The debate on the life of the physical keyboard has surrounded the smart phone market since the debut of the first iPhone. The iPhone, and other phones like the Samsung Instinct and many Windows Mobile based smart phones, have had keyboard in their software for their touch screens.
Now, turn the clock back to 1992, and look at the laptop/notebook offerings of that day. The problem with keyboards, critics asserted, was that they didn’t feel like the keyboards that users were accustomed to using. The key stroke depths didn’t match, the size of the keys were too small, the spacing between keys were too close and so on and so on.
But is this just an unnecessary delay of the inevitable?
OK, sticking with the smart phone for a bit, you can argue this in either direction. Some users like the tactile reactions that a physical keyboard gives. Others realize that you give something up to have that keyboard, so the savings in size and weight more than make up for the lack of a physical keyboard.
In other words, there will probably be a debate in this market for some time. The main reason why is the same as the reasons for sending a text versus calling someone. A call may be more efficient, but there are times when typing a message is the only means of getting your message out in some situations.
Now, move this out of the smart phone market for a bit. Is the keyboard on its way out there as well?
Look at the iPad as one area, but also with the improvements in voice recognition software, could this effectively replace the formidable keyboard?
Many claim that their problem with writing is that they cannot type as fast as the thoughts that they are trying to convey are running through their brains. This is most definitely the case with those who happen to have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Remove the barrier of the keyboard for these people and you would be amazed at how much more these folks could contribute in a shorter amount of time. Hamstring them with the keyboard and you frustrate them and push a loss of focus.
Maybe a move away from the keyboard will come in stages. However, this is not something that will go away in a practical sense any time soon.
If you hear of changes that might be a good fit for you and your business and you think they are worth discussing further, contact your account manager at Midwest Computech. Together, we can find a great way to meld technology into your business in the most effective ways.
As for this blog, a keyboard is necessary. At least until we decide to go with a podcast instead.
