LG Quantum to Offer Windows Phone 7, Sliding Keyboard

The first models running Windows Phone 7 are being unveiled today, and those who are interested in a large keyboard should check out the LG Quantum. This high-end model is coming to AT&T next month.

The companies behind this model are emphasizing the advantages of the landscape-oriented keyboard for entering text.

Curiously, however, there are so far no official pictures of the Quantum showing its keyboard, but there is an unofficial one from the days it was known as the LG C900.

This slider will also include a 3.5-inch, WVGA (640 x 800) capacitive touchscreen.

On the Inside
The LG Quantum is going to run Windows Phone 7  on a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor with 256 MB of RAM. It will also have 16 GB of internal storage.

This smartphone is going to support AT&T's 3G network, plus it will have Wi-Fi b/g, Stereo Bluetooth, and a GPS receiver.

The Quantum will have DLNA technology through a preloaded application called Play To, which is going to allow users to wirelessly stream videos, music, and pictures from the phone to a DLNA-enabled TV, stereo, Windows 7 PC and other consumer electronics devices.

It is also going to include a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and an FM radio

AT&T says its 1500 mAh battery will be good for 6 hours of talk time.

Overall, this model is going to be 4.7 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches and 6.2 ounces, making it somewhat bulky, but not unusually so for a slider smartphone.

More about Microsoft Windows Phone 7
Despite its name, this new smartphone operating system has little in common with its predecessors. It will have a completely different user interface and won't run applications written for the earlier versions nor will any current models be upgradeable.

Its focus has moved to consumers, and its UI emphasizes social networking, pictures, games, etc. It has also been redesigned to be controlled with a fingertip.

Just about the only significant similarity between old and new is that both include Microsoft Office Mobile and support for synchronizing with Microsoft Exchange.

Pricing and Availability
Ralph de la Vega, the head of AT&T Wireless, officially took the wraps off the LG Quantum this morning at a Microsoft event. His company is going to launch this device on November 8, along with two other Windows Phone 7-based models.

All three are going to priced at $200 with a two-year contract.