I have been using the BB 6230 for almost a year now.
I live by the keyboard on this device to send emails,type notes (while on the phone) and to type details of appointments. The 7100 looks very promising with the exeption of the keyboard. I also have key words set in auto text that I also cant live without now.

Can anyone here tell me about the keyboard?

The keyboard use will be the deal breaker or maker for me.