T-Mobile launches the new Sidekick 2008 today. It’s a contender in the text-messaging arena for hip and socially connected consumers. Today T-Mobile introduces its latest Sidekick, previously dubbed the Sidekick Gekko.

T-Mobile Sidekick Features Include:

• Exterior shells that can be personalized
• Capability to record, play and share videos: record videos using the camera; receive video attachments from e-mail, picture messaging, or side load videos to the microSD card; play video using the built-in media player; share videos via e-mail, Bluetooth or picture messaging
• Horizontal swivel screen and full QWERTY keyboard (manufactured by Sharp)
• WQVGA screen with high-definition LCD technology
• Enhanced Web surfing: PC-like, full-size layout or standard Sidekick screen-size layout to scroll and read a page; use Mini Page to zoom out on an overview of an entire Web page; save images from Web pages to the microSD card
• Customizable IM experience: create and join group chats, set custom status messages, search for friends in a buddy list and see who is logged into IM to immediately start a conversation
• Easy download capability: install and use downloads without the need to restart the device; set a theme as the device’s default instantly
• Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP supports stereo Bluetooth and Bluetooth file transfer to other Bluetooth devices including Bluetooth photo printers
• 2.0 megapixel camera
• Included 512MB microSD memory card
• More storage: Up to 25 ringtones, add up to five slides to multimedia messages, and up to 60-second voice messages
• Quick Find to search across all applications
• T-Mobile myFaves(R) enabled
• Dimensions: 4.7″ x 2.3″ x 0.7″, 5.3 oz.
• 2.6-inch display, 400×240 pixels
• Quad-band world phone 850/900/1800/1900 MHz; GSM,GPRS,EDGE
• 1030mAh Lion battery

The new T-Mobile Sidekick is available today at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.t-mobile.com. Please visit www.sidekick.com for T-Mobile Sidekick news and updates.