Actually, the d-pad pre-existed the NIT and was originally intended to be a replacement for a mouse/pointing device. The other keys [zoom+][switchview][zoom-] are not conventional function keys, (although the openness of the platform may allow functions to be mapped to the keys). They were specifically designed by Nokia years ago for handheld touchscreen devices (they are placed where the thumb and forefinger rest) and their functions are meant to relate to the small screen size.

some of the comments simply fail to take into account the unigue device characteristics of the NIT. Within the mobile touchscreen category, personally I prefer the functionality focused design of the NIT to the barren touchscreen style of the iphone. If you want an iphone, go buy an iphone; the NIt should aspire to better than the iphone not to imitate it.