The .net compact framework on smartphones doesn't know the button component, the reasons are unknown to me. My question is: how do people usually get over this problem? I have know smartphone near me to check out, only a pda phone, which of course has touch screen and supports the button component.
What would you do ?
The lack of buttons is intentional as it violates Microsoft guidelines for smartphone platform. Instead you should use the menu, which for a thumb operated device is faster. It also helps to provide a common interface for all phone's applications.
If you need to have a button, you can easily create one of your own. see also this question.
