[NFBCS] Applications functions on a laptop

Thu Dec 22 19:31:56 UTC 2022

Tracy and others:

I use the Logitech MK270. This is a full sized Bluetooth keyboard that does have an applications key. Its actually a keyboard and mouse combo, but that little rodent went in the drawer ten seconds after it came out of the package. In addition to the keyboard and mouse, you get a small dongle which fits in a standard USB slot. Once the keyboard is switched on, it just works, no fuss. One of the features I really like about this model is that it has an on/off switch which can physically be turned to an off position if I ever need to do that. It also has really good spacing around the arrow keys. It does have several square keys on the top row. I know the third and fourth keys lower and raise the volume, but never use the other keys.
I just looked and this model is available on Amazon for $22, great value for an excellent product.
Hope this helps.
Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NFBCS
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2022 1:20 PM
To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] Applications functions on a laptop

Hi Curtis.
Yes, I think an external keyboard is the simplest solution, and full-size is not a problem.  How many keys does a full-size have?  Or can anyone recommend a model?  I'm thinking Bluetooth might be the way to go. He's always moving the keyboard around and yanking on the cable, which eventually kills it.

And happy holidays to you, and everyone!
Tracy

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBCS [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Curtis Chong via NFBCS
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2022 2:06 PM
To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List'
Cc: Curtis Chong; 'Tracy Carcione'
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] Applications functions on a laptop

Hello Tracy:

You mentioned finding an external keyboard for your husband. I use an external keyboard almost all of the time now with my HP laptop and only touch the laptop's keyboard when the external one is not available to me, which is not all that often.

Logitech makes a goodly number of full-sized external keyboards, many of them requiring a USB dongle to connect to a computer. All of the ones I have seen do have a good old Applications key.

Right now, my external keyboard of choice, which is not full-sized, is the Logitech K360. I chose the K360 because it has a number pad and is smaller in physical dimensions than your standard full-sized keyboard. The down side of this keyboard is that the Applications key, while available, requires two hands to activate. So, in your husband's case, I am leaning towards suggesting a full-sized keyboard despite its obvious size disadvantage as compared to the laptop.

Good luck, and happy holidays to you.

Kindly,

Curtis Chong

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NFBCS
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2022 11:04 AM
To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] Applications functions on a laptop

When I did shift-f10, it went to the task list, the one that says wifi connected, etc. 
It is rather awkward to find f10 where the keys are not separated into groups, and then hit it with shift and function, so it's possible I did it wrong.  But, if I did it wrong, so would my husband, and he has no patience with that kind of thing.  He wants to hit a key and get where he's going.
Imagine that.  
I found a work-around, using alt-h and n in the "home" menu, so I guess he can use that until I can find him an external keyboard.

I didn't know all that media keys stuff could be turned off, but I don't have anyone handy to do it for me.  I bought him the laptop from Amazon, so getting the seller to do it would probably been complicated.
Thanks.
Tracy

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBCS [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Christopher Chaltain via NFBCS
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2022 12:49 PM
To: NFB in Computer Science Mailing List
Cc: Christopher Chaltain; Tracy Carcione
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] Applications functions on a laptop

Shift-F10 should work. What happens when you press Shift-F10? Could it be that your function keys are set to media functions? If so, it should start working once you switch the function keys to their original settings.
Sometimes you can do this with a toggle, like Function-key+Escape, but usually you need to do this in the laptop BIOS. What brand of laptop is it?

Not sure how to know if your keyboard has an applications key or not. I usually go to a Best buy and just have a look for myself. Someone may be able to tell from a picture of the laptop. If it gives the number of keys on the keyboard then that might be a clue, but I suspect not on a laptop keyboard, especially if it doesn't have a numeric keypad.

--
Christopher (AKA CJ) =>÷
Chaltain at Outlook, USA

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NFBCS
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2022 10:18 AM
To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
Subject: [NFBCS] Applications functions on a laptop

My husband's Windows laptop keyboard doesn't have an applications key.
Neither could I get Jaws right mouse click or shift-f10 to work.  Is there another way to get at the menu I would get if I had the applications key? 

Alternatively, and maybe better, how can I be sure a connected keyboard has an applications key before I buy it?  Is it just a standard thing on what I think is called an enhanced keyboard?  

Well, to me it's a standard thing, but maybe not anymore.

Thanks.

Tracy

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