Opinions on Number Pads on keyboards?

I'm looking at the mobile workstation laptops, such as Lenovo w530, HP 8570w, Dell M4600. The last two both have number pads on the keyboards. That means for normal typing and usage, I will be not be sitting at the center of the laptop, but rather skewed off to the left.

This seems strange to me but I haven't tried it so obvioulsy I am not sure of how much of a pain it is. Can those who do have these keyboards chime in?

Thanks

btw, search on the forums seems broken..

 

my opinion is that it really matters on what you are typing.

if you find yourself typing numbers a lot, numpad speeds up that process. The off center keyboard, however, may decrease your speed and comfort when typing text and using the trackpad.

in short - accountant/excel junkie/other numerical data-entry - go for a numpad. If not, dont.

the other option is get a no-numpad laptop and have a cheap external keyboard (i picked up a logitech wireless to use for media control/typing from my couch when the laptop is hooked up to my hdtv) for when you find yourself needing a numpad for tax season or something. You can also get a usb numpad, some of the more advanced ones serve as a standalone calculator as well.

 

Personally, I find the off-centered orientation of 15" laptop keyboards with num pads to be extremely annoying. It's just horrible ergonomics. Many others like it or don't mind, though.

The easiest way to check if this will bother you is to go to your local brick-and-mortar computer store and check out available models. Most 15" laptops will have a num pad, although some leave it out; see what works for you.

 

For me to type on one without looking it has to be full size normal layout, if its condensed it messes me up, but I can still make use of the extra keys as hotkeys for programs and things so its better to have it than to not IMO.

Example for Foobar I have the numberpad set as global hotkeys
8 - volume up
4 - previous track
5 - play/pause
6 - next track
2 - volume down

its a cross pattern that makes logical sense and it lets me easily control my music while working or even while playing games so that I dont ever have to actually tab out and mess with the player directly.

 

this is exactly what it seems like to me

didn't think about this, will do, thanks

 

I've had both a laptop with a numpad and off-center typing (Toshiba Satellite L505) and a laptop with no numpad and centered typing (Lenovo Thinkpad W520). Honestly, I never noticed the difference between typing positions, so I can't say that it's annoying. As for objective differences, you'll be better off with a numpad if you work with numbers a lot (as danishh said); however if you end up getting a good deal on the W530, you could always buy an el-cheapo USB numpad for when you need it.

 

well I have a T61 thinkpad with no numpad and I _never_ feel like I'm missing out without it. I don't think I would use it much

 

You get used to it, the keyboard is more cramped and unless you enter lots of data in spreadsheets, it isn't really a necessity. Personally, i like having a numpad, but i can definitely live without one.

 

I prefer the numberpad, and never find the slight off center an issue

 

I hate it. Manufactures should add the option for a full sized keyboard, especially on gaming laptops.

 

So far, only the G74 and G75 come with something very close to a full size keyboard. It's still off center though.

 

On 15" laptops it is kinda cramped, on 17" it is okay. I don't use my Alienware's keyboard that much so hard to comment.