Laptop Keyboards

So I got a new laptop and I’m still getting used to it. It is bigger (though still pretty light) then the one I had been using. More memory (4gb), more disk (150gb on the main one and I forget how much on the second one that I can swap in and out with the CD/DVD reader/burner), both hard drives are 7200 rpm, a docking station, travel power cord, extra battery and who knows what that I haven’t discovered yet. It’s a Lenovo Thinkpad T61 for those of you who have to know.

Installing all my software is not a big deal. I seem to have access to all the media I need. The biggest thing I am getting used to is the keyboard. The delete key is at the top and I am used to it being in the bottom. The Fn and Ctrl keys are swapped from what I am used to. And I am used the the arrow keys being more isolated and the down arrow key having a nub on it. All four of the arrow keys have nubs (I just found them) but there are at the top of the keys and I am used to feeling on the bottom of them. This is messing up my typing in the dark.

The "mouse" keys around the touch pad are different. Not better or worse so much as just different. It is taking some getting used to. I’m sure I am going to like this new laptop and even if I don’t it has to be better than the one it replaces which I have grown to hate with a minor passion. I just wish the keyboards were as standard away from the letter and numbers as they are with them.

One Response to “Laptop Keyboards”

  1. Matt says:

    I’ve used Thinkpads for 4 years, so I’m quite used to its keyboard. I do mix up the Fn/Ctrl when I use other peoples’ computers.

    What I LOVE, though, is the red nub (moderately NSFW), plus the middle button just below the spacebar. It’s amazing how intuitive scrolling is. (Plus, check out Fn + PgUp = “ThinkLight.” It’s these little things that keep me loving the Thinkpads.) And a seemingly undocumented tip–if you drag your finger along the far-right edge of the touchpad, it’s a scroll “wheel.” (For some reason scrolling this way doesn’t work in Office 2007 for me.)

    I’ve found that RAM is the difference between night and day when it comes to performance. Keep your disk moderately defragged and you’ll be very happy with the machine.

    Oh: if the mood ever strikes, the Thinkpads come apart easily, too. 🙂

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