The 30 Second Guide to Windows Phone 7 Handsets

By now, you’ll know that Microsoft have launched Windows Phone 7 on the world. There’s a lot (and I mean a lot) of news, views and other coverage (including a good few videos here on 9) to check out online around the launch. 

But if you want to cut to the chase, here’s a brief guide to the handsets that will be available in your area in the coming weeks. More than 60 mobile operators in over 30 countries have committed to bringing Windows Phones from Dell, HTC, Samsung and LG to market, so there should be plenty of choice available. Here’s the lowdown:

HTC 7 Surround (US, Canada) 

The HTC Surround offers a 3.8” screen, 5 megapixel camera and 16 GB memory on board. It’s a winner for music fans with a full-length Yamaha speaker that in revealed when you slide the screen to the left. A small kickstand at the bottom pops out to rest the handset on your desk – instant boom box.

Samsung Focus (US)

Slim, sleek and bright with an 800 x 480 pixel Super AMOLED Screen. It comes with a 5 megapixel camera, 8GB of memory, but is expandable up to 32GB with a MicroSD card.

LG Quantum/Optimus 7Q (US/Australia)

The Quantum looks like a great phone for business, with a slide out keyboard that’ll make typing Office docs easy. HSPA 7.2 networking, Wi-Fi and a 5 megapixel camera is bundled with 16GB Storage. Notably, the Quantum also supports a version of Windows 7’s Play To feature, allowing you to stream music, video and photos from the phone to compatible DLNA-enabled media receivers. The Quantum will be branded as the Optimus 7Q outside the US.

HTC HD7 (Germany, Singapore, Spain, UK, US) 

HTC’s HD7 has a large 4.3”, 800 x 480 screen, 16GB RAM and a 5 megapixel camera, which seems the norm for Windows 7 Phone launch devices. Like the Surround, you’ll get a kick stand for propping up the handset on your desk, and in the US, carrier T-Mobile will be shipping the device with Netflix and Slacker apps, plus Family Room which allows you to run a shared family calendar.

Dell Venue Pro (US)

If you’re a fan of slide out keyboards, the Venue Pro is another handset to check out. Again, there’s a large 4.1” screen, with an 800 x 480 resolution. Slide that screen up and the four row keyboard is revealed. 16GB Storage, 5 megapixel camera and a suite of apps are included, including Telenav navigation, Netflix, Slacker and Family Room.

LG Optimus 7 (Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, UK)

Coming to Canada and Mexico, the Optimus 7 is similar to LG’s other Windows Phone 7 device, the Quantum, but offers a slightly different design. You’ll find it has a slightly larger display at 3.8” vs 3.5” on the Quantum, and the same 16GB storage and 5 megapixel camera. But unlike the Quantum, there’s no slide out keyboard, so its perhaps better suited for non-business use.

HTC 7 Mozart (France, Germany, UK)

HTC are bringing the Mozart to Europe, and offers a powerful 8 megapixel camera and Xenon flash which will please mobile snappers. You’ll be able to view your shots on a 3.7” Super LCD screen with Dolby sound pleasing the ears. There’s 8GB storage on board, which is less than other devices on offer, so there’s a compromise required to get that camera.

Samsung Omnia 7 (France, Germany, Spain, UK)

 Like the Focus, the Omnia packs Samsung’s 4” Super AMOLED display, which you may have previously seen on the Samsung Galaxy. The 5 megapixel camera comes with auto-focus and 720p HD video recording, FM radio plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support. There’s likely to be a choice of 8GB and 16GB models depending on your needs.

HTC 7 Trophy (Australia, France, Germany, Spain, UK)

HTC’s Windows Phone 7 devices are many and varied. The Trophy comes with a 3.8”, 400 x 800 screen, 8GB memory, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, plus 720p HD video recording. It may well be one of the more keenly priced handsets available out there at launch.

Phew! That’s a lot of phones to check out – all of the launch models should be available before the holidays.Which one will you go for?