<p>Hi, I am going to be an incoming Stern freshmen, and I was wondering if it would be wise to get a laptop with a number pad included. And by this, I don’t mean the number pad with the numbers on top of the letters, I am talking about a full, separate number pad like the ones on standard keyboards. I know that we will have to work with spreadsheets in the curriculum. </p>
<p>The problem is, with a number pad, my laptop would be quite large, at 15.4/15.6 inches and the typing space would be somewhat cramped. </p>
<p>If there are any current Sternies out there, I would really appreciate it if you might tell me how useful a number pad would be in the long run or whether or not having one/not having one affects you. :)</p>
<p>You could get a smaller laptop, and connect a USB number pad to it.</p>
<p>They even make wireless usb and bluetooth number pads, and they dont cost more than $30 or $40. Thats totally the way to go man, you can just chuck it in your bag and leave it there, only taking it out when you need it. It would be like carrying a mouse; it would just make things easier from time to time depending on the task at hand.</p>
<p>I know exactly what you’re talking about and I have even done it for the last few years. Number pads don’t really help that much unless you have issues with typing spreadsheets on Excel or writing papers on the laptop. I don’t have much of a problem with it, I just use it only when I need to write long papers. If you can get one cheap, it wouldn’t be a bad option to keep with you.</p>
<p>Thanks, guys for replying! </p>
<p>I am considering that option, but I am worried that it might prove to be not as compact or convenient in the long run, since I’d always have to carry an extra piece of equipment with me. And since I am going to buy a laptop anyway, it’s hard to decide whether to just buy one with an included number pad or to leave it and buy it separately. On one hand, I’d have everything in one place, but on the other, I’d have to lug around a heavier laptop.</p>
<p>You are going to keep your laptop in a case, bag, or backpack, arent you? So you just leave the pad in whatever sort of case you are carrying your laptop in.</p>