>Keyboard configurations are newly important as we think about how we should type on tablets and other devices. The calling card of the personal computer was the keyboard, and now, we are carrying around pieces of glass on which we simulate the old QWERTY design. Are we going to keep that layout going?

I vote yes. A majority of people have already invested a ton of time learning propper typing style on physical QWERTY keyboards. Translating that existing muscle memory to use a similar style on virtual keyboards is a lot easier than people would guess. After about 30 minutes of practice on a virtual keyboard people normally get their typing speeds to a slower, but adequate level in order to be productive.

An entirely new input system offers very little opportunity for re-use of existing skills.