Hi all. As a kid, I had an Apple 2E computer, and an Apple 2GS to use. As i grew up, i learned to use the number pad on the right side of the keyboard for absolutely everything. Let's be honest, you'd probably be a little screwed if screen readers stopped using it. Then whenI went to word Perfect in high school, the keyboards began not to have the number pads on them. I'm sure it was a space saving feature. Here's my question: do you at all every wish you'd learned the number row at the top, and the keypad on the right? I've gotten used to using the numbers on the top, I prefer it that way. I still though find myself counting the keys to hit the right number. I actually wish I'd never learned the keypad, knwoing now that a lot of keyboards don't have them. I know some are again, I just also felt as though I was learning a different way then a sighted personw ould have learned them. Yes, i know sighted people use the right keypad, I'm just bringing up something for discussion. Anyway your thoughts would be interesting if anyone cares to comment.
Comments
Num Pad
I would prefer that the numbers on the num pad were in the same order as on a phone with the 1 in the upper left, but I've never found one like that. I use an external Windows keyboard, usually on a Linux system, though. I guess I could remap it.
That being said, when I type in numbers, I use the ones at the top of the keyboard because the num pad is used by Orca or NVDA or JAWS. I'm just used to it, so when I use my bluetooth keyboard with my iPhone,
it isn't a big deal. The 0 and the 6 are the only keys I have to be a little careful reaching for.
# pad
I use the num pad on the side to type numbers. I like using them rather jhan the numbers up top. Plus, when I tried using Windows, I hated using `the 6-pack`. So I used the numbers on the side for navigation & actual numbers thanks to my specialist. As far as I know, you can just get a keyboard that is the num pad. I did the numbers on the side because I'd be counting, & it's hard to keep track! Now, I will say this. For dashes & the other symbols I used the top row for those only if I couldn't use jhe side number pad.
always have used the number row
I have always used the number row. When I learned touch typing, there were lessons on how to type numbers quickly without moving the hands too far from the standard QWERTY keyboard positions and which fingers to use for different numbers. I use the number row very efficiently.