![]() Again, I haven't personally used a device with SureType so I cannot state my opinion or experiences. However, it is still using the QWERTY layout. RIM has a modified QWERTY keyboard with their SureType predictive keyboard, found on the BlackBerry 7100 series and Pearl devices, that assigns two letters to each key and I think this is a good move in the right direction. I haven't used either of these keyboards, but I just wanted to show that there are alternatives to the QWERTY keyboard on full size computers as well. There are also computer keyboard alternatives, such as the Frog Pad and DataHand products. Now wouldn't that be cool if they could do the same thing with a thumb keyboard to minimize back and forth movement of your thumbs? This may also reduce the "BlackBerry thumb" strains people are experiencing. A major reason I can achieve these speeds, with good accuracy, while tapping on the screen is that the keyboards are optimized to minimize stylus movement. I have used Fitaly and MessagEase for quite some time and while there is a rather steep learning curve in the beginning, I have been able to achieve over 50 wpm using these methods. On Pocket PC devices there are numerous soft input panel alternatives, including Fitaly, MessagEase, Spb Fullscreen keyboard, TenGo and many more. Sholes and patented back in 1878 so I think it is high time we took a look at why this layout keeps appearing on mobile devices. While 2006 looks to be the year of the QWERTY keyboard on mobile devices, I wonder if QWERTY really is the most efficient keyboard layout for a mobile device or if there is something better that manufacturers could offer by thinking a bit outside the box. I am personally a fan of the thumb keyboard since it allows me to compose short emails and text messages on the go without having to tap away on the display or with a phone keypad. There have also been announcements of new QWERTY devices like the HTC Excalibur, Samsung i600, and Treo 750v. The Motorola Q, Nokia E61/E62, Samsung i320, Sony Ericsson M600i, Nokia P990i, Nokia 9500 Communicator, Treo 700 series, T-Mobile MDA (HTC Wizard), T-Mobile Sidekick 3, HTC TyTN, BlackBerry Pearl, and more. That changed significantly in 2006 with the plethora of devices available from several manufacturers. where the devices were more readily available. You had the ever popular RIM BlackBerry models targeted to the enterprise crowd, the very successful Treo 600 and 650, and some select Pocket PC Phone Edition devices that were used mostly by enthusiasts or those outside the U.S. ![]() Credit:The selection was rather limited last year for people who wanted to purchase a phone-enabled mobile device with a QWERTY thumb keyboard. ![]()
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