It's coming out. Yay. For those who don't know, Microsoft essentially redid Windows Mobile completely and based the GUI on that of the Zune HD (which is unbelievably sexy). It's here to compete with Blackberry, Iphones and Android phones. There are many hardware partners, but very limited software modification is available for those partners (so more uniform experience), and the minimum specs of the ten announced phones are on par with the best phones currently out (1GHz processor, 5MP camera, 800x480 (I think) screen, etc).

I've been following this closely, and will probably get one. Quick overview:
-Keyboard best in class, at least as good as the iPhone's.
-Very awesome, intuitive and original interface.
-Very responsive.
-Has most things you'd associate with a smartphone.
-Zune integration, Xbox integration, Office integration.
-Browser performs like Safari or whatever Android uses, but somewhat slower.
-No multitasking and no sign of multitasking to come. Dotted app experience; I read that apps can't freeze what they're doing when you lock them, they'll have to reload after.
-No copy/paste (promised in early 2011, though).
-No tethering (unclear if it's supported by the software or not; I've read articles for both)

I'm basically going to read a few reviews and check out Android before I choose what to buy. It's weaker than Android, but things like Zune integration and the GUI may make up for it. Sadly, AT&T doesn't seem to have gotten the good phones; we get an LG slider, a freaky HTC monster with slide-out speakers (WTF) and a Samsung phone which is apparently like the Galaxy-S but with WP7. I'll probably go for the Samsung for the Super AMOLED screen, but it looks plasticy. I want something from HTC but with that Super AMOLED screen, but it ain't happenin'.

Thoughts?

I want a free phone with no texting, no keyboard, and 2 screens (if it flips open), and nothing that you have to pay to buy (games, music, programs).

The only phone which meets most of these requirements (not the 2 screens) is the startac, the greatest phone ever made.

If I ever get like 10 free texts a month or something, then I'll consider it.

Android probably uses chrome (ie webkit/safari).

Nothing in life is free, I'm sorry to say.

Well, very little.

http://mail.google.com/mail/help/about_whatsnew.html

Over 9000 free texts!

Obviously it's not.

I'm paying $120 a month for 5 phones and 1000 minutes. Texting costs $0.20 per any text (received or sent). If texts cost, say, 1 minute, that would be better. If they could give me a free phone, since I've been with them for 5 years, that would be nice.

1. why do you have 5 phones?
2. why does it cost $120 a month just for 1000 minutes?

Father
Mother
3 Children
= 5 phones.
First phone is $80 a month for 1000 minutes (shared).
Each phone after that is $10 a month extra.

You could say it's $25 a month for 200 minutes.

You pay for your kids' phone bills? If I were you, I wouldn't do that. Not only is it extra cash for you to spend but if they have to pay for it themselves, they'll be a lot more responsible with them.

He didn't say how old they are and starting at age 10 now I think? Kids get phones. I got mine when I was 12.

I'm one of the kids, and the "I'm paying $120" is more of the "my plan costs $120 which my dad is paying".

If he wanted, he could charge me money, but it's cheaper per person this way. I'm already plenty responsible with the phone (I use somewhere along the lines of 20-50 minutes per month). Certainly had I abused the privilege, he might have considered making me get my own phone. Except you can't get a phone plan for $25/month.

My dad doesn't particularly need extra cash. By being cheap all the time, he can do such nice things for his family. Saves my brother (who's a teacher) a boatload every month.

A cellphone which uses morse code. You won't have to pay for minutes, nor texting.

But really, I don't like Apple products. Apple products seem to always be overpriced. I hope Window's phone isn't so expensive.

Kids these days have them way sooner than that. My little sister's friends have had them since she was in elementary school. I didn't get my first phone till I was 15. I still don't need one. What the hell?

Windows Phone is made to compete directly with Android and iPhone, so I would expect prices to stay above $100 + plan for the near future. Currenty $200 + plan, I believe.