Sneak Peek: T-Mobile Sidekick 3

Those of you eagerly awaiting the release of the new Sidekick 3 will be ecstatic to know it will be available to T-Mobile subscribers on June 28, and in T-Mobile stores starting July 10. Both Gizmodo and Engadget Mobile have already posted hands-on reviews and photographs. It's no surprise to see celebrities and young hipsters alike text messaging or emailing friends on their Sidekicks. The phone is so easy to use and has practically become an accessory to celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Nicole Ritchie and Paris Hilton.

What's new: The Sidekick 3 is a lot slimmer than previous Sidekick models. It features a 1.3 megapixel camera with flash, a music player, Bluetooth, a memory card slot and a multi-directional trackball for easier interface navigation. With EDGE support, you'll be able to enjoy surfing the web at a faster speed, and added Bluetooth technology will be appreciated by existent Sidekick owners who currently have to hold the bulky phone to their ear to answer calls. For a phone whose main attractions are text messaging and email, this phone doesn't come cheap unless you sign a two-year contract, which still sets you back about $299.99 or $399.99 with no contract.

The main complaint I've heard so far is regarding the low-resolution LCD screen (240x160px) that makes images appear washed-out and pixelated. It doesn't include a video camera or Wi-Fi capabilites and battery life is still mediocre. Phone Scoop has an excellent detailed hands-on review of the new Sidekick 3 phone if you want more information.

We're waiting to get our hands on one, but when we do, we'll provide you with the inside scoop on this hip phone.