G7 (7588) Numlock indicator and keyboard macros

Hi Bob,

Thanks for posting.  Apologies that your system is not performing as expected.

Unfortunately the numlock key and light are no longer a part of modern computers.  You can enable it using the Fn and usually the F5 key, but there is no indicator anymore.  However as a possible solution, you could try an external keyboard which may have those features.  I am also unable to locate a gaming keyboard map for your model.  Perhaps the gaming software has it built in and works while the game is running.

If you need additional assistance, please contact me privately and include your personal information along with your computer's service tag number.  Thanks.

Thanks for the update Robert,

I think my request is not quite clear.  The G7 (Inspiron 7588) has a dedicated NumLock key on the keyboard, but there is no easy way to tell at a glance if it is engaged or not.  Dell QuickSet offered an on screen indicator for the status of the NumLock.  I mean, it is not that big of a deal, but it is a quality of life issue.

I'm surprised at the lack of "control center" software for the laptop.  Pretty sure all competing manufacturers make a "control center" software for their machines designed to compete with the G7.  I didn't think about it at the time of purchase, I just assumed Dell had one too, but it's a bit of a disappointment to have to rely on 3rd party software for things like:

• Keyboard macros (gamers like their macros, I personally like to remap the F1 to F5 keys for application specific use and tie them to pre-programmed macros)
• OSD indicators for keyboard functions and toggles (e.g. CapsLock and NumLock)
• Fan speed controls (even if it is pointless an only provides psychological comforts)
• Illumination controls (why do I have to reboot if I want to adjust the timeouts?)

Does Dell have any plans to build anything like this for their customers?  I don't really know as I just came back to Dell after using MSI for a while because I really liked the new G-series which is great hardware, but feeling a little let down on the machine nerd knobs and indicators.

Sorry for the rant.
Thanks,
Bob

Hi Bob,

While I understand your frustration, I have no answers for your questions, as unfortunately they do not provide us with advanced information about products or services.

If I find any further information for you, I'll be happy to pass it along.

-Robert

Hi Bob,

I understand your pragmatic dilemma at the inability to access otherwise common sense functions in the 'leading edge' DELL G7 keyboard (especially considering, after all, this is a computer... pretty Basic, right?)

On that note, DELL really needs to practically re-write the Basic code for simple Keyboard function; especially considering the cost of ROM is infinitesimally inexpensive these days.

My enigma is DELL's lack of straightforward user instructions describing how to use/access the plethora of keys' multiple characters/symbols. Up to 5 each per key. Wow! Impressive! Teasingly available; a User would presume.

My presumptively deductive logic suggests using the AltCar key should 'open the door'. Makes sense to me.

Using this key (in any fantastical combination) results in nothing different than simply clicking on the multiple symbol key itself.

Simultaneously pressing the Shift key plus the multiple character key enables only the upper left symbol.

Simultaneously pressing both the Shift and AltCar keys results in nothing.

Of course, if selectively accessing the variety of symbols on a single key required dual keys to be pressed simultaneously would likely prevent the ability to also simultaneously click the desired multiple-symbol-key at the same time; lest use of the User's nose, or perhaps the User is mystically talented?

Anyway, you are not alone in your fascination of the exclusion of basic function as it pertains to keyboards. Illogical to suggest this is because of other manufacturers' trends and proposing you purchase a different keyboard to satisfy your expectation the G7 simply functions reasonably.

Bob