[Electronics-talk] PC Laptops

Thu Sep 4 22:16:06 UTC 2014

Just one tiny point of clarification. The FN key doesn't work with just 
the funtion keys. For example, on my Dell laptop, the FN key when used 
in conjuntion withe the up and down arrow keys will raise and lower the 
screen brightness. On my Asus netbook, the FN key when used with the 
arrow keys will perform page up, page down, home and end.

If you ever have sighted assistance, your sighted friend can point out 
the keys that will work with the FN key to give you other operations. 
They're usually represented by an icon in a different color on the key cap.

On 09/04/2014 09:35 AM, Jim Barbour wrote:
> The Fn key is a modifier key, like the control, windows or alt keys.
>
> It is designed to modify function keys to perform hardware functions
> on the laptop such as speaker volume, display brightness, wireless
> on/off, etc.
>
> Where the Fn key is exactly depends on your laptop, but it usually
> lives on the bottom left near the other modifier keys.
>
> Jim
>
> On Thu, Sep 04, 2014 at 07:15:49AM -0700, Allison Depner via Electronics-talk wrote:
>> Hi There,
>>
>> Please forgive my ignorance,  What is the FN key?  I've has the same issue
>> with adjusting the volume.  I have to go to the system tray to do it.  It's
>> a hastle.  So, I'd appreciate learning how to do so another way.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Alley
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Electronics-talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Christopher Chaltain via Electronics-talk
>> Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2014 7:28 PM
>> To: Ashley Bramlett; Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances;
>> Danielle Antoine
>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] PC Laptops
>>
>> Netbooks don't typically have CD drives.
>>
>> I'm not sure how easy it is to find netbooks anymore. I think that niche has
>> mostly been taken over by tablets or convertibles.
>>
>> If money isn't a concern, you can get some very light ultrabooks that aren't
>> slow at all and are very thin and light.
>>
>> I'm curious to know how JAWS keeps someone from adjusting the volume on
>> their laptops. My laptops use F8/F9 or F11/F12, but that's in conjunction
>> with the FN key, so there's no conflict with JAWS.
>>
>> On 09/03/2014 11:23 AM, Ashley Bramlett via Electronics-talk wrote:
>>> Hi Danielle,
>>> I did not have a netbook.
>>> It sounds like you do.
>>>
>>> Do netbooks have cd slots in them? Netbooks are generally small. what
>>> size is the screen?
>>> I heard netbooks are slower than laptops but as you said they are
>>> often lighter.
>>>
>>> Ashley
>>>
>>> -----Original Message----- From: Danielle Antoine via Electronics-talk
>>> Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2014 11:00 AM
>>> To: david.thomas at davidthetechguy.com ; Discussion of accessible
>>> electronics and appliances
>>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] PC Laptops
>>>
>>> I know people who love the netbook and those who don't. It's all about
>>> preference. For me, it is optimal because it is soooo darned
>>> lightweight' however, I like my CD drive/burner without having to
>>> carry things in pieces. I also found it to be slower at least the one
>>> I bought. It was a Dell bought for my sister to go to school and who
>>> knows now where the charger is! You can find some equaly lighter
>>> weight laptops though just be sure you can manually adjust the volume
>>> if not doing so without sighted assistance bothers you. Apparently,
>>> this can be done but I also bought two laptops, one a Dell and the
>>> other a Toshiba and both use the F10 and F12 or maybe it's F8 and F10
>>> to do this but JAWS won't allow the keystroke. Over the past 4 years I
>>> have spent $1200 approximately for off-the-shelf laptops and none work
>>> optimally for me. Disappointing indeed. the Toshiba and netbook are
>>> slow as molasses and this Dell is becoming that way as well. I have
>>> known others who go purchase stuf in-store and are happy as peach pie
>>> with it. *Sigh* Good luck and just thought I'd give you a heads-up.
>>> None of this is cool when your on SSI alone. I can go on and on and on
>>> too about the JAWS and OpenBook upgrades I never received but that is
>>> for another thread.
>>> Yall have a great day!
>>>
>>> Danielle, who won't be purchasing another computer anytime soon
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 7/31/14, David Thomas via Electronics-talk
>>> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> Classic shell is free, and can be found at
>>>> http://www.classicshell.net/
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Electronics-talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>> On Behalf Of Christine Szostak via Electronics-talk
>>>> Sent: Thursday, 31 July 2014 5:39 PM
>>>> To: Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances
>>>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] PC Laptops
>>>>
>>>> Hi All,
>>>>    Can I ask where to get that program (e.g., do I need to purchase it
>>>> somewhere and if so any particular recommendations)? I love my XP
>>>> layout and it is the major reason I have not been excited about
>>>> moving away from it.
>>>> The new laptop I just ordered will have Windows 8 or 8.1 sorry
>>>> off-hand I can not recall if it has the update and I am not super
>>>> excited about that.
>>>>
>>>> However, I do have to say that after getting my iPod, I am no longer
>>>> highly anxious about using a touch screen!
>>>> Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for all of the suggestions on the
>>>> list!
>>>> Chris
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "David Thomas via Electronics-talk"
>>>> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> To: "Christopher Chaltain" <chaltain at gmail.com>; "Discussion of
>>>> accessible electronics and appliances" <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2014 9:33 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] PC Laptops
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> If Windows 8 with metro drives the user crazy they can always
>>>>> install a program called classic shell. This software installs an
>>>>> alternative start menu, and you can customise it to be like any
>>>>> operating system that goes back to Windows XP.
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Electronics-talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>>> On Behalf Of Christopher Chaltain via Electronics-talk
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, 31 July 2014 9:21 AM
>>>>> To: Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] PC Laptops
>>>>>
>>>>> I don't see the message being responded to below, and I don't recall
>>>>> netbooks coming up before, but I would agree that an ultrabook would
>>>>> be the way to go over a netbook, especially if you're running JAWS
>>>>> or Window Eyes.  You might get better mileage on a netbook with NVDA
>>>>> since it doesn't use an off screen model and isn't as memory hungry.
>>>>> I looked at an ultrabook for my wife recently and there were still
>>>>> Windows 7 options out there. Just Google for them and check out
>>>>> sites like Tiger Direct. That being said, I wouldn't be put off by
>>>>> Windows 8. An ultrabook will also cost quite a bit more than a
>>>>> netbook, but you could also consider laptops running less expensive
>>>>> processors, like the I3, if you wanted to save a little bit of money.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 07/30/2014 07:59 PM, David Thomas via Electronics-talk wrote:
>>>>>> I personally don't think the netbook is the best way to go. In my
>>>>>> honest opinion you would be better off with an ultra book. The only
>>>>>> downside is if you don't like Windows 8.
>>>>>>
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>>>>>> %40gmail.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Christopher (CJ)
>>>>> chaltain at Gmail
>>>>>
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>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
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>>
>> --
>> Christopher (CJ)
>> chaltain at Gmail
>>
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-- 
Christopher (CJ)
chaltain at Gmail