Physical Keyboard vs. Virtural? ADVICE PLEASE.

[SharonW]

Judging from the responses in this thread, it seems that every keyboard on the Droid has a useful purpose based on the various types of texting and messaging you're doing. Ain't it grand to have all those options? What other device has that? What other device offers so many alternatives?

 

[ByeBye2BB]

I tend to use the physical keyboard for emails and web browsing. I'm not particularly fast with it, but I find it more enjoyable to use than a virtual keyboard (and, more importantly, it doesn't take up screen real estate).

I use the landscape virtual keyboard during a quick web browsing session or text where I know I'll just type a small amount (like a single web address or a sentence).

I use the portrait keyboard when I'm using the portrait view (imagine that!), generally in the market or in some apps that just need a small amount of input (such as google listen or weather apps).

I wasn't a big fan of the physical d-pad until I realized you could use it to move the cursor around when typing, which I find easier than trying to touch the exact spot you want to edit.

 

[pussfeller]

I really like the virt keyboard in both landscape and portrait, amazingly enough.

Not so sold on the physical keyboard, yet. Giving it time.

 

[chrislitzkow]

Thanks everyone for the replies on this thread. It sounds like I'm doing pretty much what most of you are doing-- using the virtual for shorter messages and the physical for longer ones. It was helpful picture the keyboard as being 'off center', and dividing it at between the H and J keys. Will take some more practice, but I'm sure it will come!

I so wish the physical keyboard featured the same auto correct as the virtual one... I also wish I could find a way to get it to know that when I type "ill", I actually want it to use "I'll". Any ideas on how to 'train' the dictionary like we could with the BB's?? Thanks!

 

[YoungChrisG]

Thanks everyone for the replies on this thread. It sounds like I'm doing pretty much what most of you are doing-- using the virtual for shorter messages and the physical for longer ones. It was helpful picture the keyboard as being 'off center', and dividing it at between the H and J keys. Will take some more practice, but I'm sure it will come!

I so wish the physical keyboard featured the same auto correct as the virtual one... I also wish I could find a way to get it to know that when I type "ill", I actually want it to use "I'll". Any ideas on how to 'train' the dictionary like we could with the BB's?? Thanks!

Doesn't it have a custom dictionary? I thought I saw that somewhere in the settings.....I could be wrong though...

 

[taeisme]

There is..

Settings -> Language and Keyboard -> user dictionary.

 

[Snaz]

I realize I'm in the minority and about to get flamed....but I actually like the D-pad. An example, I use it in forums such as this to highlight the tiny page numbers in the lower right. It takes less moves than zooming in until I can pick it on the first try.

My ancient LG V also had a similar pad, so I find myself using it like a crutch....

 

[chrislitzkow]

There is..

Settings -> Language and Keyboard -> user dictionary.

Thanks for the info. I 'think' this is essentially letting us add to the dictionary. So if your last name is "Smithysmith" you can add that. What I'm looking for is the ability to say:

When I type "ill" change it to "I'll". Or, when I type "shell" change it to "she'll". My BB had this feature and it was very helpful. If anyone comes up with a way to do this, please post. THANKS!