There was something very similar to this implemented for the earlier n8xx tablets and I think I was the most devoted to it -- I persisted in using it and advocating it for weeks after anyone else. But eventually I gave up. It was just too slow compared to regular keyboard input.

Here's a more radical approach that may be cool to test out on the maemo:

See: http://mrl.nyu.edu/~perlin/demos/quikwriting.html

and

http://www.nongnu.org/qwo/

I have also toyed with the idea of using shorthand (like what was popular in the beginning of the 19th century with pencil and paper) as an input method.

I don't know about Swype (taking into account what geneven just said), but what about Dasher?
http://www.google.com/search?q=dasher+keyboard

Regarding touch input methods I think you guys are a little overenthusiastic.

So far the keyboard on N900 is beyond great. I say this should be postponed for Maemo6 and if the rumor of it not having a keyboard is true, this would be most relevant.

I have used it on a Motorola Droid and it is very useful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCWwuIXxBuI

Motorola Cliq XT for TMobile US has Swype in it. Pretty cool tech.

i think it would be a great addition to maemo, especially in portrait mode.

totally a good idea, should port it for the n810 too!

good idear and would ne nice to see on the n900

swype is really good when you get used to it