Putting it in rice, never heard of that but I can see the logic. Sure won't be using my BlackBerry in the shower!!!

I had the same problem after 6 month buttons start freaking out. When i took it to get it fixed, it started working. So i end up letting the pros check it out, some how it got moister on the keyboard. Probably had wet fingers when i use to pick it up. Replaced keyboard and worked fine.

I have experience with getting my cell phone battery moist cause it to fail. I believe the moisture my phone received was from sweat while doing work. According to the VZN techs it does not take much moisture to create this effect on the batteries on our PDA, cell phones, Ipods.... Just a little FYI