From My Cold Dead Hands

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I'm just not giving up my keypad on my smartphone.

The way things are going, it may be difficult next time I re-up my two year contract and switch out phones again.

I see which way the wind blows.

The iPhone doesn't have a keypad. The new Google Android debuted this week dumped it's keypad.

It's a easy way to lighten up a smartphone, which is why Google undoubtedly dropped theirs between the G1 and the new, upcoming G3.

I've been using my Palm Centro for the past couple of months now. It's not that hip; but it essentially has all the same features as a Blackberry Curve (only it's smaller for my little ole' hands).

Like the Curve, it offers both a keypad and a touch screen.

Two months later, I can tell you I use the touchscreen minimally. The keypad, on the other hand, gets a workout everyday. I even use the stylus more than the touch screen.

Partial to a keypad, it was the biggest reason I didn't get an iPhone.

I chose comfort over cool.

I am heartened that the new Palm Pre still has a keypad, although you have to access it with a slider (yuck! My last phone was a Sidekick and I swore never again on the slider feature!).

Let's hope Blackberry stays true to its design. If so, it may get my business after all next time around.

Renee Oricchio

Renee Oricchio is a technology writer and former supervising news producer for CNN Financial News. She has been covering the computer industry since 1987.