Everyone loves a good comeback story. Or, better yet, everyone loves a successful comeback story. The reason, of course, is that once you’ve lost something—your love for a sport, your penchant for recording a hit song, your ability to steal the spotlight on the big screen—and then find a way to recapture whatever it is that made you great, your story is unlikely and people tend to celebrate you even more than they did in the first place.

It’s something the T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is trying to do right now. After years of ruling the tween and young adult market thanks to its innovative design, full QWERTY keyboard, and pre-App Store “apps” (most phones didn’t have things like email or AIM back when the Sidekick first dropped), the Sidekick was the predominant smart phone in the early to mid-2000s. In fact, if you grew up during that time period, it was probably your first smart phone.

However, it literally fell off the face of the Earth a few years ago when the iPhone finally dropped, BlackBerrys took over the world, and Android phones started becoming more commonplace. But it’s back—and the Sidekick is already catching the eye of everyone from Kevin Durant (he recently tweeted that he just bought one) to the kid that sits behind you in homeroom thanks to all of the commercials we’ve seen rolled out in anticipation of its’ return. But, is it something that you should have in your pocket right now? It depends on what you’re looking for. So we put together a list of the five things that T-Mobile did right with the new Sidekick. Check them out and decide if it’s worth a second look.

1. It’s equipped to handle 4G connectivity.

T-Mobile is smart to take advantage of this while they’ve still basically got a stronghold on it. Sidekick users will be able to access T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network using the Sidekick 4G and they’ll be able to cop a data plan that’s a whole hell of a lot cheaper than whatever they’re paying for unlimited data on AT&T or Verizon. This advantage obviously won’t last forever (AT&T already provides 4G connectivity with some phones and Verizon recently released its’ first 4G phone) so it’s something they should use to help sell the ‘Kick now.

2. It runs Android 2.2 Froyo.

Concerned about giving up your Android phone to get the new Sidekick? Don’t be. Because T-Mobile has powered it with Android 2.2 Froyo, so it’ll basically be just like using whatever smart phone you’ve got now. There’s no need to learn some janky, outddated operating system in order to use the Sidekick anymore.

3. It has a 3.5-inch screen—better yet, a 3.5-inch touch screen!

To control your Android-powered apps—as well as your email, text messages, and calls—you won’t have to scroll through your entire phone like you used to have to do on early models of the Sidekick. Rather, the Sidekick 4G comes equipped with a touchscreen that makes controlling everything in your smart phone simple. Sure, it’s not exactly a unique feature for a phone in 2011. But Sidekick enthusiasts have been clamoring for a touchscreen for years now. Better later than never, eh?

4. It has a 1 GHz processor.

Having access to 4G network, Android, and all the apps in the world is great. But if your phone can’t handle it, you’re basically just carrying around a big-ass paperweight. Fortunately, the Sidekick can handle it all thanks to the 1 GHz processor inside. It’ll let you watch YouTube clips seamlessly, run apps, and play games, all while keeping things running smoothly.

5. It has the same unique design that it’s always had.

Let’s face it: There’s a certain niche market that is going to embrace the Sidekick. The swivel screen may not seem as revolutionary as it once was and the keyboard isn’t exactly a novelty anymore, but the ‘Kick is a classic smart phone and T-Mobile hasn’t done anything too drastic that might scare off those who loved it back in its’ heyday. If you’re one of those people, you’ll dig the new Sidekick—and you need it by your side ASAP. Because this is one throwback that’s definitely not completely out of style just yet.

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