Sharp, Danger prepping low-end Hiptop?

We're light on details and heavy on extraordinarily boring radiation analysis reports at this point, but the FCC's just cleared a Sharp device going by the model number PV150. Ring any bells? It should -- the Hiptop 2 went by PV100 and the Hiptop 3, PV200, suggesting that this'll be another Danger-developed device (as if the "Powered by Danger" on the ID label weren't evidence enough) slotting somewhere in between. Interestingly, there's no mention of 2.4GHz testing in the FCC docs, leading us to believe that the PV150 (Hiptop 2 1/2?) lacks Bluetooth and lending support to the theory that this is a lower-end device. On the upside, GSM 850 and 1900 are both on board, so T-Mobile would have little trouble slapping a "Sidekick" label on this one and rolling it out in these parts. Rest assured, we're going to be on the hunt for shots of this sucker.

[Via Phone Scoop]

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 20th 2007 8:50AM]

Yawn...

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 20th 2007 9:46AM]

Dont be so quick on the T-Mobile thing. Why would they bother? who requested a stripped down phone thats allready limited?

They certainly didnt get this idea from LISTENING to the people over at hiptop.com who mostly bitch about it not being able to play video or record ringtones.

Dont be suprised if this is for the new AT&T or another carrier.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 20th 2007 1:45PM]

Zodiac, I am more inclined to agree with you. I have a feeling that this is going to be on the New AT&T or even a regional carrier like Suncom. If it were CDMA I'd even venture as to say Alltel. Danger is trying to get T-mobile's goat a little here by seeing if they can offer an SK2.5 to a smaller carrier & see how it sells. Makes you wonder WHAT ELSE they have planned hmmm?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 20th 2007 2:13PM]

Oh what an interesting subject!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 20th 2007 2:23PM]

I agree you guys, the sidekick 3 was such a primitive phone for its price when it was released and to release an even more limited phone is just insane. No wonder Danger isn't doing that well with its large amount of sk users. You would think a small company would be more inclined to listening to its own fan base to see how to grow their business then to go on the route of motorola and release what ever crap their departments think up of.
Infact maybe if they do like motorola we can see atleast one or two phones that are atleast worth buying. :(

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 20th 2007 2:33PM]

This Could be the "Sidekick Mini" T-mo had planed to release this year. Think sk2 with edge, but really thin & small.

If t-mo has there way they will be 2 new sidekicks coming out this year the sk mini and the new sidekick III. The new sidekick III will be compatable with @home service and MyFavs.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 20th 2007 7:01PM]

K-Mobile - if t-mo is responsible for keeping th sk down, obviously offering it to another carrier is a good idea. I have not heard anything about the "sk mini
" so I cant comment on that. I also havent hear anything on more sidekicks this year - ESPECIALLY for tmo.

Its about time Danger branched out into other carriers. Tmo's explusivity needs to end at some point.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 20th 2007 6:53PM]

I happen to know that there is a stripped down SK....kinda light on the features, and some of the SKII customization stuff (bumpers, etc...). It's basically a SKII with a different body style, and no cam. For the kiddie market, and cheap market.

As for the SK Mini....I've heard it's coming, just don't know when....

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 20th 2007 9:16PM]

ZODIAC....I happen to know...because I work at T-Mo...I've seen every version of the SK so far, including the "new" downsized one....and have seen the Mini....

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 21st 2007 11:33PM]

anyone know what the PV200e was? and did Danger make the first sidekick cuz shouldnt the II have been PV200 not PV100? just curious

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 22nd 2007 10:45AM]

Jeeze I thought we were talking about a rap group.