Im using Android touch phones and tablets since 2 years.

1. Touch screen - Choose a good Capacitive Screen. Normally the cheaper $200 stuff are with the poor Resistive screen. You would need something short of a hammer to get quicker response from them. Whereas, a tablet with a capacitive touch screen with a decent configuration should give you a very sensitive response.

2. Keyboards - I agree that the stock keyboards are pathetic barring a few. I recommend downloading a few alternative keyboards and try them. If you are a heavy text user, there are commercial stuff available at $3. Buy one after trying.

Overpriced for the configuration - Agree completely!