Waiting for a physical keyboard?

[A895]

Review: NEC Terrain for AT&T (Phone Scoop)

View attachment 123996

That's an awful phone, the LG Enact is loads better than that.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[leitor79]

I agree with the claim that sales are key to the companies. But sales depends on marketing. I dare anyone claiming that users don't want physical keyboards to find on youtube an advertise of an android phone with a physical keyboard, any of the last ones (htc mytouch, motorola droid, enact,etc) and (if exists) see if you've seen it before.

 

[A895]

I believe it all depends on sales. Or if a company wants to release one since no one else on android does to see if they get sales for having it.

I remember when I wanted a android phone with a keyboard because typing on a android keyboard is garbage. I believe there are some good ones out there.

Posted via Android Central App

There are some good virtual keyboards for Android. Even stock keyboards are decent.

Sent from my XT907 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[LeoRex]

Well, I can't imagine how could I type without looking if my fingers doesn't have anything to touch but a plain screen. Moreover, I can't write an entire phrase without making mistakes, like hitting the "." or the letter "n" instead of the spacebar, or the "c" for the "v", among the common mistakes. And it's not because I'm adapting because I have this phone for 6 months now (or it has a reeeally slow learning curve

Well... I use gesture typing 99% of the time, so I don't know how well things go with hunt and peck.... But the software follows the trail of your finger and extrapolates, based on who knows how many factors, the word you were getting at.... Amazing technology.... but IT, not you, decides that you are trying to type "device" and not "s3 ie". There's only so many words that your finger's path followed. As I mentioned earlier, I'm a pretty good touch typist, when typing conversationally (like here or in an email) I never look at my keyboard. It's only when I'm doing something funky, like code, odd non-word strings (like passwords), or oddball words that I have to H&P. So all I have to do is visualize myself typing on a full size keyboard when I'm swiping and the software handles the rest. So I don't have to be accurate, I just have to be precise .

I've been using Swype since the public betas in late 2012 so I'm pretty used to it. At this point, I'm nearly as fast on the swype keyboard as I am on my full size MS Natural. There might be a couple of words I missed in a paragraph, but Swype highlights words that it isn't confident in and I can clean up the scraps. I'm an impatient person and if I had to constantly correct text, I'd go absolutely insane..... I don't have to constantly correct with Swype.

Without workable text prediction and correction, I probably dread typing on a smartphone, physical or not.

 

[leitor79]

Hi Leo,

Thanks for your answer.

I know anyone would adapt and improve if use any touch method enough time. I just don't imagine how could one put the fingers on the keyboard correctly with no reference at all. And if you have to see to put them, I can imagine you can move the finger with no reference just "imagining" the keyboard, but if at some point you make a mistake and move your finger farther or closer, you have to look at the screen again to get reference. With a physical keyboard you just not only have the keys to reference your fingers, but the "F" and the "J" keys have the little pins on it so you know where to put your thumbs without looking.

With a physical keyboard I never needed a text corrector, IT never selected the wrong word, I don't have to train any software, and I also wrote pretty fast (not as fast as on a PC keyboard). I'm using the swype method for almost 7 months now, and I'm still often have to add words to the dictionary (I write in spanish). Not only "slang" language but graphical accented words, líke thís foúr, tóo.

But, I understand, people prefers different things. It's ok. The thing I don't buy is that there are no decent phones with physical keyboards because people won't buy them.


Regards,

 

[LeoRex]

I know anyone would adapt and improve if use any touch method enough time. I just don't imagine how could one put the fingers on the keyboard correctly with no reference at all.

Well.. I use my mind as a reference.... I think C-O-N-T-R-O-L and just follow my muscle memory for where the keys are.... There are only so many words that have a path on a keyboard that match that combination of letters, so I don't really have to hit all the letters, I just have to draw the correct path. It's hard to describe

But, I understand, people prefers different things. It's ok. The thing I don't buy is that there are no decent phones with physical keyboards because people won't buy them.

Size. Both screen and device. People see that big ol' bright screen on something like a G2 or S5 and get sucked right in.... many physical keyboards take away a HUGE chunk of screen.... real estate that sits there unused unless someone has to type something. And keyboards, no matter what the type, add bulk. They end up being thicker and, in the case of the slide out, have to have some sort of rail system in place.... I had two slide out type phones and they loosened up in a couple of months and became a pain in the ****.

Long story short, getting rid of physical keyboards let phones come thinner and with big ol' fancy screens. Two sexy design features that sell phones. Keyboards aren't sexy.

 

[A895]

Virtually all android apps work. Also, no one knows when the q10 will go EOL. That was just a rumor / report / speculation, meaning not fact.

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Virtually does not mean all apps.

Posted via Droid Razr M on the Android Central App

 

[leitor79]

Well.. I use my mind as a reference.... I think C-O-N-T-R-O-L and just follow my muscle memory for where the keys are.... There are only so many words that have a path on a keyboard that match that combination of letters, so I don't really have to hit all the letters, I just have to draw the correct path. It's hard to describe

I understand the "muscle memory", but what I say is that "CONTROL" has the exact same path that "VPMYTP ", the difference is where you start. If you say you can start on the right key without looking, you must be the "pin the tail on the donkey" world champion.

Size. Both screen and device. People see that big ol' bright screen on something like a G2 or S5 and get sucked right in.... many physical keyboards take away a HUGE chunk of screen.... real estate that sits there unused unless someone has to type something. And keyboards, no matter what the type, add bulk. They end up being thicker and, in the case of the slide out, have to have some sort of rail system in place.... I had two slide out type phones and they loosened up in a couple of months and became a pain in the ****.

Sliding keyboards does not always take over screen size. And there are good rail systems. HYC TyTNII, I've used it for 1 year with no problem, and the screen did not only slides but also tilt. xPeria mini pro 2, 2 years, the sliding system works like the first day. I don't say that there aren't bad rail systems, but there are good ones and also they can be improved... the manufacturers did not take screen off the phones because 15 years ago they were bulky, 1'' size and black & white.

And, bulky? S3 tickness: 0.34 inches. Mytouch 4g tickness: 0.4 inches. Difference: 0.06 inches. I think my phone cover is ticker than that. And don't pay attention to the fact that the S3 is 2 years newer than the mytouch.

Long story short, getting rid of physical keyboards let phones come thinner and with big ol' fancy screens. Two sexy design features that sell phones. Keyboards aren't sexy.

There are other things that sell phones or the nokia 1100 won't be the best selling phone ever.

 

[LeoRex]

I understand the "muscle memory", but what I say is that "CONTROL" has the exact same path that "VPMYTP ", the difference is where you start.

But Vpmytp isn't a word... So the keyboard predicts you wanted control instead. That's where prediction comes into play. Without it, swiping along would be a hot mess.

 

[jdirt]

If someone can figure out how to debloat the new

LG Optimus F3Q T-Mobile phone, that would be a good alternative. It has descent specs, descent processor, 4g LTE but limited space for apps. otherwise the phone with the fastest processor and enough room for apps is the Samsung Galaxy Relay but it only has HSPA +.

I too am looking for a new keyboard phone. I may have to go to the samsung 4 or 5 to get the 4g LTE I want. The storage issue is not a problem on that cause samsung finally figured out that if the internal memory is shared w the os, there isn't any room for apps, i don't care how much microsd card can hold. you can't save apps. I think you can buy a slide out keyboard for the samsung 4.

 

[A895]

If someone can figure out how to debloat the new

LG Optimus F3Q T-Mobile phone, that would be a good alternative. It has descent specs, descent processor, 4g LTE but limited space for apps. otherwise the phone with the fastest processor and enough room for apps is the Samsung Galaxy Relay but it only has HSPA +.

I too am looking for a new keyboard phone. I may have to go to the samsung 4 or 5 to get the 4g LTE I want. The storage issue is not a problem on that cause samsung finally figured out that if the internal memory is shared w the os, there isn't any room for apps, i don't care how much microsd card can hold. you can't save apps. I think you can buy a slide out keyboard for the samsung 4.

You can disable or uninstall apps if you don't want them.

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[jdirt]

I do not believe you can debloat phones of the pre-installed software that most people do not want. not unless you can root the phone and go from there.

 

[jdirt]

I do not believe you can debloat phones of the pre-installed software that most people do not want. not unless you can root the phone and go from there.

 

[bs03]

I looked at the F3Q and Terrain. I chose the Terrain.
Both phones suffer from a lot of the same problems. They both have limited system memory (I am always looking for apps that save to the sd partition). They both have problems with Google Play not letting you have apps because of them not understanding the phones. The Terrain has yet to be rooted. Last I looked the F3Q had not been rooted either. Also neither have inductive charging.

I have been wondering how well the add on keyboards work.

 

[mystik1]

I guess I am unique to most people. I have two issues working against virtual keyboards.

I am visually impaired (tunnel vision). I cannot see both where the text is being entered and the keys and the same time. So, I can look at one or the other. I can't type well enough with a virtual keyboard without looking at the keys, so I look at them, make mistakes, and then have to go back and fix them, which kills productivity. This is also why I don't do well with gesture typing. I am much better with the normal tapping.

I use an app called Remote Desktop Client by Xtralogic, Inc. For one thing, many keyboards don't work through remote desktop apps (at least the prediction, corrections, etc). This app is essential for me. I have found a good keyboard that works with it, but it is often extremely frustrating to have the keyboard taking up most of the remote desktop screen...even to the point that I can't scroll a page. For example, if I am commenting in some blogs or posting in some forums, the keyboard is taking up a lot of the screen, and then they have banners which are displaying very badly, and heck if I remember what all else, but it's nearly impossible to work with.

I am SERIOUSLY considering the Blackberry Passport. I use the Galaxy Note 3 now (I need as much screen as I can get for the keys to be big enough to hit!). But I do like the larger screen real estate for other purposes too. Even though the Passport is bigger than most keyboard phones, it's still quite a bit smaller than my Note 3. So, that is the only point of hesitation. The specs are the same, which is beyond awesome! As others have said, it seems you can install the Android Market or Amazon, and install any Android app now with ease. It's awkwardly shaped for some people - I know some people wear tight pants and might not be able to fit it. But, I wear pants with big pockets. So, I think I will be good!

I don't know... If some killer phone comes out, I might still be swayed back to it even with these issues. I don't do bad on the virtual keyboard unless I am in Remote Desktop. I can use it okay most of the time. The one I am using now does okay with corrections. I just wish there were more options. Why does everything have to be the same? That used to be what drove me to Android - back when Android had slider phones and iPhone did not. Now, Android is not what it used to be for me. I wish there was more choice again. Everyone is not the same. We don't all work best the same way. Some people do better with virtual keyboards...and that's great. I think there should be high-end hardware options for you, but why can't there be high-end hardware options for me too?

 

[mystik1]

I don't know about ones for other phones, but the keyboard case for the Galaxy S4 is COMPLETE JUNK and MUCH thinker than a Droid 4. I am perfectly comfortable with the thickness of a Droid 4, but the keyboard case for the S4 was unusable.

 

[jdirt]

thanks mystic and bso3.

If the f3q was rooted. I would not know how to do it. i would need someone to do it for me. even then i think we would have minimal space for apps. i will have to check out the terrain. as far as the s4 keyboard being junk, thank you for saving me from wasting my time.

 

[_YoKolorMeBadd]

I think the whole keyboard thing has phased out. Didn't they stop making keyboards in like 2010-2011? I mean I barely see prepaid phones with keyboards now, I highly doubt we'll see a top of the line Android phone with a keyboard ever again.

 

[builder-mo]

Hi,
Sorry to bring back on the table this old post...
But i have an issue with most "all screen" smartphones : my fingers do not work on touch screens !
I read somewhere that 0.1% (or something like that) of people can have the same issue.
Maybe it's due to my rough fingers as i am a builder, maybe because i always have cold hands, i don't know but sometimes i can touch 10x the screen and nothing happens.
For example regularly i can't hang out or pick up a call.

I actually have a Sony Xperia V (LT28i), but i have same problem with my with razr i

I can't have a basic phone (the old school ones that are only able to phone and play snake) because i often need to use 3g/4g to check my dealers stocks, new products, etc.

The last point is that i often use gloves and sometimes it's annoying to remove them just to pick up / hang out the phone for a 15s call. But of course i take the time to remove the gloves if i do something more complex.

I wanted to give a try to blackberry but it seems to slowly disappear.
At least i need a phone with a physical button to answer a call or hang out.

What is my best option nowadays ?

 

[pgg101]

Hi,
Sorry to bring back on the table this old post...
But i have an issue with most "all screen" smartphones : my fingers do not work on touch screens !
I read somewhere that 0.1% (or something like that) of people can have the same issue.
Maybe it's due to my rough fingers as i am a builder, maybe because i always have cold hands, i don't know but sometimes i can touch 10x the screen and nothing happens.
For example regularly i can't hang out or pick up a call.

I actually have a Sony Xperia V (LT28i), but i have same problem with my with razr i

I can't have a basic phone (the old school ones that are only able to phone and play snake) because i often need to use 3g/4g to check my dealers stocks, new products, etc.

The last point is that i often use gloves and sometimes it's annoying to remove them just to pick up / hang out the phone for a 15s call. But of course i take the time to remove the gloves if i do something more complex.

I wanted to give a try to blackberry but it seems to slowly disappear.
At least i need a phone with a physical button to answer a call or hang out.

What is my best option nowadays ?

A physical keyboard and call button...the new BlackBerry Classic. Otherwise, Passport but no physical button call/hangup button.

Posted via the Android Central App on my BlackBerry Passport