gdgt

I see you have it on your 'have' list, do you recommend it? I am thinking about getting it.

I used to have an HD7 (sold mine last week after a 6 month fling). Seeing as how the HD7 is basically the same phone HTC has been making for the past 2 years, but with WP7 instead, the hardware is pretty dated (and has its share of issues). I don't really feel that there was any thought to the hardware itself. Compared to other devices on the market today, the screen is subpar (washed out, poor contrast, low res), the buttons are very mushy, the battery life isn't the greatest.

As much as how fluid that platform is, I can't recommend getting a WP7 device because of the immaturity of the platform, the lack of apps, the lack of updates and the really bad browser (still uses IE), especially with Android and iOS out there. If you're dead set on getting a WP7 device now, I'd try to find a Samsung Focus or an Omnia 7. As awesome as Mango looks, it's still at least a few months away. Microsoft, device manufacturers, and carriers haven't even promised that these devices will receive Mango either, so you may be kicking yourself if they give a no go to Mango for these year old devices. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Mango didn't make an appearance here. At the very least, wait until Microsoft's WP7 preview event today to make a decision.