Review: LG Optimus 7Q

The LG Optimus 7Q was the second Windows Phone 7 handset to be released in New Zealand via Telecom's Gen-i division. Available in 2011 via Telecom Mobile's dealer network, it is expected to be most popular with business users who can take advantage of built in slide-out keyboard.

Features include:

• Audio, Photo, Video Streaming to TV, Xbox, etc (DLNA)
• 3.5" Display
• 5mp Still Camera
• 720p HD Video Camera
• LED Flash and Torch/Flashlight App
• 8gb Storage, 512mb ROM, 576mb RAM
• 1ghz CPU
• Bluetooth 2.1
• Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
• 3.5mm stereo audio jack
• MicroUSB connector
• Weight: 140 grams
• Size: 61.5mm x 11.96mm x 118.5mm (2.42" x 0.47" x 4.67")
• Standard Windows Phone 7 hardware features: GPS, G-Sensor, Digital compass, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor
• Standard Windows Phone 7 software features: Synchronisation of email/contacts/calendar (Exchange, Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc), Zune Music/Video/Podcast Hub, Xbox Live, Internet Explorer, Maps app, Facebook Integration, Pictures Hub, People Hub, fully upgradable OS.
• Bundled LG Exclusive Apps: TBC
• Chasis Type: 1
• Keyboard: Onscreen and physical slide-out keyboard

This is an excellent handset, with solid battery life. Thanks to the new Windows Phone 7 software and fast CPU it is very easy to use and feels smooth and slick, and the home screen with 'Live Tiles' and hub access is outstanding. When compared with competitive offerings featuring Google Android or Apple iOS (iPhone) it represents extremely good value for money.

I really enjoyed using the LG Optimus 7Q. This was partly because it was the first Windows Phone 7 handset I used with 16gb - and I like to synchronise a large quanity of podcasts, video and music to my handset. The bundled DLNA software is kinda fun - I tried this out by shooting a video at home - then a few seconds later it was playing back wirelessly on my Sony TV. The 7Q also has the added benefit of a slide out keyboard - nice if you do a lot of typing and prefer a physical keybaord. If you won't use the keyboard then there is the downside that it adds some thickness and weight to this phone.

There are a number of software improvements that would be great to see - however we expect to see an update from Microsoft within the next few weeks that will address some complaints such as the lack of copy and paste. Overall however, no major complaints with this handset if a smartphone with large keyboard is what you need.

Official Network: Telecom NZ (XT Network)

Compatible Networks: Telecom NZ (XT Network), Vodafone NZ, 2degrees

NZ List Price: $899 ($782+gst)

Rating (as at 17 December 2010): 4/5

Comments

[Jamie]

All I can say is I got one and I love it. Yeah the Keyboard makes the phone quite chunky but it is so much easier than using touch screen typing for me. Not saying that the touch typing is bad on WP7, just my preference to have keys when typing emails in Outlook.

Now all i wait for is the ability to use Skydrive to its full potential from the phone :)

[ilmeae ilmeae]

so pretty.You are a good teacher. Lucky student! ksnfkb ksnfkb - <a href="http://www.supravaider.us">supra vaider shoes</a>.