Nokia 5800 - Letters missing on dial keypad

Question

Here is the email about missing letters on dial keypad I sent to Nokia USA and UK, and their replies:
 Hello,
I recently noticed that there are no letters on the dial keypad.  This is a very necessary feature when entering a alphanumeric login in a voice menu system while on the phone.  Do you have plans to add this in future firmware?
This was also pointed out in CNET's review of Nokia 5800.
http://cnettv.cnet.com/nokia-5800-xpress-music/974​2-1_53-50004794.html
Thank you,
A.S.
Nokia USA reply
Dear A,
Thank you for e-mailing the Nokia Care Contact Center.
I have reviewed your communication and understand that you seek a software update for the Nokia 5800 XM device. I understand how inconvenient this situation can be; however, I will be glad to assist you.
Adrian, I appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention. However, I regret to inform you that we cannot guarantee the next software update will include an alphanumeric keypad dialer for your Nokia 5800 XM device.
Nokia is consistently working to improve our product services and realizes the software update is important to you. Your comment in regards to adding an alphanumeric phone dialer to your Nokia 5800 XM device has been forwarded for immediate evaluation. We do appreciate the comments and value your business.
I do not have a release date for the next firmware update to your device. However, the best recommendation is to continue to monitor the Nokia Software Updater for your Nokia 5800 XM. For more information about the NSU, please visit the link below:
www.nokiausa.com/A4410025
I do apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
If you have any additional questions, please contact us. To ensure proper handling, please continue to use the current subject line.
Thank you for choosing Nokia for your mobile needs.
Mike L.
E-mail Specialist
Nokia Inc.
Nokia UK reply
Dear A,
Thank you for contacting Nokia Care.
Thank you for highlighting this, and I have also forwarded this to the engineering software department. Hopefully they will implement it in the next software release.
Help Nokia improve the service we offer you! To take part in our short confidential survey, please click on the link below:
http://xxxxxxxxxxx
Keep your phone software up-to-date by using the Nokia Software Updater. For more details visit Nokia Support and Software at http://www.nokia.co.uk/support or http://www.nokia.ie/support. You can also go online to find user guides, troubleshooting support and other services to help you use your Nokia product.
This response has been given based on the information you have provided us. The response is provided for general information purposes only. It is intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be accurate or complete, and it does not constitute any binding commitment.
To ensure proper handling, please continue to use the current subject line.
Please don't hesitate to contact us again if you have any further questions.
Yours sincerely,
Gabriel Benjamin
Nokia Service Professional
UK & Ireland Team
Nokia Care

Answer 1

I noticed this, too, but found a "workaround" (until Nokia updates their firmware to include this function).  USE the "Notes" APPLICATION, OPEN a “New Note”, then "touchpad" in the blank-lined area to start entering text.  The default "mini QWERTY keyboard" will pop up (well, that's what I have set for my text input).  In the lower right-hand corner of the "mini QWERTY keyboard" (also in the "Full Screen QWERTY keyboard" OR the "Handwriting keyboard", if you have either of these set for your default text input), there is a small image of a keyboard.  When selected, a MENU pops up, allowing you to SELECT an option for an "ALPHANUMERIC KEYPAD" for text input into the "Notes" application.  You can get the numerical correspondence for spelled-out phone numbers like 1-800-iLIKE-YOU (1-800-454-3968) [I don't know or care if that's a "real" number, I'm just using it here as an example] and can just remember them and input them manually into your “Dialer” application, or, you can “type” it directly into the blank “New Note” you already have open, SELECT and EDIT->COPY the number into the phone’s memory, then switch to the “Dialer” application (PRESS and HOLD the WHITE middle button on the lower touchpad until the "open items" display appears, allowing you to select the HOME or the previously-opened "Dialer" application), open the "Dialer" menu and EDIT->PASTE the previously-copied number into the “Dialer” application.  Press the “Dial” function icon and the number will be appropriately dialed.  Whew!  It gets a little easier with practice, especially if you use the GREEN BUTTON on the lower left of the phone’s touchpad, HOLDING IT DOWN until the “Voice Command” application initiates, then say out loud “Notes”, and the phone will switch to the “Notes” application with relative ease, so you’re just a few seconds away from having a “real” alphanumeric keypad that can be used to “decode” those alphanumeric phone numbers many businesses advertise.  Enjoy! JLH 20091030Fri ~~~~~ ><(((;> ~~~~~