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Asus G74SX Does Not Have a Number Lock Key

Teaser
Users are starting to notice this little quirk.

The Asus G74SX has only been on the market for a short time. It is clearly a powerful machine, even when just observing it from a distance. Our own review, which can be found here, was positive and identified the G74SX as a potential favorite for gamers in the market for a new gaming laptop.

However, some gamers are being put off by the apparent lack of a number lock key. Members over at the NotebookReview Forum have recently stumbled upon this strange "feature" and, in some cases, are not pleased. The key that is in its place reportedly launches the Windows Calculator app instead.

It is not unusual for a gamer to map key bindings for discrete controls to various number pad keys. In order to work properly and efficiently, it is necessary for the keys on this pad to have the Number Lock active if they are going to be used in this manner. Otherwise, the game application might become confused and interpret the inputs with keys from the regular keyboard that the number pad mirrors when the Number Lock is not active.

A potential solution for gamers that are really put off by this design, but would still like a G74SX, would be to run an external, USB game controller, such as the Belkin Nostromo N52te. Even a regular USB number pad would likely suffice, such as those manufactured by Targus.

Source(s)

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/595604-asus-g74sx-number-pad-problems.html

http://promos.asus.com/us/g74/index.htm

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Asus-G74SX-3DE-Gaming-Notebook.56809.0.html

 

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Jerry Myers, 2011-07-19 (Update: 2012-05-26)