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I have a numpad, so I don't need the numbers at the top row. The only time I ever use those keys is when I need one of the symbols:
!@#$%^&*()
So, why not switch it? It doesnt have to be a new keyboard, it can just be a keymap change.
Programmer's Keyboard
http://www.halfbake...mmer_27s_20keyboard [Monkfish, Oct 04 2004]
[link]
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When you toggle 'number lock', it should also toggle 'shift lock' on those keys. I like this. Only mine are
!"£$%^&*() |
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I posted something similar to this a little while ago. Seems Monkfish was already kind enough to notice. Although I think this is a nice time to bring it up - I've been doing a lot of PHP and MySQL work on my site over the last week, and I find it pretty annoying having to press shift every time I want to refer to a variable, enter a string, open an if/else statement, and such and such. HTML is a similar situation, with < and > on shifted keys. If we can't have this, can't we at least have a shift lock? |
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Another idea could be a "Shift Lock" which acts only on whatever button you wish. For example, hold Shift Lock and then press the < and > keys and shift is then locked for those two keys. Perhaps an LED in the key could indicate a shift lock. While we're at it, why not add a Control Lock, Meta Lock, etc... Or even a "Lock Combination" buton where you hold the LC button, then press two other buttons to signal the first should alway be pressed with the second. |
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Nice idea, but I beleive it already exist. |
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The french keyboard top row (excluding the f keys) is for symbols. You need to shift them to access the numbers. |
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Now you just need to convince your local computer retailer to order a few of theses. I can see the discussion:
"Hi, I'd like to purchase a french keyboard."
"O, are you french, your english is very good."
"No no, I'm not french."
"O, I see! You are learning french and would like to pratice your typing. Ah! L'amour."
"What? No no, I dont know a single world of french. It's for coding!"
"You code in french?"
"No no, I code in <programing language of the week>."
"...."
"...in english!"
"...." |
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The down side, french keyboards are AZERTY. But in a matters of days you will be at your old speed, and enjoy many shift less key strokes. |
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Ever seen a Commodore PET? |
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The Commodore PET used the top row of the keyboard for the characters !"#$%&'()< [where < is a left-arrow character] when unshifted, or funny Commodore-graphics characters when shifted. The only way to type numbers was via the numeric pad. |
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