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Photos: T-Mobile Sidekick iD

The T-Mobile Sidekick iD aims to lure more consumers to this popular messaging device with a wallet-friendly $99 price tag. And while the price is right, we think the omission of some features is wrong. Check out photos of the colorful Sidekick iD here and then read our review for the full scoop.

CNET Reviews staff
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1 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The T-Mobile Sidekick iD offers all the great messaging capabilities of the Sidekick 3 for half the price, but you lose the camera, integrated Bluetooth, MP3 playback, expandable media, and EDGE support. We understand some sacrifices had to be made for costs, but we think they took out too much.
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2 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The Sidekick iD's screen is slightly smaller than the one found on the Sidekick 3, and displays 65,000 colors at a low 240x160 pixel resolution. To expose the full QWERTY keyboard, just nudge the upper-right or lower-left corner of the screen, and the display quickly rotates 180 degrees and snaps into place.
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3 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The right side of the Sidekick iD houses a power connector and a loop for the wrist strap on the right side. The iD comes packaged with a travel charger, a carrying case, a wrist strap, a wired headset, and reference material.
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4 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
Along the top edge of the handheld, there are two function buttons that perform different tasks depending on which application you are using.
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5 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
At 5.1 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.8 inch, it retains the same design as its predecessors but at 6.2 ounces, the iD is slightly lighter than the Sidekick 3. It's easy to slip into a bag but makes for a tight fit in a pants pocket.
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6 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The Sidekick has always been a bit odd shaped. The PDA-like design makes the Sidekick iD a bit awkward to hold during phone calls due to its wider, blocky body, but you get used to it after a while.
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7 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The Sidekick iD is a messaging fanatic's dream. The device comes preloaded with AIM, Yahoo, and Windows Live instant-messaging clients, and also includes a T-Mobile e-mail account and supports POP3 and IMAP accounts as well.
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8 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The T-Mobile Sidekick iD looks like a cross between the Sidekick 3 and the Sidekick II. It sports the pearly white/gray coloring of the Sidekick II, but features the new navigation controls found on the Sidekick 3.
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9 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The Sidekick iD has a great keyboard with tactile buttons and roomy spacing that made it easy to type messages.
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10 of 11 Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks
The Sidekick iD features the trackball navigator that was first featured on the Sidekick 3. It allows for easy scrolling, and you can press it in to select an item. It is a bit sensitive so make sure you don't overscroll.
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11 of 11 CNET Networks
To add a bit of style, you can buy interchange bumpers for $19.95 each. Currently, you can get them in black, yellow, blue, purple, or glow in the dark, but more designs are planned. The iD ships with the gray accents.

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