Frustrated with always needing to spell out non-English words like name of locations in Singapore? Always needing to tell someone you’re at “Ang Mo Kio” or at “Jalan Pemimpin” often? Do not fret. Follow the tips below and you should start typing as fast as when you were using your T9 on your previously owned dumb phone.

These tips are for when using the default Android keyboard in Nexus One. I have tried a few Android keyboards so far and I notice that I keep switching back to the default Android keyboard because I’ve gotten so used to how it works and where the keys were. So read along and maybe improve your typing speed.

Add to User Dictionary

1. Add frequently used phrases into your Nexus One’s User Dictionary as a whole phrase instead of single words. This can be done manually by navigating to Home >> Menu >> Settings >> Language & keyboard >> User dictionary >> Menu >> Add.
2. Don’t worry too much about being accurate when you type. Android’s prediction is quite good when you have Quick fixes, Show suggestions and Auto-complete enabled within Home  >> Menu  >> Settings >> Language & keyboard >> Android keyboard.
3. Based on point 2 above, type your text and as soon as you see your desired text highlighted in orange in the suggestions, instead of selected the text you want manually, just type the next character after the word like the space key or a punctuation. This will automatically select the previously highlighted text and append your space key or punctuation at the end of it.

Enter "Ang" for "Ang Mo Kio"

If you have more tips to give, post them in the comments below and share.