Well I have been a Treo user the past 4 years...Purchased the 8100 Pearl from TMobile when it came out here in NYC. So I have been used to the GREAT keyboard of the Treo and was concerned in the beginning how I would adjust to the 8100 SureType issue. To my surprise I found it a pretty easy transition. I like the SureType - it amazes me how it remembers after just really teh first time I type soemthing in it, even proper names and places.
So I would say after using the phone for teh first week or two you willbe used to using it and be able to type pretty fast. I can type as fast on it now just like I did on the Treo's full keyboard.
Hope this was somewhat helpful