Re: Why are the shift keys labelled f and g? Message #3 Posted by Ben Salinas on 3 Apr 2004, 5:29 p.m., in response to message #1 by Arnaud Amiel
This is just a guess, but perhaps they originally used f as "function" (which makes sense). So, when another function key was needed, the next letter was used. Or perhaps it is because f(x) and g(x) are the two most common function names used.
As far as not just having the color, that is probably for the manual writers and tech support people. It is probably easier, and faster, to say "f 3" rather than "mandarin 3"
Personally, I wish the 32sii had letters instead of arrows. I find myself referring to the shift keys by their location (top arrow) or their color (press blue 5) too much, especially when the two models of the 32sii have different colors. For me, it is just to hard to think that is the right arrow, that is the left arrow, even though the arrows make sense for the location of the key label (perhaps arrows were used for colorblind people. If you had 2 labels in different colors, it might be hard for those who are color blind to distinguish as to which shift key accesses which functions.
Just some thoughts,
-Ben
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