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I was tossing around the idea of getting an HTC Magic when it comes out on T-Mobile just because it looks really slick, but now that I've finally got Android 1.5 installed on my G1 and I've had some good time to get used to the Virtual Keyboard I'm totally relieved that I don't have to rely on it.
I don't know how the iPhone people do it, I just can't imagine ever getting half as fast on a Virtual Keyboard as I am with the G1's physical keyboard. It's just cumbersome and difficult, and requires a level of concentration to type that I just don't have to use on real keys. It gets the job done, and the auto-complete suggestions are pretty intelligent, but it's just damn hard to use compared to the real keyboard. If it was all I had I would get fed up with it and just wait until I can use my laptop to compose a longer email.
I hope we continue to see a lot more phones with keyboards, because right now they seem to be the exception, and I'm afraid my upgrade options will be limited because so many of the big Android phones coming out are touchscreen-only.
chefgon said:
I was tossing around the idea of getting an HTC Magic when it comes out on T-Mobile just because it looks really slick, but now that I've finally got Android 1.5 installed on my G1 and I've had some good time to get used to the Virtual Keyboard I'm totally relieved that I don't have to rely on it.
I don't know how the iPhone people do it, I just can't imagine ever getting half as fast on a Virtual Keyboard as I am with the G1's physical keyboard. It's just cumbersome and difficult, and requires a level of concentration to type that I just don't have to use on real keys. It gets the job done, and the auto-complete suggestions are pretty intelligent, but it's just damn hard to use compared to the real keyboard. If it was all I had I would get fed up with it and just wait until I can use my laptop to compose a longer email.
I hope we continue to see a lot more phones with keyboards, because right now they seem to be the exception, and I'm afraid my upgrade options will be limited because so many of the big Android phones coming out are touchscreen-only.
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Not to mention times when you want to type but you aren't in the OS environment (like recovery terminal).
I definitely miss it. But, I got this free Google Ion phone, so it's obviously fun. But the battery is YARDS better than the old battery. This one is 1340mAH, so obviously it'll last a lot longer.
oxeneers said:
I definitely miss it. But, I got this free Google Ion phone, so it's obviously fun. But the battery is YARDS better than the old battery. This one is 1340mAH, so obviously it'll last a lot longer.
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You bastard.
You're one of the lucky IO attendants? I envy you.
if someone asked me to trade my G1 for a Magic I would have to say no...because I adore my physical keyboard...
The reason for me to buy the G1 and not to wait for the Magic was... I think you already know it: the physical keyboard.
A friend of mine owns an IPhone and I tried and tried and cant get used to the virtual keyboard.
I'm able to type nearly blind on the physical one... show me how you do that on the virtual one.
I remember on my first touch screen phone (mda compact) actually having to explain to somebody that you touched the screen the dial. ;-) Often wonder how I survived on that phone, fortunately it had a good dial pad input with T9.
Yep, lets face it, if Apple did a iphone with a proper keyboard a lot of people would buy it in an instant, (heresy I know!)
I'm always surprised that nobody has attempted to copy/license the keyboard of the Psion 5mx.
Proper keyboards are for people who actually use their phones for communication longer than a txt message. But there is also a significant proportion of the market that just txt, thus hopefully there will always be two categories of phone.
I agree. I love having the newest, coolest, most awesome device on the market, but if it doesn't have a physical keyboard, it gets immediately dumped from possibility.
chefgon said:
I was tossing around the idea of getting an HTC Magic when it comes out on T-Mobile just because it looks really slick, but now that I've finally got Android 1.5 installed on my G1 and I've had some good time to get used to the Virtual Keyboard I'm totally relieved that I don't have to rely on it.
I don't know how the iPhone people do it, I just can't imagine ever getting half as fast on a Virtual Keyboard as I am with the G1's physical keyboard. It's just cumbersome and difficult, and requires a level of concentration to type that I just don't have to use on real keys. It gets the job done, and the auto-complete suggestions are pretty intelligent, but it's just damn hard to use compared to the real keyboard. If it was all I had I would get fed up with it and just wait until I can use my laptop to compose a longer email.
I hope we continue to see a lot more phones with keyboards, because right now they seem to be the exception, and I'm afraid my upgrade options will be limited because so many of the big Android phones coming out are touchscreen-only.
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Same here. I hate the g1 keyboard but I need it and the on screen one as well.
totally. a physical keyboard is what makes this smartphone basically a laptop in my hands. i just hope that we get a hardware refresh with new chipsets and hopefully an internal ati gpu backend for media. "HTC DREAM 2 - the clunky old bastard is back with a fresh new look"
haha no physical keyboard. hey how do you like playing the nes, snes, sega emulators? OH WAIT, YOU DONT! hahahaha.
That is the SOLE reason I will never own a Magic. I was so excited when I first about the g2, but I was hoping against hope that it would have a physical keyboard. They should totally manufacture it both ways!
My G1 is the first phone ive had with a physical qwerty keyboard. I now know that i will not ever buy another phone without one.
Im happy with my phone for now but i am getting a bit of jealousy looking at that new Samsung jobbie - please Samsung, make one with a qwerty!
my pros and cons of the virtual and physical keyboard
Virtual Win:
Nice to have a quick keyboard to type like a 4 letter txt or something
Virtual Lose:
no matter how hard i try i cannot get this to type at my speed. tried 1.5 stock keyboard, chompsms', and betterkeyboard
BRING BACK CHOMP'S VIRTUAL KEYBOARD PRE CUPCAKE, that was the best
Physical Win: keeps up to my speed, need i say more?
Physical Lose: i have a paranoia that if i slide it out enough, itll eventually break
I'd like an upgraded g1 with more ram and a faster processor, as long as the hardware keeps up to date i would own a g1 for life, obviously i'm in agreement with the physical keyboard.
I'm looking at the samsung with android but no physical keyboard only downfall...sooo...i'll have to wait for an upgraded g1....and i'm thinking about doing some sodering myself to see what i can accomplish....
I've switched to Magic from G1 because the build of the slide out keyboard is just too scary for me - the chance of the ribbon pulling out, the wobbliness of the keyboard, the tiny hinge it all rests on...
It's always going to be apples and oranges with hard and soft keyboards. Some are happier with hard keys and others with Soft.
For me personally, the extra memory, and much better battery life, and whizzy fast ROM (I have a google ion Dev Phone) combined with a really solid feeling, slick fone that feels fabulous to hold are the reason why I ADORE my Magic, and no, I'm personally not missing the physical keyboard at all - I have the HTC keyboard installed as an extra keyboard and can swap between the standard and HTC ones. I can type as fast as I need to for using my phone, and I love the predictive text and user dictionaries.
For me, it's a Fone first and foremost, and as such the lighter and slicker magic is the one I prefer to the chunkier clunkier G1. I have a netbook, laptop and PC to do all the other stuff (LOL because I'm a Gadget Addict..)
Erm LOL but having said that, the G1 is a brilliant handset and if anyone wants a very well looked after rooted G1 then check out my sig...
Dayz xx
I strongly favor a hardware keyboard. The ability for me to do administration at any time is very important to me and this is simply not practical with the virtual KB (VKB). Connectbot does not seem to let the VKB be used for terminal (though you can type in your password with it). I have never tried using remote with the VKB but I can not see that working well either.
I also leave my gtalk on my phone all the time so type a lot. For short messages the VKB is fine but the hardware KB is better, especially when you are typing more than a few words.
If donut includes the HID profile for bluetooth though the landscape changes. At that stage the Samsung i7500 is tempting with a stowaway BT keyboard. The downside to that is the Samsung is not an HTC device thus no custom ROMS on XDA. XDA-dev is half the reason I have stuck with HTC devices for the last few years.
hey guys, how is texting on the google nexus? is the qwerty touch keyboard tight or is it finger friendly?
Stock keyboard is passable. Some people are okay with it, some aren't. It's not the best, but I could live with it.
Better Keyboard and Smart Keyboard both provide very good alternatives, as does the ported HTC IME. And then there's Swype, which changes the way you type utterly and--if you can get used to it--lets you type as you've never typed before on a soft keyboard: at a ridiculous speed while retaining high accuracy.
giggles33 said:
hey guys, how is texting on the google nexus? is the qwerty touch keyboard tight or is it finger friendly?
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I can fly on the stock keyboard in landscape... portrait is a bit tight, but that is to be expected. I wish they had a comma on the main screen, and a few other tweaks, but for me I can just fly!
There are other good options, and of course with time, all of these will get better.
I find the stock keyboard very good - word suggestion and automatic replacement is fantastic.
I think the trick is not to worry about hitting the right keys as the automatic suggestion and replacement takes are of everything.
I use swype... LOVE IT
once you get swype you cant beleive its even possible fantastic
hmm I have the htc touch hd running win 6.5...but I'm considering getting the nexus and selling my hd...do all of you looove ur nexus? lol if you don't mind can you guys state some cons regarding the phone...
Can't find swype in the market...
Swype for Android is currently in beta. Check out this thread for download link for Nexus One and release notes. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=625910
Swype has not been released publicly yet (not for Android, atleast, other than on the newly released MyTouch 3G), the only way to obtain it is through the leaked apk file, and installing it that way. I believe there is an entire thread about it in the Themes & Apps section (for the N1 Obviously).
how about swype for hd2?
giggles33 said:
hmm I have the htc touch hd running win 6.5...but I'm considering getting the nexus and selling my hd...do all of you looove ur nexus? lol if you don't mind can you guys state some cons regarding the phone...
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I sold my Touch HD to get the Nexus One and don't regret it one bit.
I've been an avid WM user and the move to Android was a breath of fresh air.
I can't pick out any issues with the device - my advice would be to go for it
wow this is seriously an amazing way to type. at first i was skeptical but wow. you guys should definitely try it out
yea I plan on listing my hd as well and getting the nexus..how much did u sell the hd for..and did u sell it on this forum?
I also sold my HD for the Nexus and have never looked back! The N1 is amazing, fast, fun, etc.
btw, sold my customized HD on ebay a while ago for around $300.
I too am using Swype. I absolutely love it, especially now that it has most of the things I type that aren't in the dictionary learned. And it will be even better when I finally get my antiglare screen protector as well. Sometimes my fingers get a little sticky which slows me down. However, once you get used to it, and your fingers glide smoothly on the screen, it's stupid how quickly and accurately you can type. People in a bar or at school will just look at me and say "what in the hell..." LOL!
I'm very comfortable using the stock android keyboard - gotta admit it took some time adjusting, coming from iPhone and Hero. The HTC IME input method seemed to have a better input prediction and correction so I'm hoping to see the higher res version for Bravo/Incredible ported sometime in the near future!
At the moment I'm going back 'n forth between Smart Keyboard Pro and the stock android keyboard - texting with Smart Keyboard Pro, and inputting passwords/passcodes with stock android keyboard (that warning that Smart Keyboard gave me scared me off using it for inputting passwords/passcodes). I hope Smart Keyboard Pro would allow some theming in future releases.
Better Keyboard is also a nice keyboard replacement app, but I find it does tend to skip some of my keypresses/inputs.
EDIT:
just registered for the beta of Swiftkey @ http://www.swiftkey.net/
The mockup looks good, aesthetically.. hopefully it lives up to its claims
Yea Swype is pretty awesome, I put it on my bfs G1 just for S&G, and he doesnt even use the slide out keyboard anymore
Man had a G1 for a year and then switched to the Nexus 0ne. At first i was stuck on wanting another keyboard phone but i am extremely happy with my N1. Keyboard could be a lil bit better but i am actually quite happy with it. touch accuracy can be a lil off but that is to be expected, i havent seen anything that is a deal breaker. I have used the Iphone OS, and was a MW user since 5.0 till 6.1 and there really isnt any going back for me. I say make the jump!
I find typing on Swype addictive. Never mind the games, this is all I need.
Typing out chunks of Shakespeare on it is stupidly fun.
With TMOUS rumored to be giving away phones on the 19th it may be my chance to bail on AT&T. I know the phone is superior spec-wise but I'm worried about moving from a physical keyboard to on-screen. I played with one at the store and it seemed ok but not great. I have to agree with some posts I've seen on here that the iPhone keyboard seems better, but I've got no plans to buy that PoS. I compose lengthy emails on my phone daily and was wondering if some of you who made the switch from physical keyboard to the HD2 could tell me what you think of it. I'm also not a huge fan of losing so much screen real-estate when typing in landscape which I'll be doing most of the time, so would like your thoughts on that as well.
Thanks.
I had your exact same concern when I upgraded from my Touch Pro 2 (also coming from a Fuze and Dash so I thought I was reeeeally going to miss that keyboard). Instead, I am a big texter. 20,000 sent/received per month. Compared to the iPhone's keyboard (I have an ipod touch so I can accurately compare the two) HTC's kinda sucks. However, after 3 weeks or so I can say I have built up quite some speed. It's like you said, okay, but not great.
The only time I miss a physical keyboard when the predictive text acts wonky. For example, if you try to type too fast itdoessomethinglikethisbutwhy? It got all the words right! How come when I hit space it knows to put that word down and then to predict the next word I'm about to type but it doesn't freaking space? Drives me up the wall. It's almost like you can out-type it.
Or the dreaded ,comma thing it always does ,and it's stupidly annoying.
The real advantage is the beautiful screen. It may not seem amazing at first, but use the HD2 for a week and then try to go back to the TP2. Everything seems...miniaturized.
So, in conclusion, it doesn't beat the iPhone's keyboard but after a few weeks of practice you can probably type at a decent speed. I might miss a physical keyboard sometimes but I don't miss the Touch Pro 2.
Great, thanks for the info. Had a Fuze myself and a Treo before that so a hardware keyboard is kind of ingrained in how I use a phone. Considering your volume of typing seems to be at least as much as mine maybe I could get by with the on-screen.
Thanks for the newbie guide also, very well written. If I do get the phone it'll give me a jumping off point while I research ROMs.
Hi guys,
I am in the midst of deciding between the tab and ipad. I really want the tab because of the endless features it has over the ipad. However the main reason I want a tablet is for typing notes in classes and lectures. I tried the ipad and it is fantastic to type but than tried the galaxy and had a hard time trying to type quickly.
I really want the tab but how can i overcome this problem?
thanks
mario
Well the screen isn't going to grow...
However, were you using the regular stock keyboard? There are other keyboard options out there, you may want to try to install some of these and see if it helps you.
Other than that, I'm not sure you are going to be able to overcome this "limitation."
OK. Im guessing that is my only option or get a bluetooth keyboard. Are there actually better keyboards that will improve two hand typing?
I can type fine and fast on my galaxy tab it just takes a bit of getting used to. Also the latest firmware has an even better keyboard allowing for you to type even faster. Ive written this in less than a minute.
Just to add the keyboard dock is brilliant. Should fit in a side bag no problem as well so its very handy.
Cheers,
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
That is great news!!! so you think writing notes at lectures or doing a paper wont be a problem?
No I don't think it will be. As with anything though, it takes a bit of getting used to. At first I was slow but I can already type very quickly with very few errors.
If it's going to be a long lecture, I would recommend getting the bluetooth keyboard dock though, as it will save your fingers some life!
I've got the keyboard dock and at first I got some strange looks taking it into meetings writing minutes, but it sits perfectly on your lap and you can type to your hearts content.
I'd say no tablet is perfect for long lectures, but the Galaxy is definately more comfortable in the long run. Its also more portable.
The device is getting better and better each firmware release.
Perfect thanks again for the help . Should be getting it by Friday!
I am someone who is no droid or appl fan boy, i just use what works best. I had an iPad which i gave to my cousin after buying the galaxy tab, and i absolutely LOVE the keyboard on the galaxy tab. I use 2 thumbs in portrait mode with "smart keyboard" - Swype BLOWS on the galaxy tab, but smart keyboard has an amazing word prediction so usually i just type the first couple of letters and the word i want 99% of the time is waiting to be clicked. Granted that might take some getting used to, but ive been using that keyboard on my phone for over a year, and moving it to the tab only made it easier and faster for me.
Hope that helps.
funny you mention smartkeyboard I was just reading about the update that just came out. thanks again!
I have had some of the best pqk (physical qwerty keyboard) phone's around from BlackBerry Bolds to the HTC G2 and even recently the Xperia Mini Pro. About a week ago I decided to give the newest version of Samsungs Galaxy line a try and figured if i did not like it, well I could always bring it back. I can say for sure I am not returning it.
Yes the Phone is fast and thin and the battery lasts longer than any other phone i can remember since having a blackberry but what really does it for me is the ability to type quickly and without error on a virtual keyboard. This is achieved using SwiftKey X as it corrects spelling and suggests common words before your done typing. The camera is absolutely amazing as it takes photos as quickly as you can press the button.
So for all you die hard physical keyboard guys out there... You have another option now and its really amazing.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
As awesome as the s3 is, I will definitely be selling it once the photon q or another high end slider is released... a physical keyboard transforms the phone from a toy to a tool... even this message was a pain to type out on the virtual kb
Hermetics said:
I have had some of the best pqk (physical qwerty keyboard) phone's around from BlackBerry Bolds to the HTC G2 and even recently the Xperia Mini Pro. About a week ago I decided to give the newest version of Samsungs Galaxy line a try and figured if i did not like it, well I could always bring it back. I can say for sure I am not returning it.
Yes the Phone is fast and thin and the battery lasts longer than any other phone i can remember since having a blackberry but what really does it for me is the ability to type quickly and without error on a virtual keyboard. This is achieved using SwiftKey X as it corrects spelling and suggests common words before your done typing. The camera is absolutely amazing as it takes photos as quickly as you can press the button.
So for all you die hard physical keyboard guys out there... You have another option now and its really amazing.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
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I've heard really good thing about Swiftkey 3 lately. I'm too used to Swype though, you should try that too.
Why SwiftKey x, get SwiftKey 3. It's amazing.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2
I also came from the HTC G2, when I heard HTC going away with their physical keyboard line..I was really upset that there won't be a G3. I mean the G1 was the first Android phone.
Swiftkey 3 has made having a on screen keyboard bearable. I haven't used by G2 for a week, but no matter how good on screen boards will get, a physical keyboard will always win for me. I used the G2 today and I do miss it a lot; being able to browse the web and have no keyboard covering half the screen was amazing.
Before I used to think HTC was the best makers of android phones, but now I think Samsung is. Until Samsung makes a physical keyboard phone, I will stick to on screen keyboards.
I got SwiftKey for free from Amazon last year. I didn't know amazon had updated its version to v3 as well. Very neat.
jaytxvo said:
Until Samsung makes a physical keyboard phone, I will stick to on screen keyboards.
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They do. It's called the Epic 4G or Stratosphere.
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using xda premium
Ascertion said:
I got SwiftKey for free from Amazon last year. I didn't know amazon had updated its version to v3 as well. Very neat.
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Same here.
bobloblaw1 said:
They do. It's called the Epic 4G or Stratosphere.
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using xda premium
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Maybe I was too into HTC at the time, but are those phones top tier phones? I never heard of them.
There hasn't been a top tier slider since the og droid.
They were basically middle of the pack but high end for a slider since they were the first keyboard phones to have 4g. Stratosphere is the Verizon version and epic is sprints variant.
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RTbar said:
As awesome as the s3 is, I will definitely be selling it once the photon q or another high end slider is released... a physical keyboard transforms the phone from a toy to a tool... even this message was a pain to type out on the virtual kb
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how long have you been on w/o a physical it takes some getting used to. I highly recommend swiftkey
Seriously, if you use SwiftKey 3 for a couple weeks, going back to even a physical keyboard seems dumb. SwiftKey is perfect.
Actually using SwiftKey keyboard is preferred when trying to keep spelling mistakes to a minimum. I use my SG3 for business so no typos allowed.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
hockey4life0099 said:
how long have you been on w/o a physical it takes some getting used to. I highly recommend swiftkey
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I just tried it, it's just ok IMO... I like the keyboard for other reasons besides typing though
Automatically switch to landscape when the keyboard is flipped open
Easier to hold in landscape
Added thickness is more ergonomic
Easier to browse (space bar is page down, arrrow keys, shortcuts, ect)
Keyboard doesnt take up the whole screen (especcially useful in Splashtop or orther remote desktop apps)
RTbar said:
I just tried it, it's just ok IMO... I like the keyboard for other reasons besides typing though
Automatically switch to landscape when the keyboard is flipped open
Easier to hold in landscape
Added thickness is more ergonomic
Easier to browse (space bar is page down, arrrow keys, shortcuts, ect).
Keyboard doesnt take up the whole screen (especcially useful in Splashtop or orther remote desktop apps)
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Click to collapse
This.. just because its easy to become efficient with the virtual kb, doesn't mean a physical one isn't better. It offers a lot more than just typing. One thing I'm gonna miss from my d3 is playing emulators w/ physical keys. I guess a sixaxis will suffice
Just like with anything new there is a learning curve. So give yourself time to adapt. Also my favorite keyboard and I think the best one by far is Swype!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
I came from a Droid 3, and before that the OG Droid, and I haven't had any problems using the virtual keyboard on my S3. It helps a lot that the screen is so big. I couldn't imagine trying to do it on a 3.5" screen.
The S3 is legit but theres def no beating a onboard keyboard. It's easier to type long messages without even having to look at the screen. The what I miss most about the keyboard. Im to the point that even after using swype and a few other keyboard apps, typos were still everywhere. It helps, but it wont ever be as good as a physical keyboard. With that said, Im forcing myself to get used to this virtual keyboard. each day passing, I get better at it.. but itll never compare to a onboard keyboard..
S3 is a keeper for me though
I Am really struggling with the virtual keyboard. All of my previous phones had sliders and o just left the HTC Evo Shift. This week I was on my first business trip there I do a ton of emails and it was painful on the s3. Ini fact I even put the Shift back on a second line and linked all phones to google voice so I can use either. I am definitely keeping the S3 and will really enjoy it for everything but typing ..,maybe two phones are bad since I like having a backup, The only keyboard I didn't try on the s3 was the swift 3 . I used that on my tablet but preferred the thumb keyboard for that device.
does anyone know if there are any hi end sliders in the product plans for Htc o Samsung?
I was an all physical keyboard guy until this phone. My phone for the last two years was HTC's G2. This is also my first non HTC phone (been a hardcore HTC fan) but lately HTC has kinda been slacking in the slider keyboard department. I was surprised how quickly I adapted to an all touch phone, and I'll be giving Swiftkey 3 a look soon as well. Going from the G2 to this was such a big upgrade that I was able to ignore my reservations and fully embrace the thing. I usually avoid Samsung devices because they've always been too light for their size but this phone is different, though still lacking in terms of materials (would have got the One X if it were on T-Mo for that reason).
That said, once a new high end slider hits the market I'll be selling the S3, so long as the screen is large and it's from a manufacturer I can trust.