onscreen keyboards offer no improvement over physical keyboards

"I guess I underestimated the importance of clarity when defining the debate.." Indeed. For the purposes of typing efficiency, I would agree that onscreen keyboards have no advantage whatsoever (as of now) over physical keyboards. However from the beginning I have tried to show that this is not the only thing to consider. "Even trying to make the case that an onscreen keyboard has an overall advantage over a physical keyboard, he fails as he forgets to contrast his points against the real keyboard.." I am by no means saying that all onscreen keyboards have an advantage over all physical keyboards. I am saying that in certain situations, an onscreen keyboard is better suited to the purpose than a physical keyboard. "...when the onscreen keyboard IS in use... this is never an issue with a physical keyboard, where you always has the entire screen available for you application.." Imagine first that a device with a physical keyboard with the same keyboard size, screen size while performing a text activity, and overall bulk as a comparable device with an onscreen keyboard (These devices need not be phones. A tablet computer is also a good example.). For text-related activities, I would agree that the physical keyboard is indeed better in almost every way (I only say "almost" because I might be forgetting something). However, once you switch to a non-text-related activity, the entire keyboard can disappear leaving much more screen space to see what you're doing. This is an obvious advantage. Imagine next that a device has the same keyboard size and screen size of the comparable device while not typing. This device would be significantly larger than the one with the onscreen keyboard, imparting a different advantage. Finally, regarding two devices, one of which has an onscreen keyboard, and the other of which has a fold-out or slide-out keyboard depending on the size of the device, at some point, a fold-out or slide-out keyboard is simply impractical. See a tablet computer. "Resistance to water damage: This is probably true although rarely an issue for most people, I think.." Even if it were not common, it is an advantage nonetheless. Also, I know I cannot make a generalization based only on personal experience, but it is worth noting that I myself am very prone to knocking over my drink while at my computer. In fact, while typing this message, I have had to pres the "M" key in very firmly because of a recent cranberry juice incident. Had this been over an iPad [with case], I likely would not be having this problem. "Easy coexistence with other touchscreen properties: This needs explanation.. I assume the capability of the touchscreen is the same with or without the physical keyboard.." I meant that it was easily implemented whenever the phone already has a touchscreen. Take the tablet computer as an example again; it was easy to add the onscreen keyboard with some programming, whereas the fold-out or slide-out keyboard would impart certain other disadvantages as mentioned earlier. "Butt-dialing prevention: ..." I will concede this point as it is indeed fixed by a slide-out keyboard and the size involved does not impart the obvious disadvantage. "Alterable size and position of the keyboard: Why would you want to settle for less than a landscape keyboard if it wasn't for the fact that the onscreen keyboard takes up screen space..?" This was an elaboration on the value of conserving screen space. However, I will also concede this point as it is not necessary to alter the size of a slide-out keyboard. "I would like Con to at least answer the originally intended question of the debate: Is an onscreen keyboard more efficient as a text input device than a physical keyboard..?" No. I do not disagree with this point. However, I do believe that there are other qualities which must be considered when evaluating whether one is an improvement over another, and you did not specify typing efficiency as the only quality to be considered. I believe that I have sufficiently shown that, in certain cases, the advantages of an onscreen keyboard outweigh the disadvantage of typing efficiency. Thank you.