I’ve just completed a suite of typing/input speed tests with four different input devices. The results are below. How do they compare with your experiences?

Scenario 1 - i7210 UMPC + On screen keyboard

Scenario 2 - i7210 UMPC + full size USB keyboard

Scenario 3 - Pepperpad 3 (thumbboard)

Scenario 4 - i7210 UMPC + mystery portable keyboard

 Test 1 - Starting with an open browser, type the URL www.google.com, open docs and spreadsheets through the ‘more’ and ‘even more’ menu, start a new document and type “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.” rename the file and press return.

Result: (average of 3)

1. i7210 + full size USB keyboard - 34 seconds
2. i7210 + mystery portable keyboard - 45 seconds
3. Pepperpad 3 (thumbboard) - 50 seconds
4. i7210 + On screen keyboard - 70 seconds.

Test 2 - Type “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog” 5 times.

Result: (CPM=Characters per minute)

1. i7210 + full size USB keyboard - 40 seconds (330 CPM)
2. i7210 + mystery portable keyboard - 63 seconds (180 CPM)
3. Pepperpad 3 (thumbboard) - 81 seconds (162 CPM)
4. i7210 + On screen keyboard - 118 seconds (111 CPM)

I didn’t try on-screen handwriting because I’m left handed and probably not representative of the average user. I also didn’t try my mini foldable keyboard because its broken!

The full-size keyboard obviously wins and after just 2 weeks with my first thumbboard, I’m really happy with the Pepperpad. Its getting faster every day.

For comparison, the world record for T9 input is around 230 CPM and the fastest touch typists are over 700 CPM.  My 330 CPM on the keyboard is a high average.

But what’s the mystery device? I’ve used it for just 30 minutes and it weighs only 90gm (3.2 oz’s.) That’s less than my watch. Less than my Nokia 6280 and half the weight of my foldable Bluetooth keyboard. All will be revealed soon but in the meantime, if you have a few minutes, run the tests yourself and see what you get. Post your results in the comments.

Steve / Chippy