T-Mobile has launched the much awaited Sidekick 3, which offers the following features:

* GSM
* GPRS / EDGE / UMTS (850/900/1800/1900/2100)
* Bluetooth
* 2.6-inch, 65k color 240 x 160 pixels, TFT display
* 1.3 megapixel camera

From the news release:

T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announces the availability of the newest generation of the T-Mobile(R) Sidekick(R), while the highly anticipated device makes its official public debut tonight among Hollywood’s elite.

Existing T-Mobile customers will be the first to be able to purchase the T-Mobile Sidekick 3. For an initial 12-day period beginning on Wednesday, June 28, limited quantities of the in-demand all-in-one communications device will be available exclusively to current T-Mobile USA post-paid customers — through the company’s online handset upgrade program accessible through www.sidekick.com, and in person at two designated T-Mobile retail stores.(a)

T-Mobile Sidekick 3 will be available to the general public at T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.sidekick.com beginning on Monday, July 10.

Tonight, in the heart of Hollywood, T-Mobile Sidekick fans and celebrities alike will celebrate the arrival of the newest version of the ultimate communications device. They will walk the red carpet at The Hollywood Palladium and enter an “ultimate dream world” where imagination, fun and spontaneity will run wild, capturing the essence of the T-Mobile Sidekick’s fashionable roots and trend-setting spirit.

“The T-Mobile Sidekick 3 is a social lifeline; it’s a must-have device for those who need to be in touch with their circle of friends on their terms,” said Chidam Chidambaram, vice president, Marketing, T-Mobile USA, Inc. “Featuring new enhancements and added features requested by avid users, T-Mobile Sidekick 3 delivers best on what it promises: a rich, user-friendly communications experience that meets the needs of anyone who wants to be connected.”

The T-Mobile Sidekick 3 has a sleek design that is 20 percent smaller than its predecessor, and features a new trackball for easy one-handed navigation and integrated Bluetooth(R) technology for wireless headset use. The device is also enhanced with a new MP3 player, removable battery, and Mini-SD card slot for expandable memory.

In addition to the phone capabilities, the device provides text messaging, e-mail and built-in support for the three major instant messenger (IM) clients (AIM(R), Yahoo! (R) Messenger and MSN Messenger) to help customers stay on track with their personal lives (separate charges apply).

Other additional Sidekick 3 capabilities, which will enable T-Mobile customers to stay connected to their friends and family wherever they go, include integrated support for EDGE, which provides for faster download speeds for subscribers’ favorite social networking sites and all other Web sites; and a built-in megapixel camera for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime spontaneous moments.

Key new features of T-Mobile Sidekick 3 include these:

* Built-in support for all three major IM clients (AIM, Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger)
* Full HTML browser with enhancements for faster downloading and optimized viewing
* Automatic connection to the EDGE radio technology network for improved communication through faster downloading and improved coverage
* Sleeker design that is 20 percent smaller for a more natural feeling in your hand and pocket
* Trackball for one-handed navigation to easily access more functions
* Built-in Bluetooth support for wireless headset use and vCard exchange
* Integrated 1.3 megapixel camera with supplemental LED flash for close-range illumination and a convex mirror for self-portraits
* MP3 player with support for a stereo headset
* Mini-SD card slot for expandable memory available for storing photos, music and more
* Speedier ARM9 processor
* Replaceable battery pack with added capacity

For more information on T-Mobile Sidekick 3, please visit www.sidekick.com.

(a) Upgrade eligibility requirements apply. T-Mobile Retail Stores that will offer T-Mobile Sidekick 3 to walk-in T-Mobile customers are located at 307 Madison Ave. (at 42nd St.) in New York City and 335 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica, Calif.

Sidekick 3 Reviews

Infosync reviews the Sidekick 3 and concludes, “With its music, EDGE and Bluetooth capabilities, the sleek new Sidekick 3 may not be a giant leap forward (we’re holding out for a 3G version once T-Mobile gets around to launching a high-speed network), but it’s a worthy successor to one of the best messaging phones on the market.”

LaptopMag reviews the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and writes, “Shrouded in a slightly glossier case, the Sidekick 3 is 20 percent smaller than its predecessor but weighs a bit more (6.7 ounces versus 6.5 ounces). The keyboard’s old membrane keys have been replaced with hard plastic keys that are faster to use and more responsive. Consequently, we liked taking notes and composing e-mails much more on this model, though the keys’ glossy finish makes the secondary function labels harder to see without a backlight. ”

Digital Trends has a review of the Sidekick 3 and writes, “The Sidekick 3 is a great step up from the older Sidekick II. Users will enjoy the added features and the redesign alone is enough to consider selling your old Sidekick to buy a new one. Unfortunately, the camera is still horrible and the UI remains basically the same as the old one. People will also find themselves with a dead battery if they use it heavily throughout the day. Overall, though, the Sidekick 3 will definitely launch successfully and is worth the upgrade for most consumers.”

Newsfactor has a review of the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and writes, “On the software side, the smartphone has moved beyond the text messaging and e-mail capabilities of earlier models by also incorporating support for the most popular instant messaging clients (AIM, Yahoo Messenger, and MSN Messenger). Even better, the device’s Web browser automatically resizes images to optimally match the viewing limits of the display area.”

Hampton Roads has a review up of the Sidekick 3 and writes, “Its battery life is poor compared with competing devices. I had to charge it at least every two days, even with light use. However, you can replace the battery in the Sidekick 3, so you can now keep an extra ready to go. The screen is dim compared with other smart phones, and images are not as crisp. The Web browser remains primitive, unable to cleanly display more complex sites. … As a device for sending text, though, it still excels.”

PDAStreet reviews the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and writes, “Talk quality wasn’t good, however, when we used the included stereo headphones. Calls sounded fine to us, but the people we spoke to complained about an echo on the line. Results were almost as bad when using the speakerphone. Again, calls sounded good to us, but the people we spoke to complained that they had trouble hearing. … The Sidekick 3’s battery is rated for 4.5 hours of talk or 3 days of standby. Use the various communications features frequently, as we did during testing, and jack up the backlight and those numbers fall. We had to charge the phone every day or two while testing.”

Trusted Reviews has a review of the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and writes, “On-device memory isn’t specified in total but it is prohibitively limited. I was able to store just five photos at the maximum 1.3 megapixel resolution, though you can save shots to a memory card too. A mini USB connector (USB 1.1) lets you access the card via a wired connection, but using a card reader might be a better option. There are limits to every kind of information class you can store on the Sidekick 3, for example 2000 address book entries, 1000 calendar events, 50 notes of up to 8000 characters each and 50 to do tasks. … Like I said at the start, I can’t really say I like the Sidekick 3 overall, though it does have its good points. I like the web based interface and would like to see more mobiles offering this kind of service, though not at the expense of local synchronisation. Battery life is impressive too.” Link.

ComputerActive has a review of the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and writes, “Although not over-complicated, using the Sidekick 3 will need to be honed. The menu and navigation buttons are not clearly marked and the power button is well hidden, so knowing how it all works makes you part of a private club. … The Sidekick 3 is a cute, funky mobile phone and handheld computer. Shame about the lack of 3G, though.” Link.

IT Reviews has a review of the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and writes, “There is no PC synchronisation with the Sidekick 3. Instead you get an area of password-protected Web space all of your own to which calendar, to do list, address book, notes and camera images are automatically backed up. … This means your Sidekick 3 data is safe if the device itself gets lost, but without the ability to synchronise with full-blown desktop PIM software such as Microsoft’s Outlook, serious PDA users are out in the cold. … The Sidekick 3 concept is sound, and its automatic data backup and BlackBerry-like e-mail push both appeal. But as a Smartphone the device is unsophisticated in its capabilities. It is, perhaps, best described as a no-brainer Smartphone for the young and trendy with large enough pockets to carry it around.” Link.

Pocket-lint has a review of the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and gives the smartphone a 7 out of 10 rating, writing, “We were actually quiet surprised with the Sidekick and its performance. It’s not a Palm Treo or BlackBerry by any standard, however it is a simple alternative for people who want a Qwerty keyboard device without the business focus. … A messenger for those without the need to stay in touch the office, this is a good all round package if not a little dated in its looks.” Link.

MobileChoice has a review of the T-Mobile Sidekick III and writes, “since its design tweak, the Sidekick III now feels even more like a portable games console. It’s still quite a meaty phone and not remotely pocket-friendly, but the Sidekick III still keeps its unique swivel display. Just nudge the top of the screen and it will swing open 180° to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. We have to admit its flip action is quite nifty and a departure from all those sliding smartphones doing the rounds. … The Sidekick III has improved immeasurably from its predecessor, but it’s still not enough. It works as a smart(ish)phone for the MySpace generation who are addicted to messaging and need to keep in constant touch with their Yahoo! buddies and demand to access the web on the trot.” Link.

Slashgear has a review of the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and writes, “Twelve months ago I would’ve signed my soul (or the equivalent in the cellphone world: a carrier’s contract) away for the Sidekick 3. Fresh, usable, even dare I say it fashionable, I could readily see it as the hub of my mobile life. Right now, however, I’m spoilt for choice; Samsung and Motorola have the slim’n’sexy side of the market sewn up, while Palm and HTC dominate the feature heavyweights. To truly win my heart you’ll need HSDPA and uncrippled Bluetooth, a vibrant screen and as much OS flexibility as I can stomach. Much as I hate reviews that end on a compromise, perhaps that’s the only way to sum up a device that represents just that; ask yourself, with all I’ve said and all you know about your phone habits, is this phone enough to be your Sidekick? I wouldn’t criticise you for saying yes, but for me the answer’s no.” Link.