The highly anticipated color version of the award winning T-Mobile Sidekick becomes available to T-Mobile USA customers Friday, boasting a new color screen, AOL Mail functionality and new monthly service options. Based on Danger, Inc.’s hiptop Wireless Solution, the one-of-a-kind device has stirred up a frenzy among loyal consumers and celebrities alike as the ultimate communication device. The T-Mobile Sidekick allows customers to surf the Web, chat using the AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) service, send and receive email, play games, exchange mobile snapshots and talk it up with friends – all from a single device. Beginning tomorrow consumers can purchase the new color version of the T-Mobile Sidekick for $299.99 by calling 1-800-TMOBILE or visiting their nearest CompUSA store.

The new screen features 65,000 vibrant colors giving customers the ultimate web browsing experience. The color screen swivels up to showcase a full QWERTY keyboard that complements the T-Mobile Sidekick’s instant messaging capabilities. A fully integrated version of AIM and the ability to keep instant messaging (IM) active in the background while surfing the web have made instant messaging the ‘killer app’ among T-Mobile Sidekick users. Additionally, customers can now send and receive email from their AOL email account, through the T-Mobile Sidekick’s Web browser, in addition to three other POP3 email accounts via the device’s integrated email application.

“The early success of the T-Mobile Sidekick really speaks to the device’s innovative design and simple user interface – it’s the ultimate way to communicate whether it’s by voice, email or AIM,” said Nick Sears, vice president of consumer products for T-Mobile USA, Inc. “Now with a color screen and simple rate plans, there’s never been a better time to get a T-Mobile Sidekick and see for yourself what the buzz is all about.”

Since the T-Mobile Sidekick first hit the market eight months ago, the device has transcended the ranks of traditional wireless devices, becoming a pop culture icon as a ‘must have’ for athletes, celebrities and musicians.

“It’s everything at your fingertips in one device,” said All-Star Shortstop, Derek Jeter. “No more excess gadgets and it’s all in color.”

Consistent with its Get More promise, T-Mobile announced new rate plans, giving customers more flexibility to select the rate plan that meets their T-Mobile Sidekick usage needs specifically. New and existing T-Mobile Sidekick customers can now sign up on any T-Mobile voice plan and add unlimited email, Web browsing, AIM and text messaging for $20 a month. Customers who want to use just the device’s powerful data functionality can get a stand-alone plan that includes unlimited email, Web browsing, AIM and text messaging for $29.99 a month, with voice calls billed on a pay as you go basis for just .20 cents a minute, with domestic long distance and roaming included.

The T-Mobile Sidekick, recently honored as the 2003 PC World “Product of the Year,” is available Friday by calling 1-800-TMOBILE and at CompUSA locations. The company expects the product to be available at T-Mobile company owned stores and authorized dealers later this month.