HTC HD7
WinPho 7 gets the big-screen treatment
Review Once the anonymous creator of white-label handsets for the networks, HTC has moved firmly centre stage with its own-brand Android and Windows Mobile handsets. The HD7 is the first of a plethora - seven of them actually, hmm, coincidence? - of new Windows Phone 7 handsets, part of a major push to relaunch the not-much-loved OS with a new look, new abilities and, perhaps, new cool.
HTC's HD7: Windows Mobile reborn
If anyone was going to make Windows Phone 7 look good, it was going to be HTC, and it's done a fine job in the style department with the HD7's glossy black minimalist sheen.
The HD7 isn't small, measuring a hefty 122 x 68 x 11mm and weighing 162g, and from the front it looks solid and brick-like. Turn it on its side, though, and it reveals tapered edging towards the back which makes it seem like a little less of a handful. The 4.3in screen dominates the front of course, with a little room for three touch sensitive buttons beneath it: home, back and search.
On the sides are a volume rocker and camera shutter button, with micro USB power/sync port and 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom - not so weird as it sounds, since it doesn't matter which way round the handset sits in your pocket, and it's certainly better than having it on the side.
Designed with media in mind
The back casing is made of that tactile rubberised plastic that HTC is so fond of. The 5Mp camera and twin LED flashes are set within a hinged surround which flips out to act as a stand for hands-free video watching.
Next page: Big screen treatment
COMMENTS
Complain to Microsoft
It's MS who have ruled out external memory.
Looks like they've decided to remove every feature not found on an iPhone so they've ended up with something that's like an iPhone but not as good.
Is this a review or a sales pitch?
"I could list a number of WinPho failings, but don't forget that this is version 1.0 and it's a platform that will evolve and grow"
It doesn't matter if it's version 1.0 or not, I wanted to read a review of the phone as it stands now and whether it's worthy of my money right here and now. So, as a reviewer, you should be listing all of it's failings, whether MS have claimed they will patch them or not. MS are late to the game and will expect the OS to be compared to IOS and Android. If it's not up to scratch, tell us. That's why I read multiple reviews before I buy most things.
80% ??
For a 2007 featureset?
No memory cards
No multi-tasking
No Copy and paste
No user ringtones
Something overlooked in many comments
Tony Smith reviews the iPhone4 for reghardware - 75% SIM-free: £499 (16GB), £599 (32GB).
And this phone, which can apparently make calls without wearing a condom, gets 80% and costs £370 sim free.
For version 1.0, that ain't bad.
