Seriously.. I really don't want 20 multi media buttons, 4-5 mouse buttons, a track point, small displays and controls that'll turn a PB17" into an enourmous MP3 player and an extended key board that'll place the ordinary to the far left so my hands get all misaligned to the screen.
And.. I don't want all those stickers that Wintel owners seems happy to collect.
Keep my PowerBook clean!
??? We're talking about a numeric keypad. You know, the kind with 17-21 keys that is on the right side on most keyboards.
I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Either that, or nearly everyone in this thread has no idea what they're talking about. Given that I design electronics products, I'll assume it's the latter. A numeric keypad would not affect the PB's asthetics, nor would it be hard to integrate. It would probably improve the asthetics, getting rid of those frivolous speaker screens and matching the width of the screen.
I have been in computing for around 30 years, and I have never had any use for a numeric keypad. Sure, I don't represent everybody. I suggest you take a survey...
Why couldn't the 17" be like the Mac Portable, and let people reconfigure the keyboard on the fly?
I have been in computing for around 30 years, and I have never had any use for a numeric keypad. Sure, I don't represent everybody. I suggest you take a survey...
Why couldn't the 17" be like the Mac Portable, and let people reconfigure the keyboard on the fly?
Good point. I think the last time, honest to God, the last time I used a numeric keypad was 1996 to play a game called Centurion.
Good point. I think the last time, honest to God, the last time I used a numeric keypad was 1996 to play a game called Centurion.
Most people I know who deal with lots of number entry, either in calculations or whatever, are very happy with the numeric keypad. That's why it's there, and it has been noted by marketing experts that one of the reasons the mac did catch on as well as it should have is because Apple didn't release a numeric keypad for a while.
Maybe you should try the keypad. Using the keys above the letters is like biking when you can drive.
I also use the keypad extensively for Escape Velocity (classic, override, nova, etc). Not required, but if there were head-to-head net-play in EV, I think I could prove to any naysayers that it's a good control pad.
Most people I know who deal with lots of number entry, either in calculations or whatever, are very happy with the numeric keypad. That's why it's there, and it has been noted by marketing experts that one of the reasons the mac did catch on as well as it should have is because Apple didn't release a numeric keypad for a while.
Maybe you should try the keypad. Using the keys above the letters is like biking when you can drive.
I also use the keypad extensively for Escape Velocity (classic, override, nova, etc). Not required, but if there were head-to-head net-play in EV, I think I could prove to any naysayers that it's a good control pad.
Yeah, the game I played was pretty much exactly the same as EV, except not NEARLY as good or epic. I agree for data entry and whatnot, it's probably a good thing. But I never use a keypad anymore, and I really don't want one on my laptop. If you want one just buy an add-on or get a desktop, that's what I'm saying.
Plugging things in to a laptop is always a bad if idea - it becomes a desktop! My ibook G3 still functions, but at the expense of being connected to 2 harddrives, printer, scanner, card reader, wacom tablet, and (for my fiance) a full size keyboard. Trust me, I want a new PB with specs that allow me to eliminate as much of that stuff as possible!
Plugging things in to a laptop is always a bad if idea - it becomes a desktop! My ibook G3 still functions, but at the expense of being connected to 2 harddrives, printer, scanner, card reader, wacom tablet, and (for my fiance) a full size keyboard. Trust me, I want a new PB with specs that allow me to eliminate as much of that stuff as possible!
john
But how often do you use a keypad? If it is that often, I would suggest a desktop or USB keyboard, or like I stated above, a keypad. For the majority of "portable" users, this is just not that needed. Sounds like your G3 iBook should've been a PowerMac G4 purchase instead, from all the devices you list, no? Those devices sure as hell are not portable.
But how often do you use a keypad? If it is that often, I would suggest a desktop or USB keyboard, or like I stated above, a keypad. For the majority of "portable" users, this is just not that needed. Sounds like your G3 iBook should've been a PowerMac G4 purchase instead, from all the devices you list, no? Those devices sure as hell are not portable.
I have been in computing for around 30 years, and I have never had any use for a numeric keypad. Sure, I don't represent everybody. I suggest you take a survey...
A nemeric keyboard is a must if you spend your days typing numbers into spreadsheets and an external keyboard is no use if you use the PB on your lap on planes, trains and buses etc. Of course if you spend most of your time in word,internet or similar its not so necessary.
The powerbook has a numeric keyboard if you use f6 bloc num and it is better that nothing but it is not a solution.
I don't really see why people are AGAINST the idea of putting a keypad where there is currently nothing. So I guess the better question is "Do you care about the onboard speakers."
If Apple would put in a a numeric keyboard the main keyboard would have to shift to the left, that would be bad.
Why? The 17" PB is more of a "portable" than a notebook. That is, it's a little bit too cumbersome to use on the lap.
With that said, I've used my 9.5lb HP lapyacht on my lap (for short periods of time) without too much issue. It has a numeric keypad, and, incidentally, a keyboard shifted to the left. Before condemning or praising a form-factor concern, you really have to try it. That's at least one thing I've learned from designing electronics devices that take human input.
But how often do you use a keypad? If it is that often, I would suggest a desktop or USB keyboard, or like I stated above, a keypad. For the majority of "portable" users, this is just not that needed. Sounds like your G3 iBook should've been a PowerMac G4 purchase instead, from all the devices you list, no? Those devices sure as hell are not portable.
No Question - shoulda woulda coulda. Although at the time (four years ago) I genuinely needed a laptop and the ibook was the best I could afford. Since then my computing needs have changed drasticly! For the record, I never use the full-size keyboard, nor do I personally miss the numeric pad on the notebook. I just love the sleekness of a truly stand-alone device.
Comments
Originally posted by spyder
Who wants a rancid numerical keypad on their powerbook? If that ever happens I'm moving to Canada...Please destroy your home with photon torpedos now.
We don't want you - Canada's a photon torpedo free zone!
Originally posted by Gon
Do people actually use the 17" in their *laps*? If not, it might not be as important whether the keyboard is totally centered.
I surely would like my keyboard right in front of the monitor, portable computer or not.
Originally posted by Henriok
Seriously.. I really don't want 20 multi media buttons, 4-5 mouse buttons, a track point, small displays and controls that'll turn a PB17" into an enourmous MP3 player and an extended key board that'll place the ordinary to the far left so my hands get all misaligned to the screen.
And.. I don't want all those stickers that Wintel owners seems happy to collect.
Keep my PowerBook clean!
??? We're talking about a numeric keypad. You know, the kind with 17-21 keys that is on the right side on most keyboards.
I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Either that, or nearly everyone in this thread has no idea what they're talking about. Given that I design electronics products, I'll assume it's the latter. A numeric keypad would not affect the PB's asthetics, nor would it be hard to integrate. It would probably improve the asthetics, getting rid of those frivolous speaker screens and matching the width of the screen.
Why couldn't the 17" be like the Mac Portable, and let people reconfigure the keyboard on the fly?
Originally posted by cubist
I have been in computing for around 30 years, and I have never had any use for a numeric keypad. Sure, I don't represent everybody. I suggest you take a survey...
Why couldn't the 17" be like the Mac Portable, and let people reconfigure the keyboard on the fly?
Good point. I think the last time, honest to God, the last time I used a numeric keypad was 1996 to play a game called Centurion.
Originally posted by Danosaur
I can't wait for a 20" Powerbook that has both a QWERTY and DVORAK keyboard!
a 20" PB? isnt that a lil big for a laptop?
Originally posted by ragingloogie
a 20" PB? isnt that a lil big for a laptop?
I'm sure some people said that about the 17" too.
Originally posted by spyder
Good point. I think the last time, honest to God, the last time I used a numeric keypad was 1996 to play a game called Centurion.
Most people I know who deal with lots of number entry, either in calculations or whatever, are very happy with the numeric keypad. That's why it's there, and it has been noted by marketing experts that one of the reasons the mac did catch on as well as it should have is because Apple didn't release a numeric keypad for a while.
Maybe you should try the keypad. Using the keys above the letters is like biking when you can drive.
I also use the keypad extensively for Escape Velocity (classic, override, nova, etc). Not required, but if there were head-to-head net-play in EV, I think I could prove to any naysayers that it's a good control pad.
Originally posted by Splinemodel
Most people I know who deal with lots of number entry, either in calculations or whatever, are very happy with the numeric keypad. That's why it's there, and it has been noted by marketing experts that one of the reasons the mac did catch on as well as it should have is because Apple didn't release a numeric keypad for a while.
Maybe you should try the keypad. Using the keys above the letters is like biking when you can drive.
I also use the keypad extensively for Escape Velocity (classic, override, nova, etc). Not required, but if there were head-to-head net-play in EV, I think I could prove to any naysayers that it's a good control pad.
Yeah, the game I played was pretty much exactly the same as EV, except not NEARLY as good or epic. I agree for data entry and whatnot, it's probably a good thing. But I never use a keypad anymore, and I really don't want one on my laptop. If you want one just buy an add-on or get a desktop, that's what I'm saying.
Adesso makes one for 30 clams.
So does Macsense for under $10.00!
Why not just plug in one???
john
Originally posted by onstage
Plugging things in to a laptop is always a bad if idea - it becomes a desktop! My ibook G3 still functions, but at the expense of being connected to 2 harddrives, printer, scanner, card reader, wacom tablet, and (for my fiance) a full size keyboard. Trust me, I want a new PB with specs that allow me to eliminate as much of that stuff as possible!
john
But how often do you use a keypad? If it is that often, I would suggest a desktop or USB keyboard, or like I stated above, a keypad. For the majority of "portable" users, this is just not that needed. Sounds like your G3 iBook should've been a PowerMac G4 purchase instead, from all the devices you list, no? Those devices sure as hell are not portable.
Originally posted by Rhumgod
But how often do you use a keypad? If it is that often, I would suggest a desktop or USB keyboard, or like I stated above, a keypad. For the majority of "portable" users, this is just not that needed. Sounds like your G3 iBook should've been a PowerMac G4 purchase instead, from all the devices you list, no? Those devices sure as hell are not portable.
Onstage just got totally FACED by Rhumgod.
But of course I would only ever be satisfied if the powerbook also had a "love meter."
COME ON APPLE THINK DIFFERENT. STOP BEING A "COLD AS A CLAM" AND START BEING "HOT TAMALE!!!"
Originally posted by cubist
I have been in computing for around 30 years, and I have never had any use for a numeric keypad. Sure, I don't represent everybody. I suggest you take a survey...
A nemeric keyboard is a must if you spend your days typing numbers into spreadsheets and an external keyboard is no use if you use the PB on your lap on planes, trains and buses etc. Of course if you spend most of your time in word,internet or similar its not so necessary.
The powerbook has a numeric keyboard if you use f6 bloc num and it is better that nothing but it is not a solution.
Originally posted by Rhumgod
But how often do you use a keypad?
I don't really see why people are AGAINST the idea of putting a keypad where there is currently nothing. So I guess the better question is "Do you care about the onboard speakers."
Originally posted by Henriok
If Apple would put in a a numeric keyboard the main keyboard would have to shift to the left, that would be bad.
Why? The 17" PB is more of a "portable" than a notebook. That is, it's a little bit too cumbersome to use on the lap.
With that said, I've used my 9.5lb HP lapyacht on my lap (for short periods of time) without too much issue. It has a numeric keypad, and, incidentally, a keyboard shifted to the left. Before condemning or praising a form-factor concern, you really have to try it. That's at least one thing I've learned from designing electronics devices that take human input.
Originally posted by Rhumgod
But how often do you use a keypad? If it is that often, I would suggest a desktop or USB keyboard, or like I stated above, a keypad. For the majority of "portable" users, this is just not that needed. Sounds like your G3 iBook should've been a PowerMac G4 purchase instead, from all the devices you list, no? Those devices sure as hell are not portable.
No Question - shoulda woulda coulda. Although at the time (four years ago) I genuinely needed a laptop and the ibook was the best I could afford. Since then my computing needs have changed drasticly! For the record, I never use the full-size keyboard, nor do I personally miss the numeric pad on the notebook. I just love the sleekness of a truly stand-alone device.
john