Removing the numeric keypad from PCs
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brucine Posted messages 25138 Registration date Status Member Last intervention -
brucine Posted messages 25138 Registration date Status Member Last intervention -
Hello everyone,
Wanting to buy a new touchscreen PC, I find almost all of them without a numeric keypad, which is frustrating because instead of improving quality... I asked Gemini.google because it saved me from being scammed by this air-conditioned device that is actually just a fan.
Prompt: Why is there a trend to remove the numeric keypad from 15" and 16" PCs and I don’t like it because I use it to make ASCII shortcuts?
Today, 10:25
Gemini Applications
The current trend among manufacturers to remove the numeric keypad on 15 and 16-inch laptops responds to several design and ergonomics considerations, even if it penalizes users who use it daily, notably for special characters (ASCII codes).
Why do manufacturers remove the numeric keypad?
Centering the keyboard and screen: With a numeric keypad, the hands and the touchpad are shifted to the left. Manufacturers now favor a symmetric design where the hands are aligned with the center of the screen, which is considered more ergonomic for typing and overall navigation.
Miniaturization and durability: Removing the keypad allows widening the main keys (spacious keyboard), integrating better speakers on either side of the keyboard, or optimizing the cooling system (airflow).
Standardization: 14-inch formats and 15/16-inch formats increasingly share the same minimalist design philosophy inspired by market standards (like Apple MacBook Pro).
Alternatives to keep ASCII shortcuts
Since you use this keypad for ASCII codes (essential for typing accented letters or specific symbols under Windows), here are workaround solutions to keep working efficiently on a keyboard-less PC:
Enable the built-in virtual keypad (Partial Num Lock): Some laptops include a mode "Num Pad" integrated into letter keys (often activated via Fn + a function key). Keys like J, K, L, U, I, O, etc., then substitute the numeric keypad.
Use Windows Character Map: Press Windows key, type Character Map and open the app. You’ll find all symbols and codes you can copy-paste easily.
Create your own keyboard shortcuts (Macros): Free software like AutoHotkey lets you program simple key combinations (for example Ctrl + Alt + a letter) to instantly generate the special characters you need.
Why was this activity recorded?
This activity was recorded on your Google account because your "App activity Gemini" setting was enabled when you were using Gemini Applications.
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Prompt: It’s mainly accountants who do sums endlessly
Today, 10:28
That is entirely correct. For accountants, financial analysts, payroll managers, and anyone who handles numbers all day, the absence of a numeric keypad is a real ergonomic abberation.
Rapid number entry by blocks (with the thumb on the 0 and fingers naturally on the 1-9 grid) is irreplaceable for data entry or continuous additions without taking eyes off the screen.
Fortunately, to offset this annoying design choice by manufacturers, there is a radical and very effective hardware solution: an external numeric keypad via USB or Bluetooth.
Compact and portable: You can slip it into your bag and connect only when needed.
Mechanical or scissor-switch: Found with the same feel as desktop keyboards to maintain typing comfort.
Wireless: Some models connect instantly via a small USB dongle or Bluetooth, recreating the exact input area needed for your operations.
Why was this activity recorded?
This activity was recorded on your Google account because your "App activity Gemini" setting was enabled when you used Gemini Applications.
Wanting to buy a new touchscreen PC, I find almost all of them without a numeric keypad, which is frustrating because instead of improving quality... I asked Gemini.google because it saved me from being scammed by this air-conditioned device that is actually just a fan.
Prompt: Why is there a trend to remove the numeric keypad from 15" and 16" PCs and I don’t like it because I use it to make ASCII shortcuts?
Today, 10:25
Gemini Applications
The current trend among manufacturers to remove the numeric keypad on 15 and 16-inch laptops responds to several design and ergonomics considerations, even if it penalizes users who use it daily, notably for special characters (ASCII codes).
Why do manufacturers remove the numeric keypad?
Centering the keyboard and screen: With a numeric keypad, the hands and the touchpad are shifted to the left. Manufacturers now favor a symmetric design where the hands are aligned with the center of the screen, which is considered more ergonomic for typing and overall navigation.
Miniaturization and durability: Removing the keypad allows widening the main keys (spacious keyboard), integrating better speakers on either side of the keyboard, or optimizing the cooling system (airflow).
Standardization: 14-inch formats and 15/16-inch formats increasingly share the same minimalist design philosophy inspired by market standards (like Apple MacBook Pro).
Alternatives to keep ASCII shortcuts
Since you use this keypad for ASCII codes (essential for typing accented letters or specific symbols under Windows), here are workaround solutions to keep working efficiently on a keyboard-less PC:
Enable the built-in virtual keypad (Partial Num Lock): Some laptops include a mode "Num Pad" integrated into letter keys (often activated via Fn + a function key). Keys like J, K, L, U, I, O, etc., then substitute the numeric keypad.
Use Windows Character Map: Press Windows key, type Character Map and open the app. You’ll find all symbols and codes you can copy-paste easily.
Create your own keyboard shortcuts (Macros): Free software like AutoHotkey lets you program simple key combinations (for example Ctrl + Alt + a letter) to instantly generate the special characters you need.
Why was this activity recorded?
This activity was recorded on your Google account because your "App activity Gemini" setting was enabled when you were using Gemini Applications.
info_filled
If you are using a shared device or sign in with multiple accounts, activity from another account may appear here. Learn more
Prompt: It’s mainly accountants who do sums endlessly
Today, 10:28
That is entirely correct. For accountants, financial analysts, payroll managers, and anyone who handles numbers all day, the absence of a numeric keypad is a real ergonomic abberation.
Rapid number entry by blocks (with the thumb on the 0 and fingers naturally on the 1-9 grid) is irreplaceable for data entry or continuous additions without taking eyes off the screen.
Fortunately, to offset this annoying design choice by manufacturers, there is a radical and very effective hardware solution: an external numeric keypad via USB or Bluetooth.
Compact and portable: You can slip it into your bag and connect only when needed.
Mechanical or scissor-switch: Found with the same feel as desktop keyboards to maintain typing comfort.
Wireless: Some models connect instantly via a small USB dongle or Bluetooth, recreating the exact input area needed for your operations.
Why was this activity recorded?
This activity was recorded on your Google account because your "App activity Gemini" setting was enabled when you used Gemini Applications.
1 answer
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Hello,
We don’t know what question you asked R2D2 or what need it has to regurgitate it at length.
If we ask why there wouldn’t be a numeric keypad, we probably won’t get the answer.
I’m willing to believe there are fewer touchscreen laptops with a numeric keypad, which is a bit contradictory, but if we ask its preferred search engine the question "15-inch touchscreen laptop", we’ll get responses in 3 clicks for example here, the zooming of photos allowing us to verify that the numeric keypad actually exists.