texting was really awkward at first but its got a lot easier. however you do have to look at it as your txting. i know wat you mean about the buttons as it got to a point with my old phone where i could type a whole text without even looking with this one though it cant be done (id be mega impressed if someone could do it). but i guess thats the price you gotta pay for a touchscreen phone.
speaking of price i got it on an orange contract £35 p/m 600mins and unlimited txts. i also got them to throw in a free blue toothe headset,free insurance, a memory stick, in car charger and an extra set of earphones.