Is using a laptop with a built-in number pad awkward?

I've been in touch with a Dell reseller to see if I can get a better price through him for an XPS 1730. He wants me to get a Precision Workstation, for the lower cost and better warranty - and he said out of the things that I wanted in a laptop, the integrated number pad was the only thing the Workstation didn't have (he neglected to mention the video cards!). He then told me how some accountants who bought computers from him with an included number pad didn't like them, because since it makes the rest of the keyboard off-center with the screen, it was awkward to use.

I tried imitating this on my computer and it is indeed awkward (not being able to sit directly in front of the screen) - but I thought the real thing might be more comfortable.

I have a great USB number pad, but it would be much more convenient if it were built in to the laptop. Thoughts?

 

Never bothered me...but I only use my mom's 17 inch every now and then. Only problem I ever had was I would hit key on the numberpad instead of the up or down arrow keys sometime...but if I used it more I doubt that would be a problem.

 

I used a 17" HP for a short time and found it a bit awkward. It has to do with the position of the keyboard relative the screen. On my desktop, the letter keys are centered with the monitor. On laptops, they're to the left. However, it's probably something that I just didn't use enough to get used to.

 

I have a number paid built into my laptop, and I use it. I do not find it odd to type.
My system is hard to type on, since it is 4" thick. My lift kit really makes it hard to type.
Before I put the lift-kit onto my laptop, it was rather easy to type.
I never had any issues with the numpad.

K-TRON

 

you get used to it after a while.. its a little awkward at first but you get accustomed to the keys

 

I just bought a Vostro 1700 and I love the num pad. The only problem I have is when I press the del key on the num pad it registers as a "." So I either have to disable the num lock or use the delete key not on the pad. Other than that I really like the full size keyboard.

 

You get used to it. I mean the logic here is? The letter A is not centered? The guy is trying to sell you something.

 

I couln't agree with this less. I have had an LG 15.4" notebook with an inbuilt numpad for 2 years, its one of the things I am going to miss when I get my new laptop.

Rob

 

I figured he probably got a higher commission (or markup, however he's paid) for the Precision, which is why he wanted me to get that one. But, thinking about it, it makes sense to me: it is most comfortable to have your hands centered in front of you when you're typing, and for this to happen, you have to be seated in front of home position - which without a number pad is centered with the screen. Shifting the keyboard over to make room for the number pad offsets home position, which means you'd no longer be sitting right in front of the screen.

I just didn't know if it really made a practical difference in use. But you guys are right - I'd most likely be able to get used to it...after all, people use their desktops with monitors off to the side all the time.