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Convert a laptop's Enter key into Forward Delete
Authored by: build6 on Jan 29, '07 01:28:36PM

over the years i've heard many many compliants about the enter key on a PB - that it's "useless" and takes up valuable real estate for a laptop. Thing is, I don't find it useless at all.

While I also would like a forward delete key, I wouldn't trade the enter key for it (I'd trade the 2nd command key).

The enter key is very useful for accepting the default, highlighted button on dialogs - the reason it's the default is because it really IS the most commonly used one).

That's also what hitting "return" does, BUT the return key is a lot further off when you're manipulating the touchpad with your index finger and your thumb is on the touchpad button.

If you use your touchpad like that (as opposed to doing everything with your thumb, for example), then whenever you hit a web page that presents you with a dialog (going to SSL, for example), you either have to mouse over to the "ok" (or "cancel"), or you have to move your whole hand up and further away to hit return - or you can just tap the "enter" key right there, about an inch away from my touchpad on my PB. Both the other options require a lot more hand-movement than using the Enter key.

I can't be certain, but it's my guess that's why the designers placed the key there.

I can't be the only person using it for this purpose, can I?



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Convert a laptop's Enter key into Forward Delete
Authored by: osxpounder on Jan 30, '07 03:48:33PM

I wish there were an update-proof way to change that Enter into an Option key [a way that survives software updates], because I'm left-handed, and I'd like to have the Option key on the right.

I'm used to reaching across anyway, though, since my desktop Macs use curvy, ergonomic and comfy Microsoft keyboards. I can't get a right-side Option key on those, either, without installing something like DoubleCommand.



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