+ - Recommendations for a laptop with a keypad that doesn't suck 6
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PhunkySchtuff
PhunkySchtuff writes "I'm seeking the collective's recommendations on a laptop with a numeric keypad that doesn't suck.
For practicality reasons, an external USB keypad is less convenient than a built-in one. A keypad is required for entry of lots of numbers, and using the alpha keys with the Fn key to turn them into a keypad is not acceptable.
Looking at the larger manufacturers, it seems that none of their business grade laptops (e.g. Lenovo's T-Series or similar quality levels) have numeric keypads. Looking at their laptops that do have keypads, invariably they are cheap, plastic and flimsy. Looking at Lenovo's offering with a Keypad, whilst it's a 15" screen, the vertical resolution is just 768 pixels, and the build quality of it leaves a lot to be desired.
I need to find something that is built to the quality of a "real" ThinkPad, or even a MacBook Pro, but has a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad and there doesn't seem to be anything like that on the market at the moment. This is a mystery to me as to why it would be the case as I'd imagine it's business users who need to use a keypad more than the average user, yet it is the consumer grade laptops that have keypads."
For practicality reasons, an external USB keypad is less convenient than a built-in one. A keypad is required for entry of lots of numbers, and using the alpha keys with the Fn key to turn them into a keypad is not acceptable.
Looking at the larger manufacturers, it seems that none of their business grade laptops (e.g. Lenovo's T-Series or similar quality levels) have numeric keypads. Looking at their laptops that do have keypads, invariably they are cheap, plastic and flimsy. Looking at Lenovo's offering with a Keypad, whilst it's a 15" screen, the vertical resolution is just 768 pixels, and the build quality of it leaves a lot to be desired.
I need to find something that is built to the quality of a "real" ThinkPad, or even a MacBook Pro, but has a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad and there doesn't seem to be anything like that on the market at the moment. This is a mystery to me as to why it would be the case as I'd imagine it's business users who need to use a keypad more than the average user, yet it is the consumer grade laptops that have keypads."
The reason is as simple as they get. (Score:2)
You aren't going to find what you are looking for. The answer is a USB numeric keypad. Honest.
If you are actually using your laptop in your lap (which is just about the only reason I can imagine why you would insist on this), then you are going to have to get a board
Re: (Score:2)
But honestly, even if you are using a laptop, ergonomically you are better off setting your laptop down on a table in front of you and using a keyboard in your lap anyway, rather than using the built-in keyboard and the whole thing in your lap.
I use a Macbook Pro as my primary development machine, but I carry around my wireless keyboard and trackpad wherever I
System76 (Score:2)
I bought a System76 [system76.com] laptop about 7 months ago. Other than the touch pad (which I hate), the keyboard is very good for a laptop. As a bonus, mine shipped with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed.
That said, I bought the 17.3" version and looking at their website now, I'm not seeing it.
Disclaimer: I do not work for, nor own any stock in System76. I just happened to buy one of their laptops.
Re: (Score:2)
Other than the touch pad (which I hate),
I should probably clarify that I hate all touch pads. I have large hands and inevitably my palm will press on touch pads making the cursor jump.
Re: (Score:1)
Acer Travelmate (Score:2)
I know some people don't like Acer, but over the years (9 so far) we have