Option and Sharp build the new 3G Sidekick LX for T-Mobile USA

LEUVEN, Belgium, May 14, 2009 - Option N.V. (Euronext Brussels: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced that it has developed a highly-integrated system board for the Japanese consumer electronics giant, Sharp Electronics Corporation. The system board incorporates all smartphone functionalities including 3G mobile broadband, and is being integrated by Sharp into the new 3G Sidekick LX messaging phone, commercialised by T-Mobile USA.

The new Sidekick LX follows on from the success of previously launched models and features the additional 3G functionalities offered by the new T-Mobile 3G network. This will be particularly beneficial to social network users who will be able to stay in touch and interact with friends while on-the-go, with a one click access to customised applications such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Photobucket.

The iconic messaging device also provides GPS-enabled Live Search, an optimised and integrated local search and mapping experience with assisted directions. It is equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera that will offer a new multimedia experience by allowing users to upload pictures and video straight on to YouTube which can be immediately shared with friends.

The new T-Mobile Sidekick LX features a swivel design, a sharp colour screen, a full keyboard and boasts the thinnest profile ever delivered on a Sidekick.

Jan Callewaert, CEO of Option comments: 'The fastest Sidekick is here to keep you connected and Option is really inside. Our design and manufacturing collaboration with Sharp Electronics has resulted in the launch of this social networking and messaging giant for T-Mobile USA. It is a perfect demonstration of Option's capability to offer complete end-to-end solutions and services for companies wishing to develop products with complex wireless broadband features.'


Sidekick LX features include:

- Integrated social networking application bundle including Facebook, MySpace and Twitter
- Built-in GPS support with Live Search
- High-speed Web browsing with 3G support
- Ability to share recorded videos via e-mail and upload videos to social networking sites
- Watch videos on YouTube or on MySpace
- Dual-band HSDPA/UMTS
- Quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM
- Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP supports stereo Bluetooth and Bluetooth file transfer
- 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus and a LED flash
- 3.2 inch F-WVGA screen with high definition LCD technology with 854x480 resolution
- Music player with streaming audio and streaming RTSP video
- Support for personal e-mail, SMS, MMS, instant messaging (IM)
- Clients include AOL Instant Messenger, Windows Live and Yahoo Messenger
- Included 1GB micro SD memory card
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches; 5.7 ounces
- 1250 mAh Lithium Ion battery
- Battery: 3G - 3 hours talk time, 6 days standby

For further information on the Sidekick LX, please visit www.sidekick.com

Media Contact
Jan Poté, PR & Media Relations
Tel +32 (0)475 92 55 82, E-mail: j.pote@option.com

About Option
Option, the wireless technology company, is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of 3G HSUPA, HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, and WLAN technology products for wireless connectivity solutions. Option has built up an enviable reputation for creating exciting products that enhance the performance and functionality of wireless communications. Option's headquarters are in Belgium (Leuven). The company has Research & Development in Belgium (Leuven) and Germany (Düsseldorf and Augsburg), and an ISO 9001 production engineering and logistics facility in Ireland (Cork). Option also has offices in Europe, US, Asia, Japan and Australia. For more information please visit our brand new website www.option.com.