Awful keyboard layout on newest models

Question

I just got done looking at images for the Area-51 18, and even though I've been buying Alienwares for going on 20 years now, this is the first time I won't be buying one to replace my aging laptop.

I can't believe right control was replaced with a copilot key. What's worse, is that they also added, what is, imo, an equally useless right windows key. AND they moved the arrow keys up. All of this results in keys like right shift and numpad zero getting squished, and even page up and down getting removed entirely and becoming function keys. I am so blown away that they would make this horrible change to the amazing layout I've enjoyed for so long.

PLEASE fix this for the next generation!

7leagues · Answer

I totally agree with you. I have been an Alienware customer since 2009. My current laptop is an Area 51M R2 which I have been very happy with and I love its colour. The fact that Dell chose not to produce laptops in this colour any more was the key reason that stopped me ordering a replacement, but what you just pointed out is the final nail in the coffin.

Windows 11 is so bad that any new laptop I buy will instantly have a Linux distribution installed. The last thing I need is a keyboard tailored for use with Windows 11.

HellOnWheels357 · Answer

@7leagues​ I have the same laptop as you. I really like it, but it's showing its age. It's getting harder and harder to stay above above 60 fps in a growing number of games, and that's even with it having close to, if not the best hardware for its model. I really want to upgrade, but I just can't do this new keyboard design. I have a non-standard control layout for gaming, due to disability, and it makes all the buttons towards the right side of the keyboard very important; so removing three keys and squishing others is just an absolute deal breaker.I also agree with your sentiments on Windows 11. I want nothing to do with it.

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Awful keyboard layout on newest models

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