Can tablets overcome the keyboard barrier?

For all the hype surrounding tablet computers, one area where the devices are still heavily criticized is the absence of a physical keyboard.

Many users are not comfortable typing on a digital keyboard that feels less intuitive than that with which they are already familiar. Whether this is something that will take time to get used to or an Achilles heel in the technology, it's currently a hurdle for some would-be tablet buyers.

Some advancements seem to be addressing this issue. The first is language processing. The sudden popularity of tablets has prompted more software developers to incorporate voice capabilities into their programs. The technology is not at a level where it can supplant typed words, but operating systems, web browsers and others programs are now more capable of responding to voice than ever.

For those people who can't get used to talking to their computers, another option is a USB keyboard. Though a portable keyboard means lugging around an additional device, it may be worth the convenience of plugging and typing.

Keyboard or not, tablets are on the up and up and show no signs of coming down. Whether or not the keyboard will continue to be a barrier for some will likely become clear in the near future.