Shoutbox

As stated by heaps of people I like to only used the horizontal number line when I have up to about 3 numbers to write, after that it's time to use the number pad.  The biggest difference with me i that I don't mind using my laptop with the likes of spreadsheets though, probably has something to do with my full size keyboard and 17" widescreen

EDIT:
   

quote:

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Originally posted by Adeptus
The horizontal numbers row is meant to work together with typing. For anyone who knows how to type properly, it should be faster and more natural -- you don't have to remove a hand from the keyboard.

    The only exception to this that I can see would involve using calculators or similar applications, which require input of a bunch of numbers and zero text.

    I use the numbers row exclusively and would prefer a keyboard without the numeric pad if I could find a split ergonomic keyboard like that, to shorten the reach distance to the mouse. From what I've observed among my friends and coworkers, most programmers, admins and other 12-hours-a-day computer users do the same, while most casual users seem to prefer the numeric pad. No offense to anyone here was intended.

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I disagree that 12-hour-a-day computer users prefer the horizontal number bar, many accountants and statisticians find it far better to have the number pad as they are writing in numbers for quite a lot of the day.  But I do think they will agree with you when it comes to smaller numbers, especially when writing a report or letter and they are using that side of the keyboard already.