I had an apache and bought a touch when they came out. My touch feels like it has '1.21 jiggawatts' compared to my apache. And honestly i would say after a month or so you wont even miss the hard keyboard. there are so many soft keyboards its ridiculous.
but in my opinion since you seem to only get a phone when you can upgrade i would say wait until the end of this year and see what verizon lets out of the box as far as phones...
Hope that helps a little.
