Maybe I am dense, but I hadn't noticed the lack of the d-pad input on the marketing lit until this moment. I find it essential to

• Set Maemo Mapper back to "lead" mode when running with GPS. I can do this when riding my bike or driving, but using the menus to reengage lead mode is not safe. (I am hoping that Maemo Mapper will add a setting to turn it back on automatically at some point, but until then...)
• Work in the terminal - arrows via d-pad are easier than using the control key and EMACS bindings for command edits.
• Naviagate in Xournal when taking large sets of typed-in notes.
• Any arrow-key oriented activity.

What are some of the workarounds that people are using?

What's wrong with the arrow keys?

Maybe I'm denser but... hardware keyboard arrows aren't good for those uses?
[Disclaimer: I've no n900 yet]

Believe me, anyone who\'s used the N810\'s D-Pad can tell you that the N900\'s arrow keys are a blessing.

I agree. I prefer the N900's arrow keys over the N810 D-pad.

OK, with the arrow keys covering the last three bullets, that just leaves a D-Pad center button replacement for Maemo Mapper. If the N900 version of Maemo Mapper adds an automatic "snap back to lead mode 30 seconds after manual scroll of the screen" function I am set for my wandering bike rides. Wonderful!

BTW, the maps I am using are bike-specific, and downloaded from http://www.opencyclemap.org as tiles. It works very nicely, and by downloading the maps beforehand you save battery power. Set up MM so that the screen only comes on when you tap it, and you're good for a six hour bike ride.

Only 2 problems I can see.

1) you have to have it open as in the slider is up to access the keyboard. But with the n810 the dpad was underneath the touchscreen too

2) target size, keys are smaller than the dpad on the n800.

I guess long key press might be a potential solution?