One way to view the Sidekick 2008 is that it offers more features for less money than the previous LX model. Another way to view the Sidekick 2008 is that it has an aging OS. One thing is for certain; if you are a heavy texter and you enjoy the prior iterations of the Sidekick, you’ll like this one for sure.
The Sidekick 2008 offers a very large, enhanced keypad that reveals itself with a push of a button, which causes the top of the phone to spin open in the now famous Sidekick manner. In addition to the massive keypad there is a trackball for convenient scrolling.
This is a message-monster, no doubt about it. With the Sidekick 2008 you can instant message, picture message and video message. Instant messaging options include Yahoo, AIM and MSN, but unfortunately Gtalk is not included. And interestingly, the Sidekick 2008 does not provide threaded messaging, a feature that has pretty much become a staple on any cell phone with a focus on messaging.
The Sidekick franchisee has an audience, and if you enjoy the user interface that the Sidekick has become known for, you’ll enjoy this phone. It’s smaller than the previous LX model and just as well made.
The music player works fine but there is a learning curve, due to so many buttons being involved and the conspicuous lack of dedicated music keys. Similarly, the web browser does allow you to surf the web, but don’t expect an Apple Safari experience by any means.
Clearly this is a phone for a certain fan base and one with a definite eye on texting. To that end the Sidekick 2008 accomplishes its goal well, and after a bit of a learning curve newcomers will enjoy the mystique of this phone, too.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Michael Oryl, MobileBurnThe designers have hit a home run with this new Sidekick design.
- Steven Leckart , WiredThe latest iteration from Sidekick's got more nicknames than David Ryder (aka Thick McRunfast aka Roll Fizzlebeef aka Big McLargehuge). Dubbed the Gekko, Gecco, Sidekick '08 and even just "Sidekick," the whatever-you-want-to-call-it (for our purposes we're naming it the "2008") has finally arrived a...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Sidekick 2008 user manual here.
Sharp backs up the Sidekick 2008 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Sidekick 2008 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Sharp support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Sharp's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Sidekick 2008 Manual (PDF)
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