Dell To Ship Windows Phone 7 Device Next WeekDell To Ship Windows Phone 7 Device Next Week

Dell will officially join the Windows Phone 7 market when it launches its first device based on Microsoft's new mobile OS on Dec. 9.

Microsoft's Windows 7 Phone Revealed

Dell will offer the Venue Pro in an 8GB model that sells for $99.99 with a two year contract on T-Mobile, and a 16GB model that sells for $149.99, with contract. Dell also plans to sell unlocked versions of the phones for $449 and $499, respectively.

The Venue Pro features a 4.1-inch WVGA AMOLED capacitive, multi-touch display and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Like other Windows Phone 7 devices, it also includes full integration with Microsoft Office Apps and the Xbox Live gaming service.

T-Mobile's other entry in the Windows Phone 7 market—the HTC HD7—was temporarily sold out shortly after launch last month. However the phone, which features a high-definition display and 16 GB of built-in memory—was back in stock shortly thereafter.

The demand is a good sign for Microsoft, which needs Windows Phone 7 to be a hit if it's to get back in the smartphone race against Apple and Google.

AT&T Wireless is Microsoft's primary launch partner for Windows Phone 7. The carrier is now offering the Samsung Focus and HTC Surround, both for $199 with a two-year contract.

Windows Phone 7 devices, regardless of manufacturer, deliver a common user experience based on an interface Microsoft calls Live Tiles. The tiles, six in total, allow users to quickly access calling, social media, messaging, photo, e-mail, and personal applications and services. They also deliver real-time information to the main interface.

Gartner predicts the release of Windows Phone 7 will help bump Microsoft's share of the worldwide mobile OS market from 4.7% in 2010 to 5.2% in 2011, but says the company's share will ultimately fall back to just 3.9% by 2014 as competitors Apple and Google continue to build share with the iPhone and Android, respectively.

Our trending survey shows that IT pros have warmed considerably to Windows 7. Now the trick is selling an upgrade to the business, ensuring app and hardware compatibility, and easing users off XP with minimal heartache. Here's how. Download the report here (registration required).