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With Mango, WP7 has caught up with Android and iOS in nearly every way, and in some areas it's even surpassed the other two in functionality. Despite a grim first year, the bright future of Windows Phone is forcing Ballmer to wear shades.

With Mango, Microsoft has got the smartphone operating system right. It's fast, it's fun, it's easy to use, it does everything you need, and it looks great. It takes the things that made the original release unique and makes them better, and it addresses nearly every criticism made of that version.

The version 7.5 software update makes the OS a more powerful place to be, and enhances the many things there are to like about the platform--the bold, uncluttered visuals of the Metro UI, the dynamic live tiles ... the sensible camera app, and the accurate virtual keyboard.

Even though the company's WP7 faces a long road to more mainstream acceptance, we think that it's a solid operating system with a lot to like. The user interface is clean and easy to navigate. Contact integration is solid, and the Bing services are useful on a day-to-day basis.

If you don't want an iPhone, this is basically the only real option, unless you already know you want Android. ... It's not better than iOS, not yet. But it's the closest. And it's legitimately different and excellent.

With Windows Phone 7.5, Microsoft has taken a platform with promise and made it compelling enough for the masses. The OS was already more engaging in many ways than Android and iOS, but Mango matches Windows Phone's elegance with more power and versatility.

The latest iteration of Windows Phone 7, "Mango" is a terrific OS for smartphone beginners. But a lack of 4G and other cutting-edge hardware support means it won't likely be a market leader.

Windows Phone users, you’re in for a treat, because Windows Phone 7.5 Mango is a sweeter fruit than you’ve had before. Take a big bite and smile about it.

Windows Phone 7.5 is supremely usable, surprisingly powerful and delivers the experience Microsoft has been promising, with only a few rough edges left.

Second generation Windows Phone handsets are already on the way and they stand a good chance of stopping the market-share downward spiral. It will take years to catch up to Android and iOS, but Windows Phone 7.5 is a big step forward.

A quick browse of any phone store shows how good value Windows Phones have become, and what Mango represents is Microsoft’s commitment to this operating system. If you’re looking for a great value smartphone, you’ll get a pleasant surprise.

A very slick and well-polished OS which continually impressed us with how well it managed the tasks we attempted and we have no hesitation in recommending the Lumia 800 and Windows Phone 7.5 to those looking for a new high end handset.

In short, apart from letting you look like the cool Windows Phone 8 kids, the new version probably won't go too far in smoothing out hard feelings and recovering depreciated phone values -- especially when there's other mobile OSes that won't leave you at the altar.

The home screen is one feature that everyone can enjoy. And the 7.8 update will essentially make an existing Windows Phone look and feel like a Windows Phone 8 device.

The oddest thing is how AT&T opted to have the “look” of the 7.8 match 7.5, meaning on a fresh install you can’t even tell there are different Tile sizes. Users will essentially have to discover this new change on their own.