Keyword search - How many search results ?

Hi

From what I hear, ideal keyword search means searching in quotes in google for a long tail keyword. and if results are anywhere from 1000-10000, then it's an ideal keyword ? This is what I follow - What works for you ?

 

But you need to take into account the number of searches for that long tail keyword by using Adwords Tool.

Not much use if nobody is searching for it, even if competition is low.

 

Or even better run an adwords campaign on the phrase and exact match to test actual search volume.

 

Gee, isn't it hard to find such 'ideal' keywords ?

 

Also, can someone suggest a good tool to check no of searches per keyword per day ? Google keyword tool is just tooooooooo slow.