I just got the nokia n770 (buy.com). I so far, i really enjoy using it a lot. (I got it because largely because Im a big linux fan).

One thing that I have trouble finding is this "thumb board" people talk about. I have the latest version firmware (it came with it) and ive done searches on google and the forums. Ive tried using the flesh of my finger to invoke it, or presson the center of the d-pad while the little keyboard is up, but no thumboard comes up. There are also no settings for it in the control panal which makes me think it was perhaps excluded in the latest firmware revision. Is this true? If so, are there any alternative non-stylus based keybaords I can download? thanks.

Control Panel > Text Input Settings > "Finger" Tab at the top. Make sure Launch via Rocker Key and Launch Via Touch Screen are selected. Adjust required pressure to your liking and voila.