first off, i LOVE my 8260!! i've had all different phones before this one...this is definately my favorite...i changed to this from a StarTac (i HATED that phone w/ a passion)
secondly, i have an aftermarket head unit...i do have a remote control for it (cause i'm lazy sometimes...) but if i do use the volume buttons, i do have to curve around the phone (not enough for me to complain though)

i live by Nokia phones...i've had Motorolla, and Ericsson, and hated them...
i've had 3 different 5100 models, loved them all, then got a good deal on the StarTac, then hated that then bought my 8260...
the one bad thing about the 8260 is that i can't change the face..its scratched to shit now, and i don't wanna spend the cash for a new one!!!