Are we weaning off function keys?

[Syringer]

My sister got a new laptop, a Dell 1545--and I'm trying to set it up but it's super annoying that the function keys are now only secondary keys, i.e. they're only accessible by pressing the "FN" key first.

The Function keys row instead now have buttons for brightness and basic multimedia functions..

Is this a new trend we're going through now?

 

[CrazyLazy]

I like it that way personally. It's not like you use the function keys terribly frequently so pressing the extra button isn't a big deal. What I still don't understand is why some keyboards still have the numpad, I don't need 2 separate keys to type numbers thank you very much.

 

[XZeroII]

no. I use function keys all the time. I don't like it when they are not easily accessible.

 

[XZeroII]

Originally posted by: CrazyLazy
I like it that way personally. It's not like you use the function keys terribly frequently so pressing the extra button isn't a big deal. What I still don't understand is why some keyboards still have the numpad, I don't need 2 separate keys to type numbers thank you very much.

Are you serious? Keypads are hugely beneficial if you type a lot of numbers.

 

[xanis]

I've only ever owned one laptop, my MBP, and the function keys are how how the OP describes them. Personally, I like it a lot and couldn't imagine it any other way.

 

[Jeff7]

Hell no.
Windows Media Player: F7: Mute.
F8: Volume down
F9: Volume Up

F1: Help
F5: Everyone knows F5.
F3: Search

F12 x2: Set self-destruct for all Lemmings.
...or maybe it's only once.

 

[CrazyLazy]

Originally posted by: XZeroII

Originally posted by: CrazyLazy
I like it that way personally. It's not like you use the function keys terribly frequently so pressing the extra button isn't a big deal. What I still don't understand is why some keyboards still have the numpad, I don't need 2 separate keys to type numbers thank you very much.

Are you serious? Keypads are hugely beneficial if you type a lot of numbers.

Maybe if you have a job in accounting or something, but I don't get why it's the default on 90% of the keyboards out there. Obviously keyboards with numpads should still be sold, but I just find most people don't use them.

 

[RapidSnail]

Originally posted by: CrazyLazy

Originally posted by: XZeroII

Originally posted by: CrazyLazy
I like it that way personally. It's not like you use the function keys terribly frequently so pressing the extra button isn't a big deal. What I still don't understand is why some keyboards still have the numpad, I don't need 2 separate keys to type numbers thank you very much.

Are you serious? Keypads are hugely beneficial if you type a lot of numbers.

Maybe if you have a job in accounting or something, but I don't get why it's the default on 90% of the keyboards out there. Obviously keyboards with numpads should still be sold, but I just find most people don't use them.

That alphanumeric set of keys is for standard typing position. The keypad is great for instances when you need to input a larger set of numbers. Using mathematically software, or even entering CC information, it feels more natural.

 

[mugs]

Super annoying? Really? SUPER annoying?

Originally posted by: CrazyLazy

Originally posted by: XZeroII

Originally posted by: CrazyLazy
I like it that way personally. It's not like you use the function keys terribly frequently so pressing the extra button isn't a big deal. What I still don't understand is why some keyboards still have the numpad, I don't need 2 separate keys to type numbers thank you very much.

Are you serious? Keypads are hugely beneficial if you type a lot of numbers.

Maybe if you have a job in accounting or something, but I don't get why it's the default on 90% of the keyboards out there. Obviously keyboards with numpads should still be sold, but I just find most people don't use them.

You can buy keyboards without numpads. I don't key numbers as much as an accountant, but when I do a numpad is so much faster.

 

[indamixx99]

My Macbook Pro is like this and i think it's a great setup for mac laptops, since the volume control, screen brightness, and keyboard brightness are all there. Sometimes its a bit inconvenient to refresh a page (function - F5), but overall im happy the way its set up.

 

[ViviTheMage]

it has been for some time now...

 

[slpaulson]

The function key is fine, but I HATE it when they put the function key where the ctrl key is supposed to be.

 

[dbk]

i use functions keys during counter strike

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: Jeff7
Hell no.
Windows Media Player: F7: Mute.
F8: Volume down
F9: Volume Up

F1: Help
F5: Everyone knows F5.
F3: Search

F12 x2: Set self-destruct for all Lemmings.
...or maybe it's only once.

F11: full screen toggle on/off

 

[Crono]

I want programmable keys with OLED screens. Like the Optimus Maximus keyboard, but affordable.

 

[ghostman]

I use the function keys every so often, such as ALT+F4 to close, F5 to refresh, F2 to rename and F11 to full screen. In Linux, I used it to F keys to switch between X and console.

At home, I currently use a Logitech keyboard. It's a great keyboard, but the function keys only work when the "F-lock" button is pressed on (it's off by default). Without F-lock, the keys either do nothing without the Logitech software installed or they have other meanings assigned to them. I had the Logitech software installed initially, but was frustrated trying to bypass all their useless (to me) functions.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

*looks at Dothan/Sonoma based Dell from 2005*

Uh, FN keys have been that way for a LONG time now.

 

[timosyy]

F1 through F4 = devour magic off party members 1-4

F5 = refresh, F11 for fullscreen, ALT-F4 is pretty useful too.

I feel like I could adjust (well, not for WoW, its hard to just find open hotkeys), but it'd be a major pain in the butt.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: indamixx99
My Macbook Pro is like this and i think it's a great setup for mac laptops, since the volume control, screen brightness, and keyboard brightness are all there. Sometimes its a bit inconvenient to refresh a page (function - F5), but overall im happy the way its set up.

Hrmmm... Apple makes good use of some function keys for Spaces and Expose. I'd rather be able to use those keys easily than adjust screen brightness and volume.

 

[TruePaige]

Some of you guys are thinking of this a bit wrong.

For example, my keyboard still has F1, F2, F3, etc..

But now I have a FN key I can hold and then hit the up arrow to increase brightness, or the down arrow to decras it.

I can hold FN and hit F3 to toggle battery life modes on and off.

Most laptops have ones for wireless and a faux-numberpad as well.

So the F1-12 are still present, just an additional set of functionality has been added.

 

[zeruty]

Originally posted by: CrazyLazy

Originally posted by: XZeroII

Originally posted by: CrazyLazy
I like it that way personally. It's not like you use the function keys terribly frequently so pressing the extra button isn't a big deal. What I still don't understand is why some keyboards still have the numpad, I don't need 2 separate keys to type numbers thank you very much.

Are you serious? Keypads are hugely beneficial if you type a lot of numbers.

Maybe if you have a job in accounting or something, but I don't get why it's the default on 90% of the keyboards out there. Obviously keyboards with numpads should still be sold, but I just find most people don't use them.

Has nothing to do with accounting. IP addresses, phone numbers, etc. Adding up my mileage for my expenses at work. There are many, many uses for the numpad. I hate that my laptop does not have a dedicated numpad...
I can use a keyboard numpad and calc.exe and do math much faster than on any other calculator. Or in excel.

 

[tw1164]

The dell mini 9 doesn't have an F11 or F12 labeled on the keyboard. They were added later via a bios update.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: zeruty

Has nothing to do with accounting. IP addresses, phone numbers, etc. Adding up my mileage for my expenses at work. There are many, many uses for the numpad. I hate that my laptop does not have a dedicated numpad...
I can use a keyboard numpad and calc.exe and do math much faster than on any other calculator. Or in excel.

Yup... The dedicated numerical keypad is superior in every regard(except saving space).

 

[Red Squirrel]

They do that to force you into buying a docking station so you can use a regular keyboard/mouse/monitor.

 

[ChaoZ]

The only time I ever use function keys are in games.