I love my numpad, because I use it for everything but numbers

[Admin]

It's easy to turn any numeric keypad into a media player or use the keys to launch macros.

I love my numpad, because I use it for everything but numbers : Read more

 

[voyteck]

I use it predominantly for non-standard ASCII characters in Word (I work as a copy editor):

0150 (–)
0151 (—)
0132/0148 („”)
0187/0171 (»«)
0215 (×)
0146 (’)
0176 (°)
0183 (·)
8722 (for the minus sign, which is a little lower than both dashes)

...and so on. Obviously, I had to switch the AutoCorrect off.

For those who don't know this: you have to press the left Alt key with 0 on the num pad (if the code is a 3-digit one) and then type in the code, for example (0)215 for ×.

 

[subspruce]

With mechanical keyboards you can even buy special keycaps.

 

[josmat]

I love my numpad, because I use it for NUMBERS!

 

[Leptir]

I agree, a reprogrammed numpad would be great if I were left-handed... which I'm not. Instead, I use restored IBM M122 and F122 keyboards. The extra function keys on the left side I can reprogram and use with my left hand while my right hand is on the mouse. Plus, I get an extra 12 function keys on the top I can also reprogram. Oh, and the keys are sublime, best ever invented. For productivity I wouldn't use any other keyboard.

 

[Rob1C]

Ah, memories of the '80s; when we used our Numpad as a joystick, because you'd never get away with having a joystick in your office.

As @Voytech pointed out, using it for non-standard ASCII chars also works well.

IF, I'm going to enter a table of numbers I will use it; but usually it just takes up extra desktop space, which I'm fine with.

 

[Darkoverlordofdata]

The numbers on the top row are not very useful in a spreadsheet. I use my numpad all the time - when num lock is not set, it's used by word processors to navigate the doc.

I guess if all you do is browse the web and play games, your suggestions might be useful.