I just installed on my N800, and have no problem in typing etc.

Did you do a 'apt-get update' before installation? This would update the applications catalog. Do this, then try installing again.

BTW, do you know you don't have to run abiword inside LXDE? You can simply type 'debbie abiword' inside your xterm, or create a shortcut in your launcher (Personal Menu etc), and abiword will run within maemo hildon