Re: N900 specs revealed
 

Not really.

Really? Pulling out a stylus breaks your train of thought? Interesting. And why is pulling down a keyboard not going to break your train of thought, then?

Re: N900 specs revealed
 

While I agree with you to a certain point, there are input methods that just don't work on a 4" (or 3.5") screen. Yes, drawing a straight line with your finger is stupid, but only slightly less so than the sketch program installed w/the n810. I never use it, even with the stylus, because the available area is abysmal and I can get a single word or small word combinations. The note program is MUCH quicker.

Maybe it's just me. I have a tough time drawing rudimentary maps on my 15" tablet pc for work...

Re: N900 specs revealed
 

I hate the keyboard on the ipod touch. I don't think there can be a comparison between a hardware keyboard (n810 style OR blackberry style) to the ipod/iphone. Got a buddy who swears by his ipod and I beat him hands down. There's little to no learning curve on a hardware keyboard, either. Common advise I hear to a iphone user is 'you'll get used to it.' That just screams sub-optimal to me...

Because that's the 'default' method of use. In other words, it's already down.

Re: N900 specs revealed
 

Exactly.

And even if it was closed, I can open the keyboard without shifting my hands, changing my focus, etc. To pull out the stylus, I have to shift my grip on the device, even for a little bit, and that requires more thought, and thus a change in focus/attention.

Re: N900 specs revealed
 

Yes, really. Always. Every time. There is NO soft keyboard that is an acceptable replacement for a hardware keyboard.

Re: N900 specs revealed
 

For you.

...

Re: N900 specs revealed
 

Gotta agree with mullf.

Too much generalization spoken as absolute gospel. One size does not fit all.

I tuck my stylus between two fingers when I don't need it and flip into use when I do. For *me* it's unobtrusive, handy, and works.

And bottom line, some of us just want the option. Heck, gimme usable handwriting recognition and I will rock with my stylus.

Re: N900 specs revealed
 

No, but I'd be willing to be when you look at input speed, a hardware keyboard will trump software almost every time.

That's not to say that there are times where the trade is worth it. My wife would never buy an ipod with a hardware keyboard. However, when it comes to SMS and other text-centric applications, a hardware keyboard does fit all, or enough to count.

I end up doing roughly the same thing when using an un-optimised app. So the real question, and one that won't be answered today, is how many of those yet remain? Also like to point out that johnkzin is all for a stylus. I must be the only one that has lost one while on the road.

I hope they all get thrown in a chipper. I hate the things. You don't see a stylus on Star Trek, do you. :P

Therein lies the rub. By the time they get computing power and algorithms that can figure out MY handwriting, I'll have an implant and it'll be moot. :P

Re: N900 specs revealed
 

I concur *snickers* (Catch Me if You Can)

Personally for me it's..

1) Stylus (or a COMFORTABLE hard keyboard)
2) Soft keyboard
3) Uncomfortable hard or soft keyboard

Re: N900 specs revealed
 

Kirk has to sign duty rosters all the time, usually brought by some yeoman or ensign. He doesn't type in his name: "/James T. Kirk/". He uses something akin to a stylus to sign his name.