When it comes to getting a new cellphone, I am extremely picky. In the past, I wanted really random features–from being able to use any mp3 as a ringtone to being able to have a front facing screen that could have a different background as the main screen. I know, I’m strange.

Ever since I got a smart phone however, I demand speed, power and versatility. I was late to the smart phone game, and bought one of the cheapest Android phones out there; the LG Optimus T. Prior to finally caving and buying a smart phone, I went through at least one cell phone a year, maybe more. Since I was sixteen, when I got my first Samsung flip phone, I have constantly sought out the next big thing. Only problem is that I seem to fall in love with the worst phones.

Before I really starting learning about cell phones, my main motivation to choose one phone over another was a) brand and b) features. My favorite brands were Nokia and Samsung, least favorite Motorola. By features I mean does it have a full text keyboard, or can I use any mp3 as a ringtone?

Rarely did I understand specs, let alone look at them. That really changed when I met my boyfriend, a super techy savvy writer who reviews mobile phones for a living. Yet despite his wonderful advice, I still ended up with a weak, slow smart phone that can barely run a program. This must change.

Graduation is rapidly approaching and with that comes gifts. What’s on my list for things I want? Money and a new cell phone. Which cell phone you may ask? Well I’ve got my sights on the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G, read on to find out why.

Sidekicks have long been a favorite of many T-Mobile customers. I had many friends when I was younger who had all the different models of Sidekicks and absolutely loved them. They are largely meant for social media and messaging and designed to perform such tasks easily.

A huge part of the appeal of a Sidekick is the full-text keyboard. The reviews sing the praises of the Sidekick 4G’s keyboard, which brought up my excitement level around this phone. I am no stranger to typing on a touchscreen–I had a 2nd generation Ipod Touch. However, after using the horrible screen on my LG Optimus T, I want real keys to push. I can’t even begin to articulate my frustration with trying to type on a poorly responsive plastic screen. Even trying to use Swype is difficult.

The specs of the Sidekick also catch my eye. I am coming from a phone with a 600 MHz processor and 170 MB of internal memory. The Sidekick boasts a 1 GHz Hummingbird processor with 512 MB of RAM. This is highly important to me because the lag on my current phone is unbearable. Also, because the processor on my Optimus T is so slow, running a program while background processes are active is near impossible. My whole phone freezes and applications crash daily. The Sidekick 4G runs Android 2.2, aka Froyo. This is essential to me because I love the Android operating system.

For anyone who has a powerful smart phone, like the HTC Evo or Droid Incredible, being able to view flash based video and websites is no big deal. For me, coming from my Optimus T, having a phone that supports flash is awesome. This is where the Sidekick makes me smile!

From the reviews I’ve read, the camera isn’t great; only 3 megapixels. But because I don’t use my phone as a camera, this doesn’t phase me.

I am also quite impressed with the fact that this version of the Sidekick is made by Samsung. I would say that about 80% of the phones I’ve owned were made by Samsung and they are probably my favorite cell phone manufacturer. I have a soft spot for Nokia because I have loved the Nokia phones I’ve had, but they’ve always had software issues. I trust Samsung to produce a quality phone that lasts.

As irrelevant it is to the performance of the phone, I love the way it looks and the color scheme that was chosen. I am sucker for anything pink, so the magenta and white version of the phone does it for me.

My only issue I have with the phone from just reading reviews and looking at pictures is the look of the Android experience overlay. In my opinion it’s ugly, but I guess beggars can’t be choosers. I am also sad that the design did away with the swivel hinge to reveal the keyboard, something that was characteristic of past Sidekick models. When I was younger that was part of the appeal of the Sidekick, so I will miss it.

Overall, I am impressed with this phone and see it as a dramatic improvement over the lackluster LG Optimus T I currently have. The design and specs of the Sidekick 4G really impress me:

• Real keys that are well spaced out? Check.
• Snappy processor that can effectively run apps? Check.
• Flash support? Check.
• Appealing design? Check.

Ever since I began dating someone who reviews phones, it has become commonplace for me to research phones before I buy them. Hopefully my research has paid off and I can enjoy the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G by this time next month. If I do buy the phone, I’ll post a review!