"fn" key - Number Pad

[arthurliu]

I just purchased a Lenovo T61p. I would like to know if it is possible to set the "fn" key so that it can be used to activate the number pad keys.

On my old laptop (a Dell Inspiron 700m), pressing and holding the "fn" key would activate the number pad. For example, if I pressed and held "fn", then pressed the "u" key, I would type a "4". The instant I let go of the "fn" key, the "u" key returns to normal.

On the Lenovo T61p, the only way (that I can find) to activate the number pad keys is to turn on NumLock. For me, this is a slow and cumbersome process (it requires pressing "fn" + ScrollLock, or Shift + ScrollLock). It is a hassle to toggle NumLock on and off quickly.

Is there a way I can set the T61p so that the "fn" key can activate the number pad keys, as I have described above?

I have tried various third-party keyboard remapping programs, but nothing has worked so far. From what I've gathered, the "fn" key is special and is not treated the same way as other keys are. However, I'm holding out hope because unlike many people, I am not trying to remap the "fn" key (i.e., to swap it with CTRL). Rather, I simply wish to extend the use of the "fn" key, if you will.

Any help or insight you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks!

[tyeh26]

what about fn+scrLk

[arthurliu]

what about fn+scrLk

That's actually exactly what I'm trying to avoid doing. Currently, Shift+ScrLk has to be used for both enabling AND disabling the numpad. What I'd like to do, is to have numpad enabled upon pressing/holding the "fn" key, and have numpad disabled upon releasing the "fn" key. In other words, I'd like to have "fn" work like a shift key for the numpad.

(Isn't this the same reason why the Shift key exists in addition to CapsLock? Theoretically, people could get by with only the CapsLock key... but then to get a capital letter, you'd have to press CapsLock, type the key, and then press CapsLock again to deactivate it.)

[tyeh26]

i see. in that case, i can't help you. sorry :/

[martynas]

yeah, that sucks. and that sucks very much - I don't even understand how such thing can be overlooked in an thinkpad??!!!
when you change keyboard layout to something different than US - you cannot work (there are many layouts, where number keys are used as local characters).
I remember - when I had old HP OmniBook - fn + number_pad worked as expected (just as you described).
then, starting with 915 chipset something happened to all manufacturers - fn + number_pad's normal function was dropped and instead this combination was used like number_pad with "num lock" switched off (no use for this at all).
so if you'll find some usefull info, please PM me, or post in the forum...

[martynas]

maybe this is the cause:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20060029452.html

(us patent, as I understood from year 2006)