Tech: Red button on computer keyboard

Subject: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: GUEST,Woodsie
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 06:02 AM

I've just bought a new computer and it came with a wireless keyboard. (Hewlett Packard) I spent the last hour online trying to solve this. I know that this forum is a music one but I'm sure one of the techo wizards can help!

On the keyboard where the letter B would normally be, there is a strange RED symbol which looks similar to a power on/off but it doesn't do that. There is nothing in the supplied info or online. Anybody come across this?

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 06:19 AM

Where is the 'B'key?

Is it perhaps the 'Function' key - when pressed it enables the pre-assigned functions illustrated in red along the top of the keyboard, or the numeric keys in the middle.

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 07:19 AM

Quite a few new keyboards are adding "Media Keys" in bizarre places. One common one is a key to turn the Wireless Internet connection on/off, or you might find just an indicator to tell you it's on/off.

Forum comments say an unexpected key should have markings on it, but that they're probably illegible.

The user manual for the keyboard, if they gave you one, is probably separate from the pseudomanual for the computer, unless it's a laptop, in which case there probably isn't one.

HP offers no easily accessible online help unless you have a model and serial number and a warranty (or money) so far as I can find with a quick look, although they have multiple forums where SPGWKs can bid on giving you an answer. (One of them wanted $38 to answer your question.)

I found one picture of a keyboard that might have what you described, for sale at Amazon, but they don't give any information except price and delivery lies.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 08:50 AM

Woodsie. This might help you. http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Other-Desktop-PC-questions/KEY-BOARD-QUESTION/td-p/829513

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 10:01 AM

What does SPGWK stand for?

Are these the third parties that try to sell you service when you look for advice on a certain brand of equipment?

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 10:20 AM

SELF-PROCLAIMED GENIUS WITH KEYBOARD

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 10:30 AM

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: GUEST,Woodsie
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 01:03 PM

Thanks Arthur itus this has been driving me nuts and your link provided the answer.
The new HP desktop does have some stuff called HPBeats Audio it's just some kind of graphic equaliser rubbish. To sacrifice a whole key for this at the expense of the letter B is ridiculous.

Thanks again Arthur!

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 01:06 PM

Your welcome Woodsie, you can chill out now :-)

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 01:20 PM

On the keyboard where the letter B would normally be, there is a strange RED symbol which looks similar to a power on/off but it doesn't do that.

So how did you manage to type keyboard Woodsie?

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: GUEST,Woodsie
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 01:33 PM

It works OK as a "B" but just doesn't have a "B" 0n it! The only problem would be if you are playing music and typing at the same time everytime you hit that key the tone of the music will alternate between a flat tone and the so called HPBeats tone!

Subject: RE: Tech: Red button on computer keyboard
From: GUEST,crazy little woman
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 01:38 PM

If you press ctrl+alt+shift+B, it takes you here:


Red Buttons skit