When it comes to the April 21st T-mobile media event in New York City, there were three truths that can be told:
1) It had nothing to do with Android/G2. (If you had bets on this, it's time to cough up the cash.)
2) It was all about the new Sidekick.
3) Free drinks and nachos are cool.
The folks at T-mobile really know how to throw a shindig. Better yet, they know how to put together a cool phone.
So without further delay, here it is: The new Sidekick LX 2009
The integrated Twitter, MySpace and Facebook feature is smooth, the screen is spectacular and the form factor is sleek and mature.
As for background processes, app switching and notifications, the handset itself feels fast and zippy. The only lagginess at all had to do with getting decent 3G signal on the NYC block we happened to be on. Sadly, we didn't get to experience the full juiciness of the network, but this certainly won't be the case everywhere. (That speed is really going to come in handy for uploading videos to Facebook.)
Did I mention that the hi-def LCD screen is flat-out gorgeous? And the keys are, predictably, super easy on the fingerpads. 
The Orchid (pictured) or Carbon casing isn't swappable, which might disappoint some SK fans, but in the hand, this Sidekick doesn't feel plasticky and toy-like, as the SK handsets of old did. It feels substantial, but not heavy. And the dark color and ? lest we forget ? the upcoming arrival of MS Exchange are intended to make this a more sophisticated messaging center. So if you don't need a full-blown smartphone, but want to stay connected (or watch YouTube clips on a spectacular display), this gizmo offers a sweet alternative that doesn't look like a Leapfrog toddler gadget.
So that's the quick overview of my first impression with the Sidekick LX. Like we mentioned before on PhoneDog, Noah will get his hands on the device for a full review as soon as he can. In the meantime, I?m working on uploading the video we took at last night's party asap, so you can see the handset in action for yourself. Stay tuned.
ADDITION: Duh. I was so excited to see this phone that I almost forgot to include the following: The T-mobile Sidekick LX 2009 will be available for retail sale at select T-mobile stores and online starting May 13th. The price is $199 with a two-year contract and mail-in rebate.
