Fix My Sidekick

Now that you have a brand new T-mobile Sidekick it is time to think about protecting it from being scratched or damaged from being dropped.

The T-mobile Sidekick LX 2009 and Sidekick 2008 are susceptible to screen damage so be careful with them. I strongly recommend to get a screen protector to keep scratching to a minimum.  For the best screen protection, check out the invisibleshield from Zagg.  T-Mobile Sidekick 2008 Screen and the T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009 (Screen)

All of the sidekick family, be it a sidekick 3, Sidekick Slide, Sidekick LX,  Sidekick (2008)  or the New Sidekick LX (2009) don’t take abuse very well.

Accidents happen though, so it is a good idea to be prepared. The best way is to keep your T-mobile Sidekick in a case when you are not using it. That way if it drops, it has some protection around it. Another way to protect it is to put a skin on it. Most skins will protect the phone from being scratched but only the gel skins offer some impact protection.

The great thing about Sidekick skins is that you can get them in a wide range of styles and colors.  You can make your sidekick unique from everyone else.    Custom Sidekick LX 2009 Skins Custom Sidekick 2008 Shells Custom Sidekick LX 2007 Skins

For best protection, get a Sidekick skin and a case. Even if you have insurance, it is still 110 dollars to replace your phone so a 30 dollar investment in protecting your phone is well worth it.

Check out the following links below to see some Sidekick Skins and case:

Sidekick LX 2009 Skins for Sale Sidekick LX 2009 Cases

Sidekick 2008 Gel skins Sidekick 2008 Cases

Skins and cases for Older Sidekick Models are listed below:

Sidekick Covers Sidekick Cases Sidekick Skins Sidekick LX Gel Skins

Sidekick Slide Gel Skins Sidekick 3 Gel Skins

I hope you find ones that you like

These tips really only work within the first week of use. If you’ve used the device for 2 months already, this won’t help as much but it will still help.

Keep in mind, by “training the battery,” I mean recalibrating the battery meter of your Sidekick:

1. The initial charge out of the box is crucial. The instructions state you should charge the device 6-8 hours upon initial start up. People get so excited by getting the sidekick that they yank it off the charger 3-4 hours later so they can go show their friends!  This is a BIG mistake. Despite every urge to do so, let it charge at least 6 hours out the box.

2. For the next couple of days try and let your sidekick drain it’s battery completely before you charge it again.  When you charge it, make sure it charges 4-5 hours minimum before you take it off the charger. Leaving it plugged in overnight is usually the best option.

After a few days, you’ll begin to notice an improvement in your battery life.  The Sidekick now had a baseline for a fully charged battery and an empty battery.

Do this for 4 or 5 days and you will be set.

Here are some other tips to help get better battery life from your Sidekick:

1. Turn your LCD brightness down as low as you can tolerate.
2. Try and avoid being on all 3 IM clients at the same time for any extended period.
3. The music player is the second biggest battery drainer next to making phone calls. If you use the music player more than a few hours a day, you might want to consider a separate MP3 player. 
4.  Make sure to close out of the photo application when done. If you just “Jump” out, the device still keeps the camera rolling, draining more of the battery.  Make sure you “Done” out of the camera app to be sure.
5. When charging, keep the phone on a surface that allows it to dissipate the heat. A desk top or table is good.  On a pillow or a bed is bad! The hotter the battery gets over time, the less use you will be able to get out of it.

What if your Sidekick is not new and you want to get better battery life and this doesn’t help.  You can get a new battery for your phone and do this procedure.  New Sidekick batteries are about 10 dollars on eBay.  Don’t pay 40-60 dollars for a new one from T-mobile

Here are some links to new Sidekick batteries:

Replacement Sidekick LX Battery  Replacement Sidekick 3 Battery    Replacement Sidekick Slide Battery  Replacement Sidekick ID Battery

Originally posted 2008-10-18 18:47:52.

Someone asked this at Yahoo Answers. 

 how do i get my sidekick 2008 to vibrate when i get a text?

i just bought a sidekick 2008 and i cant get it to vibrate when i receive a text. all that happens is an icon shows up in the corner? and suggestions?
Thanks

Here is the  Answer I gave:

You need to have the data plan otherwise it doesn’t vibrate or ring when you first get a text. Try setting your pending message alert to 2 minutes under sound settings so 2 minutes after you get the text it vibrates or rings.

I didn’t know that but know I do.  I hope that it helps you out.

 

Originally posted 2008-11-22 11:28:40.