[nvda] Re: Revision 238 - report status bar script and thoughts on keyboard layout

On Tue, 2006-12-12 at 08:39 +1000, James Teh wrote:
> I'm one of the few people who absolutely hates notebook keyboard maps 
> for screen readers and instead prefers to use the number pad accessed 
> with the FN modifier key. I prefer to learn one single key map and then 
> learn the numpad layout for my notebook, so I don't have to remember two 
> sets of screen reader commands. 

A lot of people only have a notebook.

> I'm not sure why so many people hate using the number pad on notebooks
> with the FN key, but I guess I'm a bit weird in that regard. :)

A number pad is designed on a similar principle to the keys on a phone
or a calculator. The spread of fake number pad keys across my the QWERTY
and numbers section of my Thinkpad keyboard is nothing like any other
device. If it wasn't modal so that using number pad mode locked me out
of using the same keys as ordinary letter and number keys, it wouldn't
be so bad. But as it is trying to control speech in real time would be
fiddly to say the least. Your keyboard may just be better designed. I
have absolutely no objection to NVDA's keyboard controls being made
totally configurable; indeed, I think that would be a strength. But I do
think there needs to be an alternative, laptop layout which will
instantly appeal to the majority of laptop users.

--
Benjamin Hawkes-Lewis

To post messages to the list send email to
nvda@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
To unsubscribe from the list send a blank message to:
nvda-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
 with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field.
Thank you for your continued support of Nonvisual Desktop Access, an open 
source free screen reader for Microsoft Windows:
http://www.kulgan.net/nvda/

Other related posts: