The "LD" thing is BB AutoText, which, I also use on my current Tour extensively. I have found a few keyboard apps that include similar AutoText shortcuts. I assume that one will still be able to install touchscreen keyboard apps that include this "AutoText" functionality that can still work when typing on the hardware keyboard.
One thing that I have been hoping for with this Droid Pro is being able to setup keyboard shortcuts from the home screen such as pressing M for messaging, L for calendar, and T for tasks like on the Tour.
I also have a Droid that I am currently using on Page Plus and I know that there are hardware keyboard shortcuts that can be activated by sliding the Droid open and pressing "Menu + (Letter)" on the hardware keyboard to launch different apps such as email or messages."