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Windows Phone 7: Hands-On

Interface T-Mobile AT&T HTC 7 Pro Liveblog Comments 33

The HD7 is perhaps the most impressive of the crop of Windows Phone 7 devices headed to carriers later this year. It stands out with the largest display, at 4.3 inches, and closely resembles the popular HD2. It is large and sophisticated, but has less metal in the build than the HD2 did. The plastics are of solid quality, and the rounded edges mean it will easily slip into and out of a pocket.

HTC HD7

		ports ports
		kickstand kickstand

Click a thumbnail above for a larger view.

There's no mistaking that it is a large device, but that's becoming more commonplace.

As with the others, the buttons on the front work well, and I had no trouble navigating the UI with the three keys. The volume toggle and dedicated camera key all have good travel and feedback. Most agree that the instant-un-lock-to-take-a-picture could be really helpful in instances when you need to wake the phone up in a hurry to catch a shot.

There's a nice design touch where a silver speaker grill peeks out from the top and bottom of the front glass. It's such a thin sliver you might not notice it at first, but it adds class to the design.

Of course, we have to mention the kick stand. The HD7 has a trick kick stand on the back that frames the camera and folds out to support the HD7 for media viewing. Think of the kickstand on the EVO 4G, and you're in the right ballpark. I worry about it's strength. The kick stand is made of metal, as is its hinge, but it still fees like it could be easily snapped off.

In sum, the HD7 is a really good entry for Windows Phone 7.