Electronics

[Lynnj]

The numeric keys on the right hand side only come on full size keyboards, 17in laptops, and some smaller laptops that are sold as having a full size keyboard. Typically, keyboards that don't have the numeric keys to the right are smaller, and the keys are spaced slightly different than on a full size keyboard. Many users of the smaller laptops and non full size keyboards report problems in making typos more often, since they learned to type on a full size keyboard, and the keys aren't exactly where their fingers think those keys should be (if that make sense)

That said, I don't currently use a computer (work or personal) that uses a full size keyboard, so no numeric keys to the right. I can go either way, but if I am working with a lot of numbers it is much easier for me to use the numeric pad on the right.

For those that don't have a full size keyboard, not sure if you noticed this, but many of those smaller keyboards without the numeric key pad to the right have numbers on the same letter key - M,J,K,L,U,I,O. For keyboards that have numbers on the letter keys, if you push the numbers lock key, you can use those letters (numbers) like you would a numeric key pad that would typically be found on the right. When done using these letter keys as numbers, push the numbers lock key again, and the letters for those keys will now work.

[Pook]

I like and use both. I use the numeric when typing mostly numbers but when doing a document use the other.

[NickNack]

One of the hardest things for me to get used to on my MacBook Air is not having the numeric key pad on the right. I really miss it. It takes so long to type using the numbers at the top of the keyboard.

[jackthebear]

I use it, but I have a big laptop.

[jackthebear]

On 4/4/2015 BOGOF said:

I use them but I cannot figure out why the keyboard on a calc. and phone are in opposite directions. The calc. starts with 7 and the on a phone it starts with 1.

Good question

[Sunshine Kate]

I always use them. It's the first thing I look for when buying a new computer. You can buy a laptop with or without them.

[LilacTree]

I worked for a CPA (accounting) firm for 24 years. I could not use a computer without a numeric keypad.

[haddon9]

Not an issue for me. I'm on my MacAir which doesn't have it but on my Dell desktop it does and will use it sometimes. What I find annoying it the touch screen when using an iPad. I find it cumbersome to keep switching the alphabet keypad to the numeric one.

[cosmic1]

I'd be lost without the keypad. Many moons ago, I could key numbers by touch, that is without looking at the keypad. That was back in ye olde days of desktop calculators.

[Another new name Sue]

I never even give that keypad a thought or a glance, always use the numbers on the regular part of the keyboard.

Since reading this thread, I noticed that the 7 takes me home, 9 pages up, etc. Interesting. There is even a delete key there!! Who knew?