A keyboard gripe...

Specifically, Fn + F4 = "Sleep"? Right inbetween Fn + F3 = "Mute" and Fn + F5 = "Volume Down"? (See: Notebook Reviews - Laptop Reviews and Netbook News Picture)

I don't really know how much that'll affect me, but I do use the volume control shortcuts on my ASUS G73JH (Though, inconveniently, it's Fn + F10, F11, and F12, making the distance too far to be comfortable with one hand.)

I miss the days of having discrete media keys (See the front edge of this one: http://www.wired.com/images/article/magazine/test2007/lt_dell_inspiron_1720_f.jpg).

Do you guys manage fine with the Fn shortcut layout? Do you use it often or not?

 

im guessing they did this because of the f4 being in the "alt+f4" key combo, and they assumed people would be used to f4 being tied to some sort of 'termination'.

 

To be honest, there should be a completely separate media control panel either on one side of the keyboard or along the upper strip above it. There is too much wasted space (at least on the 170/8170) for there not to be one.

 

I just tell windows to 'do nothing' when the sleep button is pressed (in the advanced power options) that way I can't accidentally put it to sleep. It's set to sleep if I close the display and to turn off if I press the power button. If I want hibernate I'll get it through the start menu.

 

Ah, that's a good idea. I didn't think about "Sleep button action" (Power Options > Advanced settings). That resolves the issue for me; thanks!

 

They need to overhaul their NP8171's keyboard. Too much wasted space.