Laptop keyboards
Discussion
I've been wondering about this one for a few days now but I'm none the wiser! Anyone know how to enter modified characters using a laptop keyboard? 
On the desktop, I can create characters by holding down Alt and keying a three-digit code on the numeric keypad, but the laptop doesn't have a numeric keypad....
How is this done? Or - God forbid - do I have to copy from the character set thingy?
On the desktop, I can create characters by holding down Alt and keying a three-digit code on the numeric keypad, but the laptop doesn't have a numeric keypad.... How is this done? Or - God forbid - do I have to copy from the character set thingy?
Most laptops have a numeric pad 'superimposed' on the regular keyboard.
On the right half of your keyboard you should see that some of the letter keys also have numbers on them.
If you hit the number lock key these number should become 'active'
hope that helps...
>> Edited by catretriever on Tuesday 6th April 12:16
On the right half of your keyboard you should see that some of the letter keys also have numbers on them.
If you hit the number lock key these number should become 'active'
hope that helps...
>> Edited by catretriever on Tuesday 6th April 12:16
There's usually a numeric "keypad" overlaid on other keys, accessible by some kind of keyboard modifier.
e.g. on an old Dell Inspiron I happen to have to hand, the numeric keypad is actually on keys:
7890
uiop
jkl;
m ./
corresponding to:
789*
456-
123+
0 ./
You press the "Fn" key to access the alternate meanings of the keys, but I suspect that this would be more hassle than just using the character map!
{edit:} Aha! I never realised that NumLk would pop them on "permanently"! Good call catperson!
>> Edited by pdV6 on Tuesday 6th April 12:19
e.g. on an old Dell Inspiron I happen to have to hand, the numeric keypad is actually on keys:
7890
uiop
jkl;
m ./
corresponding to:
789*
456-
123+
0 ./
You press the "Fn" key to access the alternate meanings of the keys, but I suspect that this would be more hassle than just using the character map!
{edit:} Aha! I never realised that NumLk would pop them on "permanently"! Good call catperson!
>> Edited by pdV6 on Tuesday 6th April 12:19
Cheers chaps!
Catretriever (great name!!
), good point - I hadn't even noticed! But that only activates the numbers, it doesn't allow me to hold down Alt and select a three-digit Unicode character.
It's not a major problem in Word because I can set up keyboard shortcuts for å, ä, ö and things. I suppose I could set up AutoCorrect shortcuts, because they work in other MS packages as well. But if there's a less fiddly way of going about it, I'd love to know how it's done...
Catretriever (great name!!
), good point - I hadn't even noticed! But that only activates the numbers, it doesn't allow me to hold down Alt and select a three-digit Unicode character. It's not a major problem in Word because I can set up keyboard shortcuts for å, ä, ö and things. I suppose I could set up AutoCorrect shortcuts, because they work in other MS packages as well. But if there's a less fiddly way of going about it, I'd love to know how it's done...
Thanks 
That's strange tho'
I just tried it on my lappy (hp compaq nx9010) and it works if I put the number lock on and then hold down the Alt and Fn keys while typing in the code.
Obviously this is going to vary from machine to machine, but you might try a few more key combinations before giving up....
That's strange tho'
I just tried it on my lappy (hp compaq nx9010) and it works if I put the number lock on and then hold down the Alt and Fn keys while typing in the code.
Obviously this is going to vary from machine to machine, but you might try a few more key combinations before giving up....
It's a bit of a ball-ache, but you could open up Character Map and choose the characters that way. Usually in Start.. Programs.. Accessories. Sometimes it's not installed by default - may need to get hold of those Windows CDs.
Also, if you're using later versions of Word, it has the same feature built in under Insert.. Symbol
Also, if you're using later versions of Word, it has the same feature built in under Insert.. Symbol
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