LG Optimus 7Q brings Qwerty keyboard to Windows Phone 7

If you fancy cutting yourself a steaming-hot slice of Windows Phone 7 pie but don't like touchscreen keyboards, the LG Optimus 7Q may be of interest, as it packs a physical keyboard.

The 7Q and Dell Venue Pro are the only Windows Phone 7 smart phones with Qwerty keyboards to have emerged so far. LG told us there are currently no plans to release the 7Q over here, but we'd be surprised if it didn't eventually make a UK appearance, considering that it was at one time touted as a Windows Phone 7 launch device. LG has understandably put plenty of focus on the Optimus 7, and may not want to deal all of its cards too soon by releasing the 7Q now.

The 7Q has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor and a 5-megapixel camera, like the Optimus 7, but it fits in a sliding Qwerty keyboard and a smaller, 3.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen. Like its brother, the 7Q has 512MB of RAM, 16GB of memory, and 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. It also manages to squeeze in an impressive 1,500mAh battery.

Its Qwerty keyboard may make the 7Q a good alternative to a BlackBerry, and Windows Phone 7 will benefit from built-in Microsoft Office capability. The 7Q will also provide access to some custom apps and a few neat camera features, plus the standard Windows Phone 7 experience with its Zune and Xbox goodness.

If you don't mind going Google, you'll soon have the option of picking up the HTC Desire Z Android phone, with its Qwerty keyboard. At some time before Christmas, you'll also be able to buy the Samsung Galaxy 551 Qwerty phone, although it's not a high-end handset like the Galaxy S.

Does the 7Q tickle your fancy, or are you perfectly happy with virtual typing? Let us know in the comments section below, and click through our photo gallery to see more of the phone.