Many programers find the numeric keypad annoying, because it forces the mouse to be placed far to the right, making the right arm traveling a big distance whenever switching between keyboard and mouse.
A friend was asking about keyboard without the number pad. After text messaging on Facebook to and pro in a day showing links to some such keyboard, then, next thing i knew, he saw'd off his keyboard!
Here's the pics:
Thanks to David Rogoff for the pics and this tale of hackery.
but folks, DON'T DO THIS to Your Keyboard! A perfect Gaming Keyboard is now ruined. How do you feel if your keyboard wants to saw off your arm?
The number pad is actually quite useful if you are a programer.They provide 17 extra function keys. (See: Increase Productivity Using Function Keys ◇ Why Dedicated keys are better than key combo) I use it heavily, especially in emacs. (for example, to open my bookmarks, i press 7 on numpad, instead of 【Ctrl+x r l】. 〔☛ Emacs: How to Define Keys〕) I use AutoHotkey (and Microsoft IntelliType) to program the keys. (see: AutoHotkey Tutorial ◇ Mac OS X Keyboarding Tools.):
If you really want a keyboard without number pad, see: Keyboards without Numeric Keypad.