Typing with your thumbs

"My thumbs are too big to use on this keyboard, I have to use my index finger or a pencil eraser"

If I've heard this once, I've heard it a thousand times. People always think that their thumbs are too big, or their nails are too long, or they don't have the coordination to type on the Blackberry with their thumbs. However everyone that I've talked to, after I show them how to hold the Blackberry properly, is able to begin typing using their thumbs. It's always funny that after only a couple of minutes they always look up in surprise and say, "wow this is really easy". The Blackberry is designed so that anyone can use their thumbs to type on, and do so much more comfortably and easily then trying to use a single finger.

This is how to type on the Blackberry.

Put your hands together so that your fingers are pointing toward each other and your thumbs are on the outside. You'll see that this makes a kind of table which is where your Blackberry will sit between your two hands. Depending on the size of your hands you'll need to have your hands more or less together, just do what is comfortable. Put the Blackberry on your hand and swivel your thumbs around until they are to either side of the keyboard. Your left thumb should sit comfortable over the number keys on the left side and your right thumb should sit over the JKNM keys. Your pinky fingers should sit under the Blackberry to give you a firm typing position that doesn't move around too much when you type. Use the tip of your thumb or turn it slightly to get a good feel for the key with your thumb. It surprises most people that they can type on the keys without striking other keys around it. Your thumbs are actually quite sensitive and are able to find their positions easily after only a few minutes. Don't use your nail and only press the keys with the fleshy part of your thumb. Using your nails can cause damage to your keyboard and, since your nails grow and are cut frequently, you will never get a consistent feel for your keyboard. After only a few tries you'll find the way that works best for you and if it feels natural that is exactly what you're looking for.

Lastly, don't try to type quickly when you first start. It can be frustrating when you see someone on the bus who can type quickly while you are struggling with only a few letters. This comes with practice and most people that I have talked to that are very quick thumb typist say they are on their second or third Blackberry. They also say they were very slow when they started, so don't expect to be a world beater right away. You can start by giving quick email responses or text message responses that are short and to the point. Some of your colleagues might even be happy to have less to read then if you were typing at your desktop.

Good luck, and hope that you can get the hang of this quickly on this great device.