Figured I would post this here since I encountered this problem mostly when using C3D. I recently got upgraded to a 17" Dell laptop (Precision 7760) and the keyboard is...not good.
Like many laptops, the function keys F1-F12 have alternate functions on them, like volume controls, screen brightness, etc.
But this is the first one I have operated where the Home and End keys are alternative functions (of F11 and F12).
I use F2-F4 a lot in C3D, mostly F3 for turning snaps on and off, but I also use Home/End when editing text. So the way this thing is designed, I can either have my standard function keys, or my Home/End keys, but not both at the same time. Aggravating as hell. I'm sure they are limited in space considering how much stuff has to get packed into the case, but it sure seems like they have enough real estate to split out those keys.
Of course, the ultimate solution was to call upon my Google-Fu and spend a couple of minutes reading the rants of other afflicted Dell users, because someone had already found an easy workaround: AutoHotKey,?ÿ which is slicker than snot. Figured I'd at least throw it out there in case anyone else has this issue with a similar laptop.
I'd seen the program before, but several years ago and had forgotten about it. It lets you map keys to other keys with custom scripts.
I have now gamed the system, even on my work machine that does not grant me admin rights, and all is right with the world again. I just felt good about it and wanted to brag.
Nothing to see here, carry on.
You're way more advanced than I am, with those F keys.?ÿ My only laptop issue, on my HP, is when I'm in the field or at home, and doing some CAD, and I go to hit the escape key but hit the power button instead (just north of the escape key).?ÿ Happens to me a lot.?ÿ May just need to paint it orange or something
A couple of months ago I fried my trusty old Microsoft Natural keyboard (spilled some milk on it).?ÿ I'd been using that keyboard for 20 or so years.?ÿ I bought a new one, but it's not the same:?ÿ it has more keys, a different layout, and different spacing.?ÿ I'm still struggling to hit the keys I want to hit.
For years I had Gateway "Anykey" keyboards at home and work. I didn't use the reprogrammable feature, but it has the best feel of any I've ever used. It had the function keys on the side as well as top, and I had muscle memory for many side keys. I still have one on the XP computer, but the newer computers have gone to USB connection and I don't like anything I've used since as well.
A couple of months ago I fried my trusty old Microsoft Natural keyboard (spilled some milk on it).?ÿ I'd been using that keyboard for 20 or so years.?ÿ I bought a new one, but it's not the same:?ÿ it has more keys, a different layout, and different spacing.?ÿ I'm still struggling to hit the keys I want to hit.
MS wireless natural keyboard & mouse user here also, have 5 sets (2 @ work, 2 @ home, 1 backup) using for over 20 years
love that every machine i have uses the "same keyboard and mouse"