Since it looks like the iPad is likely to find its way down lots of chimneys this December, I thought I would dust off an article I wrote back in June 2010: Yes, touch typing is possible on the iPad

After nearly eight months of continuous use, I’m still using the iPad without a bluetooth keyboard. Touch typing is not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. The benefits of being able to carry one object outweigh any loss in words per minute. A few TextExpander snippets don’t hurt either.

So if you’re asking Santa for an iPad this Christmas, I recommend not asking a bluetooth keyboard too. With a little practice, you may find that you can enjoy the simplicity and portability of large-screen touch computing as I have this year.

If you end up needing the extra peripheral, that's fine, but at least try to start  light. Build as needed.