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Did the Sidekick Have a Camera?

Published in Mobile Device History 2 mins read

No, at least one early iteration of the Sidekick mobile device did not include a camera, as it was intentionally removed by the manufacturer to keep the price affordable.

The Sidekick's Camera Feature: An Overview

When discussing the Sidekick, it's important to note that various models were released over time. For a particular Sidekick model that was designed to be priced at a low $99, the manufacturer, Sharp, made specific decisions to reduce costs. Among the features removed from this model to meet the aggressive price point was a 1.3-megapixel camera. This indicates that while the device may have been designed with a camera in mind, it was omitted from certain early, budget-friendly versions.

Cost-Saving Decisions for Early Sidekick Models

To achieve a competitive retail price of $99, Sharp implemented several cost-cutting measures. These decisions impacted various functionalities and hardware components of the device.

Key features removed from the $99 Sidekick model included:

  • 1.3-megapixel camera: This was a significant omission for a device that was, at its core, aimed at a younger, tech-savvy demographic often interested in multimedia features.
  • Memory slot: The absence of a memory slot limited the device's expandability for storing photos, music, or other media.
  • Bluetooth features: The removal of Bluetooth connectivity restricted wireless data transfer and peripheral connections.

These deliberate removals helped Sharp position the Sidekick at an attractive entry-level price point.

Evolution of the Sidekick Series

The Sidekick product line continued to evolve over time. For example, the Sidekick LX was introduced in October following the iPhone's debut in June of that year. While the Sidekick LX marked a new chapter for the device after the introduction of other prominent smartphones, the provided information does not specify whether this, or any subsequent Sidekick model, later included a camera. The focus of the provided reference is on the specific cost-cutting decisions made for an earlier, low-priced Sidekick model.