T-Mobile Gives Sidekick LX 3G, Exchange Support

What was once a device geared toward texting teens is getting some grown-up functions as T-Mobile unveils the new Sidekick LX.

Along with being the first Sidekick to work on T-Mobile's high-speed 3G data network, T-Mobile said the Sidekick LX will soon support Microsoft Exchange, meaning users can receive their corporate Outlook e-mail on the device. While the Exchange compatibility isn't immediately available, T-Mobile said users will be able to download Exchange Active Sync from the Sidekick Download Catalog soon after the launch.

According to T-Mobile, the now-iconic swivel-screen handset is available today for a Web-only presale for existing T-Mobile customers. Users who preorder the handheld through April 30 will receive it on May 12, a full day before it is released to the general public.

The Sidekick LX marks the thinnest model yet, with the sharpest screen, T-Mobile said.

Along with 3G connectivity, the Sidekick LX also features a new GPS-enabled version of Live Search that lets users map their locations, search nearby businesses and share places of interest. It also ties in a host of social networking capabilities, with one-click support for popular communities such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter through customized applications that update automatically and put notifications directly on the Sidekick home screen. T-Mobile estimated that three out of four Sidekick users access social networking sites from their devices at least once a week.

The Sidekick LX also features a 3.2-megapixel camera with autofocus and an LED flash and YouTube video support. The camera and video support let users upload images and video to social networking sites.

Boasting a 3.2-inch FWVGA screen with 854 x 480 resolution, the new Sidekick features a screen larger and sharper than the current models.

And the QWERTY keyboard, which made the Sidekick a text and instant messaging powerhouse -- the average Sidekick user reportedly receives more than 3,000 instant messages and 600 text messages monthly -- continues its heritage with only minor tweaks to the keypad.

Additional features include Bluetooth 2.0 support and a 1-GB microSD memory card. The T-Mobile Sidekick LX measures 5.1 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches and weighs 5.7 ounces. The Lithium Ion battery offers three hours of talk time and six days of standby time on the 3G network and 5.5 hours of talk time and eight days of standby time on 2G.

T-Mobile said preordering customers will get the device for $199 with a two-year contract.