keyboards on laptops

what to do when you need the numeric pad part?

[Trisha]

As far as I know, most keyboards on laptops don't have the little number keyboard that's usually over to the far right on other keyboards. Occasionally I need to use those buttons. Is there a work around with laptops?

[Mardi_Gras]

Usually there is a function key that makes a group of keys function like a calculator pad, but I always found that awkward, as the keys don't line straight up and down. Probably buying a dedicated numeric keypad is the way to go. I saw some the other day at CompUSA that looked pretty nice.

[vibgyor79]

Most large screen laptops (17 inch screen) have a full sized keyboards with numeric keypads.

[TheDoctor]

Or you can buy a separate numeric keypad (or used to be able to).

[digitalv]

There are actually a couple of answers, and I've used all of them :P

First - take a closer look at your laptop keyboard. Nearly all of them have a double keyset (usually somewhere to the right of the keyboard) where if you hold down a function key you can access the numeric keypad. Personally I find this method annoying as typing numbers now requires both hands or constantly locking/unlocking.

Second way as someone else suggested is an external numeric keypad. I keep one of these in the laptop case, I got it at CompUSA for around $15 - $20 and it connects through USB. Does the job.

The third way is through one of those new "fruit roll up" style keyboards (my own name for it). It's a rubber keyboard that rolls up and can easily be stored in the laptop case. Hook that up and you now have a standard 104-key keyboard with center arrows/insert/home/pageupdown/etc. buttons, and a numeric keypad. With full sized keys too. I didn't buy one of these, but borrowed a friend's ... it's a nice keyboard and easy to use but using an external keyboard requires SPACE - I usually use my laptop when I'm not at a desk.

Or your alternative is to get a laptop with a full sized keyboard, but they're on the expensive side usually. It would be worth it if your primary PC *is* your laptop, but if you're only an occasional mobile user like I am it's not worth the extra cost. The external keypad works best for me.