Shopping for Laptops: Should I Prioritize a Numpad?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on whether a number pad should be a priority when purchasing a laptop for electrical engineering. Participants agree that a number pad is not essential, as numbers can be typed using the top row of the keyboard. Users can enhance their typing skills to improve efficiency, and alternatives such as external USB number pads or smartphone apps are available for those who require a number pad. The size of the laptop also influences the presence of a number pad, with most laptops under 15 inches typically lacking this feature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of laptop specifications and features
  • Familiarity with typing techniques and keyboard layouts
  • Knowledge of external peripherals like USB number pads
  • Awareness of mobile applications that can function as number pads
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between Acer and HP laptops for electrical engineering
  • Explore typing improvement techniques to enhance proficiency with top-row numbers
  • Investigate various external USB number pads and their features
  • Look into smartphone applications that can be used as number pads
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for electrical engineering students, laptop shoppers, and anyone considering the importance of a number pad in their computing needs.

Chevyman12
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Hey everyone I didn't know where to put this but it is a pretty important question that I thought someone could help me with. I have been shopping for laptops lately for electrical engineering. I am just curious if a number pad should be a very big priority? I don't know how much I will have to type numbers with my laptop or whether I will be using the computers in the lab more? If anyone has some experience with this and could let me know what they think that would be great.
 
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No, a number pad shouldn't be a big priority. Numbers are typically on a keyboard near the top row...
 
For typing numbers, it's no big deal. If you are such a poor typist you can't hit the numbers of the top row accurately, learn to type properly - it will save you WAY more time for the rest of your life than it takes to learn.

You can always buy a separate number pad if you really need one. There are also apps so you can use a smartphone as computer number pad.
 
I touch-type, and I very seldom use the number pad.
 
Ok thanks. I guess the reason I was asking is because I never learned how to use the numbers across the top very well compared to the number pad. I am just trying to decide between and acer and hp. The acer has a number pad but the hp has a sleeker design.
 
Most 15in and below size laptops exclude the number pad. 17in and above usually have the full normal layout with the number pad
 

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