We are looking for our daughter a phone that will do just texting--no smart phone needed. She has problems with hand function so needs a QWERTY keyboard, but also memory problems, so can't handle a phone jam packed with a million functions hidden beneath several layers of menus.

We are on the AT&T carrier and don't want to lose our family plan. Why can't AT&T come out with a phone with a Qwerty keyboard that is not a smart phone?

I did a little bit of investigation into your needs. I could not find a device offered by AT&T that offers a full QWERTY keyboard and is not a smart phone.

However, it seems that there may be a simple workaround. Smart phones like the Moto Q (offered by AT&T) offer one-touch access to the Contacts (see the key with the dot to the right of the round directional controller in the image below).

If the software works like others I've seen, then once you select Contacts you simply select the contact and then select whether you want to place a call or send a text message. That's three steps: Contacts>Specific Recipient->Text Message. A bit complicated, but if all the contacts are loaded before hand, it could be relatively straightforward.

Of course, you can always select the Messaging icon on the screen by using the scroll wheel. Then you would select contact, or manually type in the contact number. This might be more direct, but using the scroll wheel might be more confusing, than simply relying on the keypad.

In the end, the device still has lots of distracting buttons and features. Perhaps a little practice going directly into the Contacts list might help.

CAPTION: Frontal image of the Motorola Moto Q. Screeen at the top, with full QWERTY keyboard below.

Just wanted to add to my post immediately above that you can buy a refurbished Moto Q for $50.00 with a two-year contract (which costs $200.00). Not sure how to get this deal with your existing family plan, but it might be worth asking At&T.

We're not endorsing this phone. We don't know anyone who has a Moto Q. We're just trying to find a possible solution to your needs.