Lenovo wants to release a new 15-inch ThinkPad without a numpad

[Redaktion]

Since 2013, all ThinkPad laptops with a 15,6-inch screen have included a dedicated numpad. As a reaction to many complaints about this state of affairs, a Lenovo employee in the companies own forum has announced that there will finally be a new model without a numpad. This new ThinkPad will be launched in 2018.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-wants-to-release-a-new-15-inch-ThinkPad-without-a-numpad.291718.0.html

[Greg]

I type math papers which involve lots of numbers, but I simply use the keyboard's upper row for that. Of course, doing so does require some typing skills. I imagine someone who used desktop calculator would find the dedicated numpad more convenient.

[EM]

I hope It would have 7 rows.

[Godless2]

Many foreign keyboards use the top row numbers as letters in their language making a number pad a necessity. Thai is a good example. Removing the number pad seems very English-centric.

[justsomedude]

THANK GOD!!!!! Having a numpad forces a slight shift of the hands to the left which can be uncomfortable for people like myself. I also hope they center the trackpad as well. AWESOME JOB LENOVO!!!!

[misku]

Great move Lenovo!  :)

[ray allen]

My issue with numeric keypads is that it prevents the centerlines of the screen, the touchpad, and the keyboard from being aligned. This presents ergonomic issues for me. It's also why I upgraded the socketed processor, hard drive, and memory on my HP Probook to extend its life instead of buying a newer computer.

[Scott]

Thank you Lenovo! I have been steering clear of 15" ThinkPads for this very reason - I don't like the ergonomics of an off-center keyboard and/or touchpad. If people want/need to use a numeric pad, they can always purchase a USB numeric pad.

It would be interesting to know what people think - how many want a numeric pad vs. how many do not.

[Ramone]

I'm also in favor of the centered keyboard and touchpad but you'd be surprised how many average people swear by the numpad as a must-have feature. I would guess the preference is a lot closer to 50/50 especially in western countries.

[oldunixguy]

I love my T530 with NO KEYPAD. I would like to replace this with a very similar Lenovo also with NO KEYPAD. I can't seem to find one now. What happened?

[dragon]

this change is very uncomfortable, old good thinkpad is dead. Who made it up! No chooose

[oldunixguy]

Well, Lenovo had made the X1-extreme 16 inch with the classic keyboard, NO num pad, with peg, with 3-button top of touchpad (no buttons below touchpad)... However, the latest for us programmers is the 17 inch... And Lenovo made NONE without the num pad and NO buttons! So I guess we have to go to Dell... but the Dell XPS 17 have NO buttons and very crappy touchpad. Wake up Lenovo!