[kman42]

T-mobile announced the availability of the Sidekick today. Any thoughts? I have a few questions.

1) Is there any way to sync it to your computer? They mention that it uses a web interface for addresses/calendar data, but it also comes with a USB cable. Why would it have a USB cable if not for syncing to your computer? Can you import/export from the web interface using vCards/iCalendars?

2) It says it can access three email addresses, but it also says it 'consolidates up to three email addresses'. Does this mean that you have to forward your email to your sidekick address or can you access your three accounts just like any other pop accounts? I would want to leave everything on the original server so that I can download the emails on my computer. Similar to what I do with my portable and my desktop. My portable leaves emails on the server and they are all downloaded and erased by my desktop.

kman

[Gametes]

It does say it syncs, but I don't know if that includes Macs or any sort of standards compliance. vCards and vCal would be great. Anybody know?
I think it uses the USB for syncing addresses and such, the web is for sending mail and browisng, not syncing, I think.
I got the impression you can access a POP3 account directly.

What does anybody think the chances are that Apple adds all the functionality of this to the iPod 2? Now THAT I would buy...
Mail, iChat, iCal, Address Book, Sherlock web services, iWeb, all on a 5GB HD loaded with mp3s, and iSynced to your .Mac account...drool

[MojoRising022]

I just spoke to T-Mobile and unfortunately, as nice as the device is, the plans they offer make it useless. The plan costs $39.99 a month and comes with only 200 minutes. There is no way to upgrade or buy more minutes and the overage is prohibitive. There is also no way to use it on an existing account - if you had a family plan for instance...the data access account needs to be it's own seperate entity. I was also told you cannot just use it as a phone and PIM, without the data access.

I would absolutely love to have one of these, but T-Mobile just wont let it happen.

[kman42]

I just went and bought one!!! Judging from the difficulty I had in finding it I would say we might have a hit on our hands. So far it has exceeded my expectations.

I would like to see Apple hook up with them and make an iSync plugin. Shouldn't be too hard. They would just need access to the Danger backend servers and the formats for how they store the info. I can access all of my information from the T-mobile site, so I'm sure an arrangement could be worked out.

And how cool would it be? The Sidekick is clearly geared toward consumers (check the price and plans). It's cool, Apple's cool. I imagine it is similar to the type of device Apple would make if they were going to make a cell phone/communicator. Simple and functional. Nice details. If Apple isn't going to produce such a device, then they ought to synch to it and sell it throught the online store. Value-added: no one wants to use the tmobile web site for their desktop calendar, address book, but we'd all love to use iCal!

kman

[yoyo123]

This device is EXACTLY what I have been looking for. I've had it for only two days and I can't put it down. Some of the previous posters have voiced concerns about the plans. All I can say is that they suit me fine. I do not need many weekday minutes as I make most of my calls during the weekend. So 200 weekday/1000 weekend minutes are more than enough for me. Furthermore, you get UNLIMITED data usage for the first year. This is UNHEARD of. Every other company offering such services charge you minute usage AND data usage. T-Mobile is doing everyone a favor by NOT doing this. Thanks T-Mobile!!!

One of the cool features I discovered by accident was this:
1. Enter a name, email address and phone number on the Address book application.
2. Go to the Jump screen and click on jog dial.
3. Type in the first couple characters of the name you just added.
A screen pops up.
4. Select the name and click the jog dial again.
The phone automatically dials the number.

This feature works for email addresses in the email application as well as any "Nicknames" you have given the people in the address book.


Although this is a GREAT device, it does have its weak points. First the screen is Black and White. However, I spoke to the Lead T-Mobile rep in my local T-Mobile store, and he told me a color screen should be out within 6 to 9 months. He also inferred that the screen in the B&W one MIGHT be interchangeable. How, he was not completely sure. He told me the screen is held on by just two screws and should be pretty easy to replace. Secondly, the web browser is not the greatest. Yes it is sufficent for use but, it does not currently support things like javascript. Again, the T-Mobile rep told me they will be sending updates to the software wirelessly to improve it's capabilities. It's also a little awkward using the phone while the keyboard is exposed (Not a big issue to me). Lastly, and the most annoying, is that T-Mobile is NOT making ANY concessions for existing customers. I was required to get a new phone number and pay for the connection charges. This annoyed me to no end, but oh well, I still love the device.


[It does say it syncs, but I don't know if that includes Macs or any sort of standards compliance. vCards and vCal would be great. Anybody know?
I think it uses the USB for syncing addresses and such, the web is for sending mail and browisng, not syncing, I think.]

As far as the "syncing" capabilities. It includes USB cable, but it is not used for syncing with computers. The manual says it is only for "file recovery." It does not elaborate any more. However, given that Steve Woz is a big wig at Danger, it would not surprise me if this were added later. How do you sync everything? Well, there really is no need. When you sign up for the service you are given a private website at T-Mobile. You can enter data on that site and it automatically downloads to the phone. Or you can manually type data on the phone and it will sync with the website. Also you can export your Palm contacts as a tab delimited file. Then go to the website and they have an upload button that will upload all of the contacts to the website. Thus, syncing to the phone with little problems. Now, I opted to manually type in all my contacts directly in the device so I could get used to the keyboard. It took a while, but it was not very painful. The manual also claims to be able to upload things from Outlook Express via the website too. However, I have not tried this.


[I got the impression you can access a POP3 account directly.]

You can add up to three POP3 email accounts to the email application. I have only one added so far, and I have it configured so the Reply name and email address is that of the original address. Making it look like it came from the original email account. You also have the option to leave the email on the POP3 server. You can also create a new folder and have the email from each POP3 account automatically go to the new folder. Making it easier to figure out which POP3 account they are coming from.

Given this is a 1.0 release for a new phone service, I would expect some hiccups, but this thing is astounding. It will only get better. I give it five big bright shining stars. Do yourself a favor and go get one. You will not be disappointed.

[kman42]

As for syncing: go to www.apple.com/isync and then to the discussion pages. Add your desire for iSync/Hiptop compatibility to the growing thread there. This device is so suited to Apple's market that it really does make sense for them to work with Danger to make the Mac/Hiptop experience the best experience.

I got an email today from Danger saying that the lack of AIM support for .mac was because AOL was using the wrong server, but this would be fixed soon. I must commend Danger for responding to my inquiry within 12 hours and ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

kman

[Nebrie]

A few updates: The Tmobile sales rep that told you there were no upgrades lied. There are two plans they can offer you right now if you need more minutes, and they will be adding more plans at the end of the month.

There is a way to make it sync (if you have time to burn) but until Danger puts out the software for it (they haven't even finished the restore software yet or the Hiptop portal), there is no way unfortunately.

Luckily, the Danger team listens (if you go to other forums, you will see them responding and updating people). Yell enough about iSync support and get their attention.

If you live in a place where Compusa is still open and has it in stock today, you can get the device for $100 after rebates.

[kman42]

Originally posted by Nebrie:


There is a way to make it sync (if you have time to burn) but until Danger puts out the software for it (they haven't even finished the restore software yet or the Hiptop portal), there is no way unfortunately.

What do you mean?

kman

[Nebrie]

Originally posted by kman42:


What do you mean?

kman

ok, "snyc" would be stretching the term a bit, but on another forum (I'll look for it later), someone posted a comprehensive step by step guide on how to get all your Mac PIM info and transfer it onto the Danger device, and vice versa. It was long and convoluted, but it beats typing in 100 contacts.

[kman42]

Originally posted by Nebrie:


ok, "snyc" would be stretching the term a bit, but on another forum (I'll look for it later), someone posted a comprehensive step by step guide on how to get all your Mac PIM info and transfer it onto the Danger device, and vice versa. It was long and convoluted, but it beats typing in 100 contacts.

Yes, it is definitely possible to import your PIM contacts into the Sidekick; however, just so people don't get excited, it is not currenty possible to 'sync' the Sidekick with any comptuer platform in the way one would a Palm.

kman