Yesterday T-Mobile released their new Sidekick Slide, adding another device to the Sidekick lineup. This is the first time T-Mobile has had several different Sidekick models, which historically have been popular with deaf and hard of hearing users, available at different price points. The introduction of the Slide also marks the first time that there have been Sidekicks available from different manufacturers. Sharp currently manufactures the iD and the LX, while Motorola manufactures the Slide.

What’s the big deal about the Slide? Initial rumors had the Slide being a “Razr-like” version of the Sidekick, evoking visions of a very thin Sidekick with metal casing. However, this wasn’t to happen (yet). The biggest difference is that the Slide’s screen, well, slides up to reveal the keyboard, rather than the signature swiveling screen of the Sidekick series.

There’s a new keyboard that seems to resemble the Sidekick 3’s keyboard. The Danger OS has been upgraded, and like the LX, one new feature that many deaf users have been asking for is that the font size will be adjustable. Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to find out what type of Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) T and M rating the Slide has. All documentation we have been able to find on the Slide does not mention the rating (probably because HAC testing was not completed when the documentation was written). It will be interesting to see if Motorola’s extensive experience in manufacturing wireless devices translates into a better Sidekick, especially for the deaf and hard of hearing!

At first glance, the Slide does look like a worthy addition to the Sidekick line. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage on the latest Sidekicks!