Sharp Sidekick iD (T-Mobile)

I have been a sidekick-follower for years now, so I am pretty well versed with the ins and outs of the sidekick world. Here are my 2 cents about the new Sidekick iD, which I purchased today, the day it came out. (April 25, 2007)

In this review, I compare the Sidekick 3 to the Sidekick iD... moreover, what is lost and what is gained in the iD in comparison to the 3.

Basically, here is what you lose:

-EDGE
-MP3 Player
-Bluetooth
-Camera

Here is what you gain:

-MUCH better battery life
-Better construction
-Ability to customize

Lets start from the top. EDGE? Yes, at first, I was disappointed to lose EDGE, but when you pick up the iD, and see the NON-EXISTANT difference in browsing speed, you see exactly how little you actually use EDGE on the 3. Many people don't know this, but you only use EDGE when you're in an EDGE area... Kinda like WiFi. The MP3 player? I never used it, period. Some people love the fact that they can carry their tunes with them in their cell phone... I've got a Zune for that. You just need to examine your need of an onboard MP3 player. Bluetooth? The Bluetooth capabilities on the 3 were dismal at best. The only things you could do were: transfer vCards (address book entries), and use the headset. No transferring files, etc.

Now, on the contrary, the increase in battery life on the iD? WOW. I used to have to be like a slave to the charger when using my sidekick 3. The battery life was plain and simply HORRIBLE. I would have to plan my whole schedule around when I'd be able to charge my phone. It was ridiculous. The battery life on the iD is 2, if not 3 TIMES LONGER on the iD than the 3.

In addition to the longer battery life, the construction of the phone is just better. This one is kind of hard to explain, but you just notice the difference as soon as you pick it up.

And lastly, the iD is easy to customize. To me, this is not that big of a deal... but it IS kinda cool to just change the color of your phone... something that was pretty much impossible to do on the 3.

Well, hope this helps. I think you can infer from above that I recommend getting the iD over the 3... but in the end, its UP TO YOU!

If this review helped you at all, please click yes below. Thanks so much!

I acquired the T-mobile Sidekick iD a few weeks ago now and so far I've gotten all I expected from it. The e-mail, text messaging and IM are all so easy, due to the phone having a full keyboard, the setup was also quite easy. The quality of phone calls is also great, and the battery life is longer than that of the Sidekick 3 as I myself have seen since my friend have the SK3. It also has a calendar with reminders, a notes utility and a task utility, although the tasks dont have any reminders.

This device, although pretty good also has its drawbacks. For starters I can't add my own ringtones to it, the only option i have is to purchase everything from the sidekick's downlaod catalog, as well as lacking the ability of selecting your own wallpaper and giving only the option of selecting one of the 4, rather ugly wallpapers that come with the device. Also the phone lacks an alarm clock, which has to be purchased from the download catalog. Another thing is that the data speeds arent very good, browsing websites is slow and the browser lacks support for flash animations.

The last, and most troublesome thing I've experienced is the constant loss of a data connection(PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS MIGHT JUST BE MY PARTICULAR DEVICE). I find that my Sidekick is constantly disconnecting and reconnecting back into the GPRS service, even in full coverage areas. I also find myself having to restart the phone since the data service never reconects if I dont.

I JUST GOT THIS PHONE LAST WEEK AND I CANT STOP USING IT BECAUSE ITS SO GOOD. IVE HAD EVERY VERSION OF THE SIDEKICKS THAT HAVE BEEN OUT AND BY FAR THIS IS THE BEST SIDEKICK OUT!! THIS PHONES BATTERY LIFE IS BETTER THAN ALL THE SIDEKICKS BATTERY LIVES. ITS INTERNET IS ALSO REALLY FAST, MUCH FASTER THEN THE OTHER SIDEKICKS INTERNETS. LASTLY, ITS MUCH BETTER THEN THE SIDEKICK 3 BECAUSE THE HAVE FIXED ALL THE BUGS AND PROBLEMS WITH THIS NEW PROGRAMING ON IT AND HAVE IMPROVED THE PARTS ON IT SO THAT IT DOESNT FIND CHARGING PROBLEMS AND OTHER ERRORS THAT THE SIDEKICK 3 FINDS VERY OFTEN. ALOT OF PEOPLE ALSO COMPLAIN ABOUT HOW IT DOESNT HAVE A CAMERA, BUT TO BE HONEST WHO CARES!! THE CAMERA ON ALL THESE SIDEKICKS SUCK ANYWAYS. YOU CAN STILL SAVE PICTURES ON THIS SIDEKICK ID THAT YOU HAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER AND OTHER PHONES SO ITS NOT SUCH A BIG DEAL!!

I enjoy using the Sidekick ID with its 3 main features of interest, texting, internet, and to do lists and calander. If you are currently a high school student or college student, this phone is ideal for you. You can accessorise this a million times so it will look different everytime.
the only issue i have is t-mobile's rate plan of 300 whenever minutes to qualify for the sidekick plan($20 extra)

PROS: easy and fast texting, web browsing, e-mail, to do lists.

CONS: No music player and camera, but not an issue if you are more of a texter and planner.

The main reason I chose to go with the sidekick id was because I wanted a phone with the keyboard and I didn't want a camera phone. Nowadays, it's so hard to find cell phones that DON'T have cameras built in. Who really wants one of those anyway, they always take bad pictures.

I could not have made a better choice by going with the Sidekick iD, this phone offers so much, live web browsing, 3 different instant messaging services, email access, better downloads, and it is so much faster to text message people.

Another great thing, it takes forever for the battery to go dead in this! Previous phone that I have had I have to charge them at least 2x a day. If I'm not talking on my phone I'm online, or texting... put it this way, I'm always using my phone, and the battery lasts a good 2 to 3 days, seriously.

This phone/pda also gives you a chance to be you and show who you really are with the unique "skins" that are easy to change and pretty affordable.

That's about it for my two cents worth.

The sisdekick I purchased from this buyer was the best! It was exactly what he described it to be. There was nothing I diliked about it.I decided to buy this phone because that was the kind I was looking for and he had the best price. The shipping was fast, and the phone got here in one day. I think everyone should buy at least one thing from this seller. I just absolutely loved it, and I hope to do more business with him/her.

Thanks,
jordanwl15

I love this sidekick. It has longer battery life and more durability than the other ones that is why i chose this one. I had an 08 and a slide before and they both gave me problems so i went with the id this time and didn't regret it. The only thing missing is a camera but other than that its perfect.

My friend just bought this phone and she likes it.
The only bad thing she said is the no camera part.
But for the pricing what do yo expect?
I think you definitely get what you pay for.
It is also nice if you want a sidekick because this is a cheaper model.
Hope this helps!

item was exactly as listing no surprises. Shipped in a timely manner. overall a A+++++++++++++++++++++++++ experience.

The Sidekick ID is a phone that is definitely in class of it's own. It's a great little gadget if you're into texting or checking you're email. I thought at first it was a little complicated but once you get used to it it's not too bad. It's not for those that are not electronic friendly. You know yourself, some just like to keep it simple (I'm married to one). The only thing I didn't like is that it can't receive pictures unless it's via email but I know they redesigned it and it's now called the Sidekick LX and Sidekick Slide. So for those of you that want to access your email and internet via your mobile phone this one is great for it. No pictures please. Texting is fast and simple with the keyboard at your fingertips. One other thing I don't like about these PDA type phones is when you call a company that has you spell out the persons name in order to access their extension, the numbers on your phone do not have the corresponding letters so unless you've memorized them you're out of luck. All in all if you buy this phone for just what you need it for and not pictures it's a great phone to have.

This is a great phone and looks and works like new. My old Sidekick lost its life in a soft drink accident. This was a great deal and I am very satisfied with my purchase.

very popular item and reasonible price. Great description of item given. The item was in great condition.

My daughter (13 yr old) has this phone. You almost can not get her to put it down.
This kid text over 14,000 a month. Only time it is put down is when she sleeps or takes pictures with our Pentax K20d camera. Other than texting her passion is photography. The phone worked great out of the box. It is what she wanted and is very satisfied with it. I am satisfied with the product and price. I would recomend this phone to any texting maniac.

The description of the phone was not accurate. We ordered for our daughter and had no idea that when we got the phone we needed to get an additional service from T-mobile that was $25 more/month. Very thankful that the company let us return it though and refunded our money minus the shipping and handling.

The Sidekick iD was my first Sidekick. I'm in love with it! The only things I don't like is not having a camera, bluetooth, and MP3 Player. But to be honest Bluetooth would only come in handy when sending ringtones, camera only when taking quick unplanned pictures, and MP3 Player I don't even use to be honest.

This is a great phone and I most definitely do NOT regret buying it. It's a great texting, internet, E-Mail device. Plus I can mitch match the colors and make it unique. Also downloadable ringtones and custom backgrounds help make the phone have a more "mine" feel to it. For anyone who is considering a phone for a teen, maybe even a first sidekick. I would start here like I did.

The only reason I didn't give the phone 5 stars is because it's not perfect. It is missing 3G support which I'm sure could've been added for barely an increase in the cost. But the browsing is fast regardless. Also it would have been nice for them to allow YouTube Video Streaming. Lastly, again it has no camera so I can't pop a quick pic and send to someone if I see something I like.

I asked this seller quite a few questions. They were very patient with me and answered all questions.This , of course, made us feel at ease in buying this item. If you ever have a chance, use this seller.

it didnt tell me it had a brocken screen till i won the phone and im not about to pay for the phone i cant use

I used to have one but I am buying another of this item because I love it it like a best phone for me I have hearing loss but it came with emails IM and texting OMG it best device for all people are deaf but hearings can have them too becuz it came with voice!


BEST PHONE EVER MADE!

I needed a new phone...great equipment, very useful and very compact. Can fit in the palm of your hands or purse. Recommended to everyone that travels and does business. It has a computer but the only negative side to it, is that it does not have a camera and no dowloads of ringtones.........

The Sidekicks are great little phones for texting, internet browsing, email, etc if you don't need all the extra features of the more expensive phones. T-Mobile has a special plan for them w/unlimited texting and browsing for a low cost.

i purchased a sidekick ID and it doesnt work i have tried to contact the person from whom i bought it but have not gotten a response so i will not be using ebay

fast shipper and product came 100% working and all boxed nicely and reasonable pricing for product and shipping

I DISLIKE THE ITEM THAT WAS SENT TO ME,AND IT DID'T HAVE A CHARGER AND DID'T KNOW IF THE PHONE WORK.VERY VERY BAD