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Users find typing on the iPhone slow?

Categories: Apple, Devices, iPhone, Research
By: , IntoMobile
Friday, August 17th, 2007 at 12:45 AM

Users find typing on the iPhone slow?Chicago-based usability consultancy User Centric tested the iPhone’s touch keyboard comparing it with conventional QWERTY and numeric phone keyboards. The test involved 20 frequent texters who send at least 15 messages per week, with 10 of them owning the phone with full QWERTY keyboard.

Unsurprisingly, QWERTY keyboard equipped handset owners have found typing on the iPhone slower than on their standard handset. However, what is surprising is that users with standard non-QWERTY phones took nearly as long to create a message on the iPhone as they did on their numeric phones. While, I’ve no doubt about the first, the latter made me think:

  • There’s no word about which phones “QWERTY users” are using when they are not surveyed — i.e. Nokia E90 has a way different and way more comfortable keyboard than let’s say Palm Treo.
  • Apple did say users will need some time to get used to iPhone’s virtual keyboard.
  • 20 participants? You gotta be kidding me.

If you care to find out more about User Centric’s survey, check our this page on their site.

About The Author

Dusan Belic

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

  • David L.

    wtf :twisted: is apple thinking of course people who know how to “type” prefer the QWETRTY keyboard it’s set to the way they are used to…this new keyboard is stupid with a capitol “S”. Just another reason why the “i”diot phone is a waste of money.