More than a few of us have high expectations for device manufacturers when it comes to hardware for Windows Phone 7. In particular, the manufacturers that are traditional Windows Mobile powerhouses such as Samsung and HTC have a very high bar set for them.
The hardware that we've seen leaked and rumored up to this point has been decent, but not quite up the lofty expectations that some of us have visualized. Other than the two LG devices, everything seems to be very "black slab".
Finally though, HTC gives us some hardware that breaks the mold. The T8788 offers a landscape-slider form factor, though from pictures the only thing sliding is a large speaker. This speaker, in conjunction with the included kickstand, could make this a strong media device. If I were king of the world, I'd love to see the back of the device slide both ways; one to expose the speaker, the other to provide the hardware keyboard.
What do you guys think? Is this too radical of a form factor? Or is this just what the doctor ordered?
An additional picture is after the break.
[via: Engadget]
