Eriq Cook
02-25-2010, 10:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/windows-phone-7-series-getting-one-chassis-spec-at-launch-two-m/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/...t-launch-two-m/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"...a pair of Microsoft developer evangelists on an Australian podcast are saying that Chassis 1 (full touchscreen, gigahertz processor, and dedicated graphics acceleration) will be the sole option at launch, with Chassis 2 and 3 following on after that. 2 is said to be "more like a Palm Treo" with a dedicated QWERTY keyboard, while 3 remains a mystery, though there's some speculation on the podcast that it could be a candybar -- a form factor that's becoming something of a lost art these days..."</em></p><p>My biggest concern about Windows phone 7 is about the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/17/windows-phone-7-series-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know/" target="_blank">chassis regulations</a> by Microsoft and the lack of specific hardware features (as I stated in a <a href="http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f396/rant-windows-phone-7-buttons-97010.html#post718558" target="_blank">recent rant</a>). One of the contributing reasons I have stuck with the Windows Mobile platform throughout the years is the diversity of form factors. I would never buy an iPhone due to lack of physical keyboard (and other software limitations) because it drives me crazy hunting down every single button on a screen-only device.</p><p>I do expect expect Microsoft to allow several form factor choices for Windows phone 7 Series devices, and not limit us to the "Back, Start Menu and Search" button-only chassis. Only time will tell, but it would be a major killer for me if a Touch Pro II style form factor device running WP7 is out of the question. What do you think the "Chassis 3" form factor will be and what are your thoughts?</p><p> </p><p> </p>