think not!