Windows Phone 7: Hands-On
Another Windows Phone 7... phone... we got a sneak peak at is the HTC "7 Pro" for Sprint. This won't hit the market until the first half of 2011. It's too early in development for HTC to demo it powered on.
The 7 Pro has a unique hinge that lets the screen slide almost the entire width of the phone, then tilt up. It's a great idea, although it look fragile. Trying it hands-on, it's more solid than it looks, but still feel fragile enough to make us nervous. No doubt HTC has done their homework with engineering and testing, but confidence can be a selling point. Regardless of its strength, the hinge isn't the easiest to use. It takes some effort to slide open, upon which the screen flips up automatically on a spring. That means closing it requires some effort and dexterity, as you first have to hold the spring-loaded screen flat, then slide it closed. It's enough of a chore that you may think twice before opening it, opting for the on-screen keyboard more often than you would otherwise.
The phone otherwise feels solid... very solid; t's neither light nor thin. It feels good, though, and the keyboard feels excellent (though we couldn't verify typing accuracy without power.)
Review: HTC Arrive
Review: HTC HD7
Review: Samsung Focus with Windows Phone 7
Review: HTC Surround with Windows Phone 7
HTC Surround
Samsung Focus
HTC HD7 / HD7S
