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T-Mobile (formerly VoiceStream) today introduced the T-Mobile Sidekick, a 6.2 ounces wireless device that measures a 11.6cm x 6.5cm x 2.8cm. It promises nearly everything a handheld user in the consumer market could want.

The T-Mobile Sidekick allows users to surf the Web, send and receive email, chat using AOL Instant Messenger service, play games, take and e-mail mobile snapshots and talk on the phone with an external headset, among other more standard PDA functions, such as a calendar and a note taking application.

According to T-Mobile, Sidekick users can send and receive email and attachments from up to three POP3 email accounts. It features a 2.6-inch 240 x 160 pixel backlit monochrome screen, a full HTML browser, and a clickable scroll wheel for browsing. The monochrome screen swivels up to a QWERTY keyboard. It is fully integrated with a version of AOL's Instant Messenger service, allowing users to keep instant messaging active in the background while surfing the web. It also includes custom ring tones, blinking lights and caller ID icons.

The T-Mobile Sidekick retails for $199 after a $50 rebate. The introductory price plan of $39.99 a month gives customers unlimited data usage -- all the Web surfing, e-mail, and AIM service they want for one year -- plus 200 anytime voice minutes and 1,000 weekend minutes, with free long distance. T-Mobile said the Sidekick operates on T-Mobile's nationwide, all digital GSM/GPRS voice and high-speed data network.

The device is the first commercial delivery ofDanger, Inc.'s hiptop Wireless Solution, which was awarded Best of Show winner at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show in the PDA, Handheld and Mobile Wireless category and first runner up for Overall Best of Show.