Perhaps the solution to the quandary over the best keyboard style for a handheld is successful voice recognition software that renders nearly all typing unnecessary. At least one such solution is now available for the several BlackBerry smartphones.

MyCaption, a small plug-in, will transcribe your words into e-mail messages, appointments, contacts and other text-expecting locations. After testing it with a free trial, you can sign up for a regular subscription or a pay-as-you-go plan.

Responsive to basic speech plus punctuation such as quote, unquote or new paragraph, the software can transcribe up to three minutes of speech. You get to review it before pressing "send," too.

Speaking your text may offer relief from—or, better yet, prevention of-the dreaded "BlackBerry Thumb," a pain in the hand developed from overuse of the first digit.

The software works on BlackBerry Storm, Bold, Curve, Pearl, 8800 and 8700, models running version 4.2.1+.