16 Key OR 20 Key Version?

[Tothotspur]

i am looking to buy the touch dual but wasn't sure if i should go for the 20 key version or the 16 key version,

anybody give any advice?

[cojones]

I've had both but prefer the 16 key version by far. It's difficult learning a new key layout for one handed input (qwerty) and having the 4 app/launcher/utility buttons is a big benefit over the 20 key version.

ptbag

Cojo

[Tothotspur]

thanks for your opinion

[pp18]

this seems to be personal preference. i'm using a 20-key version and very happy with it, because having one button mapping to fewer letters makes it much faster to get to my desired word in t9 input and address book search. yet, surely need to pay some effort to get used to it. just for your reference.

[Boris6]

I used 20Key with program "AE Button" to map some keys for different application so it can get both advantage into one phone.

[cojones]

I used 20Key with program "AE Button" to map some keys for different application so it can get both advantage into one phone.

so did you manage to map any of the keyboard keys to other programs using AE Button or just the normal hardware buttons (camera, vol up, vol down)?

[Bestak]

With the France SFR version, we have no choice 20 keys

My previous model was a Nokia NGage DQ, so jumping from phone keyboard like to computer keyboard like implies some time training.

But with the soft keyboard and the hard one we have the choice

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/8085/htctouchdualimg0797pn9.jpg

versus

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6155/htctouchdualimg08021pe2.jpg

just a little brain gymnastics

[GLO]

I've had both but prefer the 16 key version by far. It's difficult learning a new key layout for one handed input (qwerty) and having the 4 app/launcher/utility buttons is a big benefit over the 20 key version.

ptbag

Cojo

Im looking at upgrading my wifes Nokia E65 to the Touch Dual.

Interesting point about the 16 v 20 key versions.

She likes to SMS so i guess that the 16 key with 4 app/launcher/utility buttons should suit her.

How many of you, use the software keyboard over the hardware keys?