Three-quarters of V3 readers tempted by Windows Phone 7 Mango devices

Enhanced functionality in updated OS gets backing in latest poll

V3 readers have given a resounding thumbs-up to Microsoft's Mango update for Windows Phone 7 handsets due in the coming weeks, 75 per cent saying that they plan to buy a device with the updated operating system.

Some 53 per cent said they are tempted by the new HTC Radar and Titan handsets that will run Mango, while 22 per cent will wait to see devices from vendors such as Samsung and, notably, Nokia before they make a purchase.

Some readers remain unswayed, however. Ten per cent said that Mango will still leave the platform lacking some core capabilities, such as a support for memory cards, while four per cent said that handset prices are still an issue.

And for some, there is no simply no comparison to the iPhone. Around 11 per cent said that they would never give up their prized Apple smartphone, especially not for a Windows Phone device.

Mango is Microsoft's big attempt at catching up with iPhone and Android, and promises 500 updates and tweaks including tighter integration with Twitter feeds and the desktop version of Internet Explorer 9.

The update will allow smartphones to handle true multi-tasking by running several applications at once, integrate all messages over email, text and Facebook into a single thread and support HTML5.

The Mango code has already been leaked online for HTC devices but customers attempting to install it ahead of the official launch run the risk of damaging their handsets, as happened with unofficial NoDo updates.