According to reports, the HTC 7 PRO smartphone – one of the Windows Phone 7-based handsets announced in October – will finally hit the UK markets in February; after a delay in the device’s earlier-scheduled Christmas launch.

Essentially designed as a business hand-held, the HTC 7 PRO features a 3.6 inch, tilting, WVGA capacitive touch screen; 1 GHz Qualcomm processor; full QWERTY keyboard; 578MB of RAM; a 5-megapixel camera with automatic flash and focus; and 8GB onboard storage, sans the provision for Micro-SD card expansion.

The handset also boasts Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G connectivity; and integration of advanced audio features like Dolby Mobile and SRS WOW. In addition, the phone also allows users to open and edit MS office documents, as well as manage their corporate accounts, thanks to the device’s use of ‘Outlook’.

Furthermore, with the HTC 7 PRO also being compatible to Xbox Live and Zune, the two features will respectively enable entertainment lovers to play their favorite games, and listen to their favourite songs.

The HTC 7 PRO will likely be priced at an average of £438; with Expansys announcing the availability of the handset for free for customers willing to sign up for a two-year contract with Vodafone at monthly pricing of £30.65. However, for buyers who wish to go in for Vodafone’s 18-months Voice 35 plan option, the monthly charge will be £35.75.