Review: Sidekick 3
Messaging is one area where the Sidekick excels. It's like a Blackberry for people who don't use Exchange servers. The keyboard makes composing an SMS a breeze, although we wish there was an easier way to start a new message. A message can only be started from the menu, either by launching the menu and scrolling to new message or using the menu and the N key. Still we wish there was a "new message" button we could just push somewhere. One nice bonus is that the menu + N key shortcut works inside the application or simply when the SMS icon is selected in the main menu.
Addressing the message is as easy as composing it. Start typing a contact's name in the "to:" field and a list of matching choices is displayed. Press select to choose one name or press the comma key to keep adding recipients.
Although an alert scrolls across the top of the screen when a message is received, reading that messages requires you to go to the application and click on the message.
The email application works the same way. It supports simultaneous use of multiple email accounts and will push all emails to your Sidekick. When you register your Sidekick you are assigned an @tmail.com email address. This address is a true push account and an email received there will immediately be sent to your device. Any other accounts you add are checked periodically (about every 30 minutes) by T-Mobile's servers and then new messages are sent to your device in bulk.
The Sidekick 3 also includes IM applications for AIM, MSN and Yahoo! The messengers are each separate programs, but work similarly. Each has a buddy list and shortcuts for ongoing conversations. When signed on, you are signed on through T-Mobile's servers, not your device. That way you can remain online and even receive messages even if you do not have signal. When you return online, all your messages are delivered to your device.
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