[NFBCS] Applications functions on a laptop

Thu Dec 22 19:50:24 UTC 2022

I connect an external keyboard quite a bit, but I also use the laptop
keyboard, especially when I am out and about. That is why I have the numpad
on my laptop keyboard. If the function keys aren't working properly, try
pressing FN+escape. That should work on the Linovo. Then, FN+F2 and FN+F3
will change the volume. FN+F1 will mute the volume. That is how you know it
is working as it should. And then shift+F10 should function as the
applications key. My laptop is a Lenovo Idea Pad as well.

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jim Denham via NFBCS
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2022 1:32 PM
To: NFB in Computer Science Mailing List <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jim Denham <jdenham at wcblind.org>; Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
Subject: Re: [NFBCS] Applications functions on a laptop

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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