Sharp Sidekick II Smartphone
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- Installed Memory: 32 MB
- Design: Mobile
- Style: Smartphone
- Network Type: GSM 900 GSM 1800 GSM 1900 GSM
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Sidekick (Hiptop): Lack of Outlook Syncing is its downfall
Pros
Price of hardware and service; User Friendly design; Unlimited Data Usage; FAST Internet on GPRS
Cons
No Outlook Syncing; Unlimited data guaranteed for only one year
Recommended it?
No
The Bottom Line:
Lack of Outlook syncing makes the Sidekick nothing more than an expensive toy.
I am writing this review for people who are already familiar with the T-Mobile Sidekick (or Danger Hiptop), and are more interested in how well the device works, as opposed to what it does.
The T-Mobile Sidekick has failed to deliver on any of its promises; most importantly, Outlook Syncing. The first few months I didn't mind because of its novelty. However, this novelty wears off very quickly as the device gets used less and less because it does not offer with other similar devices do -- that is, Outlook syncing. However, for web surfing and email, it does do the job.
I am able to log onto Yahoo Mail, and YES Hotmail, as well as conduct online transactions over PayPal and make eBay bids! Most people think that Hotmail can't be accessed, but it can if you use MSN's PocketPC link at http://mobile.msn.com/pocketpc/home.asp
THE SIDEKICK DEVICE
The Sidekick is very easy to use. A usability test I run is giving the device to a non-techie who has little knowledge about the product. To my surprise, EVERY person I gave it to was able to understand and use its basic functions within 15 minutes. Even people I know who have vowed never to own a cell phone start getting into it and using it with ease.
Sidekick has the best and easiest to use keyboard for a device of its size. I have used the Treo, Palm keyboard attachment, Motorolla V200 and RIM Blackberry 950 -- and Sidekick beats them all hands down. I can tell a lot of thought went to its design when they have a dedicated key for the @ symbol. It is a wonder that they are the first to do this. The swivel screen is both sturdy and practical. You can use the device to check emails, schedule, address book, make calls and browse websites -- all while it is closed.
The user interface is extremely simple, without insulting your intelligence. You can really tell that it was designed by former Apple Macintosh people, as it is clearly the best UI amongst devises like the Treo and Blackberry. The Jump button allows users to get to the root of the Sidekick's functions, and basically serves as the device's homepage. The Back key also comes in handy when closing screens and saving data input. The Menu key provides different choices depending on the application you are using. And the Wheel essentially serves as the mouse and allows you to make selections by just pressing down.
THE SERVICE
First and foremost, I never intended on using the Sidekick as a phone because I already have a phone. The Sidekick has been promoted as a data device and that is how I have been using it. The fact that it comes with 200 anytime minutes and 1000 weekend minutes is completely a bonus to me.
The GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) for the Internet options is fast and reliable in popular coverage areas. If you live in a city that is on T-Mobile's coverage map you should be fine. However, if you deviate beyond this, it will be spotty at best. This is to be expected though; and what the service loses in span of reach, it gains with FAST Internet connections.
Web browsing, email and AOL IM functions are all quite impressive and are a true 56K transmission. The fact that many of the sites run through Danger Technology's servers, and not just your device allows for true HTML viewing. This essentially means that you will not have to rely on special websites built for mobile devices; you can just go to msn.com, as opposed to mobile.msn.com. The only current drawback is that javascript on websites cannot be viewed, but I haven't found this to be any inoconvenience.
Updated (5/26/03)
In summary, I would recommend the Sidekick only if it had Outlook Syncing. The software updates that have been promised by the company were not followed-through. I purchased this product in November with certain expectations -- none of whice were fulfilled. As it stands now, there are plenty of other PDS/smartphones on the market that have Outlook Syncing. Consequently, Danger has really dropped the ball and has lost customers (me included).
The T-Mobile Sidekick has failed to deliver on any of its promises; most importantly, Outlook Syncing. The first few months I didn't mind because of its novelty. However, this novelty wears off very quickly as the device gets used less and less because it does not offer with other similar devices do -- that is, Outlook syncing. However, for web surfing and email, it does do the job.
I am able to log onto Yahoo Mail, and YES Hotmail, as well as conduct online transactions over PayPal and make eBay bids! Most people think that Hotmail can't be accessed, but it can if you use MSN's PocketPC link at http://mobile.msn.com/pocketpc/home.asp
THE SIDEKICK DEVICE
The Sidekick is very easy to use. A usability test I run is giving the device to a non-techie who has little knowledge about the product. To my surprise, EVERY person I gave it to was able to understand and use its basic functions within 15 minutes. Even people I know who have vowed never to own a cell phone start getting into it and using it with ease.
Sidekick has the best and easiest to use keyboard for a device of its size. I have used the Treo, Palm keyboard attachment, Motorolla V200 and RIM Blackberry 950 -- and Sidekick beats them all hands down. I can tell a lot of thought went to its design when they have a dedicated key for the @ symbol. It is a wonder that they are the first to do this. The swivel screen is both sturdy and practical. You can use the device to check emails, schedule, address book, make calls and browse websites -- all while it is closed.
The user interface is extremely simple, without insulting your intelligence. You can really tell that it was designed by former Apple Macintosh people, as it is clearly the best UI amongst devises like the Treo and Blackberry. The Jump button allows users to get to the root of the Sidekick's functions, and basically serves as the device's homepage. The Back key also comes in handy when closing screens and saving data input. The Menu key provides different choices depending on the application you are using. And the Wheel essentially serves as the mouse and allows you to make selections by just pressing down.
THE SERVICE
First and foremost, I never intended on using the Sidekick as a phone because I already have a phone. The Sidekick has been promoted as a data device and that is how I have been using it. The fact that it comes with 200 anytime minutes and 1000 weekend minutes is completely a bonus to me.
The GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) for the Internet options is fast and reliable in popular coverage areas. If you live in a city that is on T-Mobile's coverage map you should be fine. However, if you deviate beyond this, it will be spotty at best. This is to be expected though; and what the service loses in span of reach, it gains with FAST Internet connections.
Web browsing, email and AOL IM functions are all quite impressive and are a true 56K transmission. The fact that many of the sites run through Danger Technology's servers, and not just your device allows for true HTML viewing. This essentially means that you will not have to rely on special websites built for mobile devices; you can just go to msn.com, as opposed to mobile.msn.com. The only current drawback is that javascript on websites cannot be viewed, but I haven't found this to be any inoconvenience.
Updated (5/26/03)
In summary, I would recommend the Sidekick only if it had Outlook Syncing. The software updates that have been promised by the company were not followed-through. I purchased this product in November with certain expectations -- none of whice were fulfilled. As it stands now, there are plenty of other PDS/smartphones on the market that have Outlook Syncing. Consequently, Danger has really dropped the ball and has lost customers (me included).
