Do i need internet for my sidekick if i get it from ebay? Will it still work if i don't get the internet?

If the backlight is burned out then you will need to replace the LCD screen. It is fairly easy to do and runs about 30 dollars from ebay.

Here is a guide for it
Sidekick 3 LCD Screen Replacement

and here is a link to buy the LCD screens

New Sidekick 3 LCD Screens for Sale

If you do not have the sidekick data plan, then you will not be able to get internet, use chat, or email.

send the phone back to ebay and tell them 2 change it

Hello.. I live in denmark and I just got the sidekick 2008.
I bought an Isim (ver. 2) on ebay. I payed $9.
Then I put It under my non tmobile sim card and powered it up and I could se my phonebook and other stuff from my sim. But it keept saying: emergency calls only.
Then you have to put it into a nother mobile phone to get signal. Then put it back in the SK with the Isim and then it works. Just remember to update the sim and phone with the settings from your current phone company by sms. Then it wont happen again.

It worked for me. so I hope it would help others...

Form Diana - Denmark

press menu and L together .....

try turning it on and typing 1234 it should work it worked for me and if that doesnt work try goin to a cell phone repair shop they should be able to unlock it. if not get your money back for the phone and buy one at the tmobile store. some stuff on ebay doesnt work i bought an ipod off ebay and it broke the next day it broke so try gettin your money back if nutin else works!

You can. you will need to call t-mobile if you want the internet,email,chat and unlimited texting. The data plan runs an extra 20 dollars a month for unlimited service. Without it you can still make phone calls and text.

if that is happenin' you need to take replace the mainboard.

Nope, It has the same connector but they are pinned out differently so they won't work. I know because I experimented with my sidekick 3, sidekick ID and Sidekick 2.

YOu can get a replacement LCD from ebay, They run about 40-50 dollars.

If you wan't to try here are some instructions.

Sidekick 3 LCD Flip Screen Replacement

Here is a link for LCDs on ebay.

Replacement Sidekick LCD SCreens

well finding stores is a bit difficult and im not aware of where you live. BUt if you live in Brooklyn, NY, then downtown brooklyn on futon mall street, theres a stores which sells sidekick screens. Chances of finding an ID screen are unknown to me. By the way this store is close by Futon Mall street and Jay STreet