Google is getting pushy now because they can. They've become habitual and omnipresent. Now is the perfect time.
A couple of years ago I could see Google's vendor lock-in strategy unfold. I've been trying ever since to completely purge myself of Google, but it hasn't been easy.
For anyone thinking of doing the same, be prepared to test many services out.
Obama continues to push hard to steal what little privacy rights US citizens have remaining. He is openly hostile about it, and lies about it constantly.
Am I exaggerating here? The scary thing is I'm not. He's not done. It's going to get worse.
I've never had an issue with virtual keyboards, and in fact preferred them, but the Q5 has changed my thinking.
Q5: http://global.blackberry.com/smartphones/blackberry-q5.html