Late last summer I got a new HP laptop. The primary thing that drew me to it in the store was the keyboard layout of having the 10-key number pad on the right, yet only being a 15 inch screen. What I did not realize until after I got it home and paid money for a tech to come help me set it up was two things. First, it does not have the application key, which I have learned to get around with the Shift F10 keystroke. The bigger problem was the whole thing we've talked about with now having to push the FN key in order to get the function keys to work the way I want. (I had not found someone who was comfortable going into the bios to help me see about changing this.) The biggest problem Is that this function key thing also applies to the Insert key, as it is right next to the F12 key. I've gotten pretty good at using the caps lock key instead, but this requires some real finger gymnastics to activate certain Window Eyes command. Aside from all this, there is also some we ird clicking thing that the keyboard occasionally does that is annoying. All this to say, it's not been a great experience and had I not invested in paying a tech to set up the computer for me, I probably would have quickly returned it to Costco for a refund or exchange.
So, I'm in a situation now where I may be giving this laptop to my sighted husband and getting a new one, but I'm gun-shy about how not to repeat this problem in my laptop selection. I am not a heavy computer user at home, so did not want to spend much money, although I'm not looking for the cheapest netbook thing either. I mainly looked at Best Buy and Costco, because I wanted to get my hands on the keyboard and feel the layout. I like that Costco doubles the manufacturer's warranty and provides great, free help desk support for the computers purchased there. Any advice from those of you having purchased computers lately on how to navigate this keyboard dilemma, especially if buying one online? I'd really like to stay in the $500 range, if possible. Robin Van Lant | Sr. Program Manager Strategy & Performance Management | Key Equipment Finance 720-304-1060 | [email protected] This communication may contain privileged and/or confidential information. It is intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient, you are strictly prohibited from disclosing, copying, distributing or using any of this information. If you received this communication in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy the material in its entirety, whether electronic or hard copy. This communication may contain nonpublic personal information about consumers subject to the restrictions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. You may not directly or indirectly reuse or redisclose such information for any purpose other than to provide the services for which you are receiving the information. 127 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114 If you prefer not to receive future e-mail offers for products or services from Key send an e-mail to mailto:[email protected] with 'No Promotional E-mails' in the SUBJECT line. _______________________________________________ Any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared. For membership options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/archive%40mail-archive.com. For subscription options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/listinfo.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com List archives can be found at http://lists.window-eyes.com/private.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
