Are we weaning off function keys?

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Leros

Lifer
Jul 11, 2004
21,867
7
81
F5 and F11 are all I use

I hate how my function keys have secondary purposes. If I somehow toggle this Fn key, F2 launches MS Word, F4 launches my browser, etc.
 

Babbles

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2001
8,253
14
81
I use the Function keys pretty often, I know enough shortcuts for the various applications I use to make it worthwhile. Fundamentally I use the Function keys much more often than I use it for the notebook functions. My Dell E1705 has the 'normal' function keys and pressing the "Fn" key (lower left between Ctrl and the Windows key). I also love to use a numberpad and go nuts that my notebook doesn't have one even though it is 17". I can ten-key much faster than I can type using the alphanumeric keys, also it is much easier for special characters (e.g. ?, º, µ, ©, ±).
 
Nov 5, 2001
18,366
3
0
my laptop is over 3 years old and is how you describe...


and I probably use an F key less than 10 times a year
 

DayLaPaul

Platinum Member
Apr 6, 2001
2,072
0
76
The brightness and multimedia buttons have been Fn keys for a while now. But are you saying that your F1-F12 keys are Fn keys too? That is news to me. I have an M1330, which is presumably has a same size or smaller keyboard than yours and I have full F1-F12 keys?
 

foghorn67

Lifer
Jan 3, 2006
11,883
63
91
Originally posted by: tw1164
The dell mini 9 doesn't have an F11 or F12 labeled on the keyboard. They were added later via a bios update.

How does a BIOS manufacturer extra keys? Robots building robots.
Oh damn, machines will take over.
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
F2 rename (files) and F11 full screen (on occasion) I still use. Refresh = mouse gesture.
 

sswingle

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2000
7,183
45
91
My MS natural keyboard that I have had for years has an F Lock to change what the function keys do.

My notebook on the other hand makes me hold down Fn and then press the function key to get its alt functionality.
 

soydios

Platinum Member
Mar 12, 2006
2,708
0
0
I like my F# keys. Ctrl-F4 for close window, Alt-F4 for close application, and Ctrl-F12 for undo close tab in Firefox.
 

LS21

Banned
Nov 27, 2007
3,745
1
0
my dell 910 has function keys integrated into the ASDF line

to do Alt F4 i have to contort my fingers and press 3 buttons. FTL