The latest member of T-Mobile's Sidekick squad, the new D-Wade Edition Sidekick 3, has just recently been announced by the company.

   

Using the same technology that powers the T-Mobile Sidekick 3, the D-Wade Edition is presented in white, with tan and copper accents that "emulate the luxurious look and feel inspired by high-end automobiles." It also has Wade's signature 3, standing out as the only detail in gold. Last but not least, the device also has a "realistic basketball-textured backing" for added grip and comfort.

"My T-Mobile Sidekick is a part of me. I don't go anywhere without it because it keeps me in touch with the most important people in my life," said Miami Heat guard and 2006 NBA Finals MVP Dwayne Wade, who has been an avid Sidekick user since 2004. "I really wanted to design a Sidekick that meant something special to me – one that reflects my own personal style and inspiration. I'm excited that it will soon be in the hands of people who want a great device that looks smooth."

The T-Mobile Sidekick 3, D-Wade Edition, will be available in retail stores and online on February 21.

Always looking for ways to personalize your gizmos and gadgets, most especially your Sidekick 3? You'll find this news a bit helpful then.

AcidAngel from the HipHop3 forums has managed to find a way to load custom themes to T-Mobile's Sidekick 3. In the downloadable file, he has provided themes that you may want to try on your device. All you have to do is to unzip the themes directory and place it in the Sidekick 3's miniSD. From there you can choose which one to use.

Here's a sample theme from AcidAngel:

If you think you'd like some other theme to use on your device, ncmacasl from the same forum has devised a way to allow you to use your own themes, sounds and even splash screens.

Here's how theme customization can be done:

• Plug in your USB cord from your Sidekick to your Computer
• Go to the drive where your Sidekick folders are
• Make a new folder called "Themes" (without the quoutes)
• Then inside that folder make a new folder with the theme name you want to appear on the sidekick
• Add the picture you want. make sure its a .pgn or .jpg file. also size 240X138
• Add the 2nd pic you want for the sub catagory
• Open Windows "Notepad" or any other Text Editing Program and create a new file to include the following:
  

# ThemeName #
string Name(en_US) ThemeName
bitmap ring-background FileNumberOne.png
bitmap ring-folder-background FileNumberTwo.png

• Save the file as "theme.txt" into the folder you created above inside the theme folder
• You then save the file as "theme.txt" in folder Themes/CrazyPic
• Unplug the usb cable from the sk3 after you upload them so the changes take effect

Here's a sample customized theme from ncmacasl:

There you go. Feel free to upload your own themes, but make sure you know what you're doing. After all, it would be really frustrating to mess up your Sidekick 3.

Download: [Custom Themes for T-Mobile's Sidekick]

So let's start with the not-so-good points about T-Mobile's Sidekick 3.

I know it should work primarily as a phone (selecting the Phone option when trying to make a call will be easy enough) but how come it's so difficult for the user to get signal? A better antenna on this phone would've made it easier to get reception.

Another unimpressive feature of Sidekick 3 is its 1.3-megapixel camera. I'm telling you now, you shouldn't expect much. Although it's an improvement from Sidekick II's camera, the quality of the images produced are not very good. But that's really not so important; after all, the screen of the Sidekick 3 is not that impressive for viewing photos either.

Now, on a more positive note: the Sidekick 3 doesn't feel like a toy any longer. It's more professional-looking with its sleek black design, plus it's thinner to boot.

The smaller keys are good for fast typing, and the trackball makes navigation easy. The Danger-based OS of the Sidekick 3 (the same one used with Sidekick II) is easy to use and navigate.

T-Mobile's Sidekick 3 also has a music player for MP3 files. It's also easy to transfer MP3 files onto this device via the USB cable. Unlike other cellphones/PDAs, you can carry around an extra battery in case you want to extend the time you can listen to music you've loaded onto Sidekick 3. The way this device was built allows one to change batteries and access both the mini-SD card slot and the SIM-card slot.

So is it worth grabbing or not? It seems to be - the reviewer's found that it's light-years ahead of its predecessor in every area save for the camera. Given how the unit did, the poor-quality camera doesn't seem a deal-breaker at all.

This is the news of all news for Sidekick owners. You can now upgrade your existing Sidekick to a leek and savvy Sidekick 3. Just head on to TMobile's website and login with your phone number and corresponding password. Then click on Phones and Accessories and then on the right side of the page click on Upgrade Your Phone. You would have to click on the Handhelds tab to find the Sidekick 3 option. If you don't want to go through this process you can call their Customer Care at 611 from your soon to be upgraded Sidekick. Too bad for the person who got it for $4050 on eBay.

Much have been said about T-Mobile's Sidekick 3 when the smartphone's specs were revealed a week ago. While some are impressed with the upgrades, some people have expressed their disappointment in the Sidekick 3. One thing that has gotten more attention was the 1.3 megapixel camera and the missing Bluetooth. This is because some mobile companies are now switching to 2.0 megapixels or even higher, so a 1.3 megapixel isn't really much of an upgrade. But then these people have to be reminded that Sidekick 3's predecessor only came with a 0.3 megapixel camera.

But you know what? iLounge thinks that Danger and T-Mobile did the right thing with Sidekick 3 in terms of the camera features. Not only did it upgraded it to a much higher megapixel, it also made very substantial "detail gathering improvements".

Jeremy Horwitz of iLounge did some photo comparisons between the Sidekick 2 and Sidekick 3 cameras to prove this point. Based on the shots, you'll see considerable improvements in the Sidekick 3. The camera is able to capture more detail and more vibrant colors, not to mention more color accurate. Check out the photos.

After a series of leaked photos, sneak peeks and rumored specs, we can finally put the Sidekick saga to rest as details of the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 have been revealed. Digital Trends got loads of insider info about the smartphone.

If you've been following our reports about the Sidekick 3, you've probably marked June 26 as the big day. Sorry to burst your Sidekick bubble but it's now scheduled to hit stores on July 10, barring delays and unexpected turn of events.

Between the re-designed casing and sleeker look, the Sidekick 3 features tons of improvements over its highly successful predecessor the Sidekick 2. Here's a rundown:

• A removable battery
• Additional storage via a miniSD card slot. A card will be included with the product.
• USB Cable and syncing
• A hands free stereo headset
• A better designed carrying case
• Improved 1.3megapixel camera
• Bluetooth 1.2
• An improved display (65k color SXVGA)

Surprisingly the Sidekick 3 is missing Bluetooth 2.0 or even a Wi-Fi. Now, that's something you can mull over until July 10. The smartphone now comes with a trackball on the right-hand side for easier and more advanced browsing. A big improvement to Sidekick 2's track wheel.

   

No word on pricing yet, but expect to pay between $200 and $400 depending on your contract.

Complete specs for the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 await after the jump.

Just last month The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has given T-Mobile the go ahead to release Sidekick 3. And since then rumors have been flying around about its release date followed by photos of the product leaking out all over the web.

This time June 20th has been reported to be the launch for the the Sidekick while it will be made available to the public around the 26th. Nothing yet has been mentioned about a trade-in program like what they did for Sidekick 2. I bet all rap moguls are excited.

About a month ago, we reported that The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given T-Mobile the go signal to release the Sidekick 3 in the united states. It's the first hard evidence of the existence of the elusive cellular wireless handheld. While we've feasted our eyes on the unofficial (and possibly fake) Sidekick 3 images for the past weeks, it's only now that we see what seems to be a real product shot of the unit. If this turns out to be the real thing, then we can say it's quite consistent with earlier leaked images.

Is it just me or everyone else thinks that the leaked photo should be that of an opened Sidekick 3?  With no other information, I was hoping that I can get a glimpse of what's inside the Sidekick 3. T-Mobile is such a tease.