BlackBerry Thunder Virtual Keyboard

bluehorseshoe
#1. July 14th, 2008, at 9:05 AM.

It’s going to be real hard to give up what I’m so used to…a physical keyboard. I’d bet the BB masses would hit the stores not to buy, but to ‘try’ the device before making the plunge. All the other bells and whistles are nice, but reality tells me to focus on what I need most, thus the reason why many don’t own an iPhone.

The layout for the keyboard looks good in the picture, just curious as to the feel and size. I hope they get it right.

jmk
#2. July 14th, 2008, at 9:54 AM.

Actually, I think they look pretty good. Ultimately, it is performance that matters but on first glance, I like the look too.

Amish
#3. July 14th, 2008, at 10:39 AM.

Why would RIM put a SureType keyboard virtual keyboard on this device. It seems to me that they could make it full QWERTY even in portrait mode seeing how it is virtual. Just make the buttons a little smaller.

Sean
#4. July 14th, 2008, at 12:42 PM.

I don’t like the look. I’ve only recently got my first BB and if it were a choice between an older model with a proper keyboard or a touchscreen I’d go for the keyboard.

REV
#5. July 14th, 2008, at 12:43 PM.

Yes, BGR griped about how RIM had better re-skin the keyboard. Who cares? So long as it works, I think it looks fine the way it is.

I’d rather they spend time on perfecting other aspects of the interface than trying to “sex up” something as utilitarian as a keyboard.

Eric
#6. July 14th, 2008, at 1:48 PM.

One reason RIM went to the trackball and away from the wheel was because the wheel mechanism was keeping the device from getting thinner. I wonder if the same is true about the keyboard? If they go to virtual keyboard it allows a bigger viewing area (when the keyboard is not displayed) and allows the unit to get thinner again.

Tom
#7. July 14th, 2008, at 2:24 PM.

I am happy that they included the Suretap option…good on BB for making this product with as many user options as possible (Suretap OR Full Qwerty) especially for those who are existing PEARL users.

That being said - I would be getting ready to wait in line only if a physical keyboard existed. Looks like I’ll be waiting for Thunder 2 (crosses fingers).

Thought
#8. July 14th, 2008, at 9:47 PM.

I really don’t think it looks that bad. The key is the tactile experience…if RIM or anyone could create a virtual keyboard that was actually as good as a physical one then that would be a breakthrough.

It’s not how it looks…it’s how it “feels.” That’s why the physical keypad works so well.

I do think that in the final version RIM will pretty this thing up. Often the early versions are primarily for perfecting the engineering…the graphic artists get around to it later.