keyboard trends

[mbr-rRLCkWC8vypBDgjK7y7TUQ at public.gmane.org (MBR)]

On 1/18/2011 3:35 PM, Tom Metro wrote
> F-keys on laptops have had a second function to control the hardware,
> such as changing the display brightness, when used with an Fn modifier
> key. Newer HP laptops reverse the logic of the Fn modifier key, such
> that you have to press the modifier to get the traditional F1-F12
> function. I rarely use either mode of these keys, so this wouldn't
> bother me, except I see they also put Insert into the F-key row, and I
> use that all the time. I tried making use of the Insert key on several
> demo laptops (of course running Windows) as part of the Shift-Insert
> shortcut for paste, but couldn't get it to work with or without the Fn
> modifier. (Have they removed that shortcut from Windows?)
Having to press the Fn modifier key to get the traditional F1-F12 
functions would drive me crazy.  On all versions of X Windows and MS 
Windows, ALT+F4 closes the current window.  I use that all the time.  
Learning to press Fn+ALT+F4 on some systems and ALT+F4 on others would 
be a real pain!

    Mark Rosenthal