I prefer a "real" keyboard when typing because I am a lot faster with it. When I type up an email or Work document on my phone it is SO much faster/easier than relying on the predictive typing. My wife is a texter from way back and I am much faster than her using my board and her using a touch screen on the Iphone. Plus, mine has a lot less mistakes. Sure I could make a complete touch screen work but why when I don't need too?
Also if my screen becomes tough to use because of moisture of temperature changes I can open the phone and still operate it with the actual keyboard because it is not effected by this sort of thing.
Phone rings, can't answer with gloves on, hands are too sweaty to swipe the bar, and it has been in your pocket while working hard and won't even react to a dry hand. Or I slide open the phone and answer... lol