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Smartphones Heart QWERTY, Click Off Users

iPhones, Blackberrys ignore alternative keyboard, to enthusiasts' chagrin

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 28, 2009 1:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – Smartphone users are baffled that the the commonly used QWERTY keyboard is dominating their text-typing world. Many would prefer the little-know Dvorak keyboard, which was designed to be easy to use, placing the most common letters on the home row. QWERTY, used on computers, was designed to overcome a technical glitch on early typewriters. But Dvorak enthusiasts say the alternative keyboard allows lightning-fast typing.

Handsets by Apple, Palm and Research in Motion are all QWERTY-only. The bias has kept many away from smartphones: "I thought it would hurt my brain using QWERTY," said a Dvorak fan.

The more traditional Dvorak keyboard layout, which is found on most computers.
The more traditional Dvorak keyboard layout, which is found on most computers.   (Wikimedia Commons)
The QWERTY keyboard is enough to keep many users away from smartphones.
The QWERTY keyboard is enough to keep many users away from smartphones.   (AP Photo/Dan Goodman)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
phil
Sep 28, 2009 12:25 PM CDT
I've been a professional writer for 15 years and not seen one keyboard with this crap on it. only nerds care about this crap.
Blackbird
Sep 28, 2009 11:42 AM CDT
You say "it's definately better" but you've never seen or used it? You too can be a reporter...
The_Pinkston
Sep 28, 2009 10:02 AM CDT
Its not like they write the stories...they just post the link. his was The Wall Street Journal.

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