Swype, the text-input technology that allows mobile phone users to compose messages with a swipe of a finger rather than a traditional tap, is perhaps one of Seattle's hottest startup companies. It's received recent press mentions in Engadget, Gizmodo and Cnet. But influential technology reviewer David Pogue of The New York Times isn't so sure about Swype. In his latest column, Pogue questions whether tapping really is faster than Swyping.

Pogue notes that it can take even more time to slide a finger between various letters on a touchscreen keypad -- say from A to M -- than just tapping them out. He also isn't too happy with the pop-up word selection tool, noting that you have to cancel out of of the pop-up box and retype word if it is not found.

"You never see those interruptions in the online video demos of Swype," notes Pogue.

But the technology reviewer also said he's not quite ready to write off Swype altogether.

"I'm nervous about saying that this emperor has fewer clothes than he's touted to have, though, because Swype is adored online," he said. "The comments boards are filled with glowing testimonials from people who've stuck with it for a few days and find it much faster than tap typing."

I've tried Swype before, and it does require some practice to master. The question is whether consumers have the patience to learn a new text-input system.

CEO Mike McSherry addressed that challenge in remarks last month at the Mobile Breakfast Series in Seattle.

"...You can get ahead of the technology curve but you also have to drag human behavior on with it," said McSherry. "And I think if your product has sufficient benefits and the learning curve is not so great and it is enticing and compelling enough that users will continue with learning that and they will take advantage of it."

I'd be curious to hear what some active Swype users have to think about Pogue's column and their own experience in with the technology.