T-Mobile intros Sidekick LX, Slide

T-Mobile this morning revamped its Sidekick messaging phones with two new models, both of which break new ground for the series. The Sidekick LX (pictured) is the first ever to bring a wide, 400x240 screen to the series and is said to borrow elements of Sharp's experience with its AQUOS HDTVs to provide higher picture quality. It can also create a personalized mood for messaging at night: users can customize ambient lighting around the front face. T-Mobile bundles the LX with a 128MB microSD card to store photos taken with the 1.3-megapixel camera as well as other data.

At least as significant, the Sidekick Slide (once codenamed the Zante) is the first model to bear the Sidekick name without coming exclusively from Danger. The new device is a collaboration between the Sidekick maker and Motorola, according to the former company. This shows in a design which uses a namesake, directly sliding screen instead of Danger's characteristic twising action. The shell is also thinner than most Sidekick models, T-Mobile says. It also comes with a 1.3-megapixel camera.

Both phones are capable of web browsing, instant messaging, and support the carrier's myFaves calling circle feature. The LX will launch first on October 24th and commands a premium for its larger screen at $299 with a two-year contract in either blue or brown color schemes. The Slide will be available only in a black color with purple trim for $199 when it ships on November 7th.